Benton clicking at 14-2 in duals

A productive off-season has led to a strong season for the Benton Community wrestling team.

“That time and effort definitely pays off and it paid off in confidence,” Benton Community's second-year coach T.J. Murphy said.

Murphy praised the team's work ethic, saying blue-collar workers is a fair description.

“When they show up, they know they're going to work their tail off,” Murphy said. “They're going to be ready to go and be ready for a couple hours of hard work.”

Many wrestled during the spring and summer or played multiple sports, feeding their competitive spirit. All that has helped the Bobcats to a 14-2 dual record and a third-place finish behind Class 3A's Waverly-Shell Rock and West Delaware at the Cedar Rapids Jefferson J-Hawk Invitational last Saturday.

Justin Lopata (140), Chase Skoneczka (22-4) at 152 and 160-pounder Jeff Toney earned runner-up honors. Those three, Dustin Shinkle (22-6 at 130), Devon Lobdell (20-6 at 189) and Chase Knock (18-8 at 125) help provide balance for the Bobcats, who placed nine wrestlers in the top six at Jefferson.

Lopata, who lost to two-time state champ and top-ranked Jake Ballweg of WSR, has the strongest resume. He's a two-time state placewinner, finishing eighth last year and fourth as a sophomore, and qualified as a freshman. He has more than 100 career victories.

“Every time he steps out there he's learned he's more and more capable,” Murphy said. “He's focused, and he's staying on the right path of being successful.”

Lopata (24-2), ranked third by The Predicament, won the Benton's Bobcat Jerry Eckenrod Invitational with a 4-2 decision over No. 4 Nick Georgean of Davenport Assumption.

“He's not comfortable winning just 4-2,” Murphy said. “He wants to dominate the entire match and control the pace.”

Lambrecht returns

Cedar Rapids Prairie has received a boost with the return of Josh Lambrecht. The Hawks senior missed the first part of the season with academic issues, but those are resolved and he's contributing to the lineup.

Lambrecht remained dedicated while he was out of competition.

“When it comes to the wrestling room, he works hard,” Prairie Coach Blake Williams said. “He got those things taken care of and now he's ready. It'll take a pretty tough kid to beat him.”

Lambrecht, ranked third in Class 3A, is 5-0 since his return.