Building on success

CEDAR RAPIDS - When measuring whether an individual should be considered 'championship caliber,” it is important to take several factors into account.

From off-season work ethic to outstanding leadership, many different aspects need to mold together perfectly in order for a season to turn out according to the script. Fortunately for Xavier wrestling coach Ryan Chambers, members of the 2014-2015 team already have begun to embrace this championship caliber mentality.

Despite the loss of three state tournament wrestlers to graduation, junior fourth-place finisher Clint Lembeck and company are excited for the challenge ahead. Junior Jeff Vipond and sophomore Josh Gerke narrowly missed the state competition last year, each earning third place at districts in their respective weight classes.

'There's really no way to replace that great group of guys, but we have faith in some of the younger guys to step up and fill the roles previously held by those seniors,” Vipond said.

Over the summer, the team took a trip to Wisconsin Dells in order to attend the Malecek Team Wrestling Camp. The time spent there was used to develop team chemistry and keep the athletes from getting rusty during the dog days of summer. In addition to this, Lembeck and Vipond spent time this off-season in the University of Iowa wrestling room. They were able to challenge themselves against some of the best wrestlers in the state throughout this unique opportunity.

This type of work ethic has developed a very optimistic attitude for Vipond as the season quickly approaches.

'Individually, the goal is to win the state title,” Vipond said. 'As a team, we just have to keep improving weekly and get prepared for districts and state.”

Seniors Michael Maher and Ryan Williams will play integral leadership roles for the team this year with many years of wrestling experience under their belts. With the number of wrestling participants significantly down from last year, the underclassmen will look to them for guidance as the first few weeks of intense practice get underway.

The expectations for the young team may be unclear. However, the Saints hope a winning attitude and supportive environment will take some of the athletes all the way to Wells Fargo Arena.