Back on the mat

CEDAR RAPIDS - With two consecutive trips to the UNI-Dome and a selection as a first-team all-district football player this past season, senior Nic Ekland has experienced some of the greatest moments the gridiron can offer.

Ekland dealt with a separated shoulder the entire football season and a heartbreaking ankle injury in the second round of the playoffs. For most, the ankle injury would have ended their season. Ekland, however, is no ordinary competitor. He redefined toughness by starting in the state semifinal game against Pella.

Now he has channeled this gritty attitude to the wrestling mat.

On Jan. 22, Ekland made his debut for the Xavier wrestling team and did not disappoint. With limited practice time and no experience beyond the middle school level, Ekland collected two pins at the 195-pound weight class during a senior night meet against Iowa City High and Waterloo East. The Saints lost both contests, but left the night with a promising prospect on their hands.

'I went out in the middle of the season because I had to get healthy after football,” Ekland said. 'My leg was finally starting to feel close to 100 percent, and I really missed competing. Overall, though, I missed being in oxygen deprivation and the feeling you get after a tough workout.”

It has not been completely smooth sailing since then, however. The competition has gotten much tougher for Ekland and the district meet is right around the corner. With an eighth-place finish in the Mississippi Valley Conference tournament on Jan. 31, Ekland hopes he can overcome his late start and be at the top of the podium at districts.

'It's been tough being thrown in so late,” he said. 'Everyone is in much better wrestling shape than I am, and I'm forced to make up ground quickly.”

Meanwhile, Xavier junior Clint Lembeck has continued to show lots of poise as he tunes up for the district tournament on Saturday. He has boasted a perfect record over the past two weeks, culminating with a 10-7 decision over Jefferson's Kyle Briggs to claim the top spot at the MVC tournament. His steady performance earned him a nomination for KCRG-TV9's Athlete of the Week.

'It was a big surprise for me to get nominated and it was cool to be recognized for all my hard work,” Lembeck said. 'I am just trying to keep my eye on the prize and to have fun with the process.”

The hunt for the 3A state berths is Saturday, beginning at noon, at Prairie High School.