Lisbon's Carter Happel looks for fourth Iowa state wrestling title

LISBON — Carter Happel remembers the moment he thought about wrestling immortality in Iowa.

He was in eighth grade, watching Southeast Polk's Cory Clark and Des Moines Roosevelt's John Meeks receive the customary standing ovation for four-time state champions.

Happel pictured it, but that picture came into focus when he captured the 120-pound state title three years ago for Lisbon.

'I think it really hit me when I won my freshman year,' said Happel, who added championships at 132 and 138 the last two years. 'I really started to think I could do it.'

Now, Happel begins his final march to join that elite group, attempting to become the 25th four-time state champion at the Iowa High School Athletic Association Class 1A state tournament Thursday at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines.

The top-ranked 145-pound senior opens with Central Springs' No. 7 Dylan Mueller (41-7).

'This season has gone by fast,' said Happel, a University of Iowa signee. 'I've been waiting for this for a long time. All summer and then all winter now. I'm excited for it. Anxious, not so much nervous, right now, but we'll see when we get down there.'

Lisbon Coach Brad Smith has played a key role in the careers of other four-time state champions. He took over for former Lisbon coach Al Baxter and guided Scott Morningstar (1977-80) to his final two state titles. Smith helped Lisbon's Shane Light sweep state titles from 1987-90. Smith also coached Iowa City High's Jeff McGinness (1990-93) to his last two crowns.

'It's just an elite feeling to see guys win a fourth title,' Smith said. 'It's been a long road for him. He's beat a lot of good people.

'Carter's been ranked No. 1 and he has always been the guy to beat. He always rises to the occasion in competition.'

Happel has created plenty of memories with his dominance at the state meet. In his 12 wins at state, six have been pins, including in the 2014 final. He had three major decisions, including an 18-6 victory over Wilton's Trey Brisker.

His sophomore year, he posted a pin over Alburnett's two-time champion Hunter Washburn in the quarterfinals. As big as that moment was in his trek of four titles, it doesn't compare to wrestling after the vaunted Grand March.

'When you're down there you have your adrenaline going,' Happel said. 'I think Saturday is above everything else. There are so many people there watching you, your adrenaline's going. You just feel like you're on top of the world on Saturday night.'

The sport has been a staple in Happel's life and the love for it blossomed as he gained experience.

'It was a passion all throughout my life,' Happel said. 'After my freshman year, I started wrestling freestyle nationally. I think after my sophomore year when I won (Junior Nationals) at Fargo that is when it went in full effect.'

Happel was destined to be a wrestler, coming from a family anchored to the sport. His father, Dean Happel, was a three-time state champion for Lisbon under Smith from 1982-84 and wrestled for Dan Gable at Iowa.

Carter Happel on committing to Iowa:  "It was the place for me."

His mother, Dawn Happel, was a manager for the Hawkeye wrestling team at the same time. Their roommates dated, which led to Dawn arranging a double date with Dean unbeknown to him. They married exactly two years later.

Dawn Happel has seen her son flourish on the mat. The same traits that lead to wrestling wins are the ones that can lead to the normal headaches for parents at home.

'I'm not going to lie,' Dawn Happel said. 'He's a stubborn kid. He's a strong-willed kid. Those things that can drive a mother insane are the things that typically make a kid very successful when he's focused on what he's supposed to be focused on. I think that's what has helped him to where he is now. I think it will help him when he gets to Iowa City.'

The Happels have attended countless matches, from their hometown to Europe. They have different responses during competition, according to Dean Happel.

'She's a nervous wreck and I'm as relaxed as all get out,' Dean said with a laugh, noting that he has watched Carter beat current NCAA Division I wrestlers. 'We've been traveling all over the country, watching Carter wrestle all the top dogs.

'Those kids he has beaten are growing up, so I know he's good. I've seen it. Dawn didn't always get to go on those trips. She always had to watch (online) or by texts.'

Happel has devoted much of his time to his craft. He wrestles for Lisbon and trains with the Eastern Iowa Wrestling Club. He said he has learned a lot from Smith, his dad and club coaches Joey Slaton and Jim Kelly.

More importantly is his search for the best opponents, competing in big tournaments throughout the off-season. He never shies away from a challenge.

Smith said work ethic has set Happel apart from others.

'Carter is usually the last one to leave,' Smith said. 'I think that is one of the mindsets he has is that a champion is always the last one to leave the wrestling room. He follows it.'

He has reaped the benefits, producing an impressive prep career already. Happel enters state competition with a 48-0 record, giving him a 202-1 career mark. He has a chance to tie former Denver-Tripoli four-timer and current Hawkeye Brandon Sorensen for second on the state's all-time wins list with 209.

'He has fun,' Smith said. 'He's passionate about it. I can't see anybody slowing him down for his fourth title.'

Happel has won 165 straight matches and could tie McGinness for third all-time with 172. He also has 129 pins. He owns just about every record in Lisbon's storied record book.

'It's been very humbling,' Dean Happel said. 'It has been long, long hours driving all over, growing up, working on things and constantly learning to get better and being a good leader.'

Even though he performs well when the spotlight is on him, he doesn't crave it. He is more comfortable messing around with teammates after an event than he is accommodating numerous interview requests that accompany success.

Happel credits his parents, as well as his coaches, for instilling a healthy perspective.

'A kid going for his fourth title is horsing around with everybody and he's helping roll up mats,' Dean Happel said. 'He's not above anybody.

'It's huge for Carter. We needed this spark for the Lisbon program for quite a few years.'

Happel said his brackets are resting against his bedroom wall and his medals are hanging above them. If he secures a fourth state gold, he might push to have them framed.

More important things are at stake.

'To be the 25th four-time state champion and just have the milestone feeling to it,' Carter Happel said. 'To bring a third four-time state champion back to Lisbon and the only school to have that in Iowa would be really special.'

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