Xavier’s Gerke lives a wrestler’s life

CEDAR RAPIDS - Josh Gerke finished last year's wrestling season ranked sixth in Class 3A at 126 pound, but failed to make it to the state tournament.

'I choked at districts really bad last year when I was projected to get into the top four at state,” Gerke said.

Gerke, a junior, has wrestled since he was 6 years old, starting when he was in kindergarten. This is his 11th year on the mat and he's hoping it ends with a state title.

Wrestling is a big part of Gerke's life. During the off-season, the team bonds with a barbecue and also heads to Wisconsin for 'Camp Malececk” for competition. He also participates in club wrestling year-round when he's not playing football, baseball or running track.

Like a lot of wrestlers, Gerke also has to watch what he eats in season.

'It's a lot healthier than the off season,” he said of his diet. 'I try to eat lots of protein and fruits instead of fatty foods and water instead of soda and Gatorade.”

The Saints host Prairie and Waterloo West on Thursday, starting at 5:30 p.m.