Hawkeyes commit Kemerer returns to Iowa

INDEPENDENCE - University of Iowa wrestling fans have the chance to get to know Mike Kemerer before he dons a Hawkeye singlet.

For the second time in two weeks, Kemerer will make the trek from Murrysville, Penn., to compete in Eastern Iowa.

The nation's top-ranked 145-pounder will compete in the Wrestling USA/Cliff Keen Athletic Dream Team Classic tonight at Independence High School. The dual pits a team of Iowa seniors against a roster of national all-stars, beginning at 6 p.m.

'It's going to be great, coming back out,” Kemerer said after wrestling at the Agon V: Iowa against the World event April 3 at the U.S. Cellular Center in Cedar Rapids. 'I love it out here. I love how much they love wrestling and it is fun to wrestle in front of crowds like this.”

Kemerer went 161-10 for Franklin Regional High School, reaching four state finals and capping his career with an AAA state title. He is scheduled to face Union Community's four-time state champion and InterMat's No. 2 ranked Max Thomsen. Kemerer edged Bettendorf three-time state champion and Minnesota recruit Fredy Stroker, ranked third nationally by InterMat, in a freestyle bout last week.

He was wrestling with a group of former and future Hawkeyes. This time, he is competing against the home team and one of their most accomplished wrestlers. He wants to put on a show for fans to enjoy.

'I want them to see someone who loves wrestling and is always trying to score and get better,” Kemerer said. 'It's so much easier to root for because they aren't trying to sit on a lead or win at the end … I want to go out there and dominate.”

Iowa wrestling made a big impact on him as a youth wrestler. He was attracted to Iowa wrestling, watching Brent Metcalf and continuing to follow Matt McDonough and Tony Ramos.

'It's the philosophy and history they have,” said Kemerer, noting he jumped at the chance to compete alongside all three last week. 'It is what I like.”

The Iowa team includes Cedar Rapids Prairie state champion Josh Wenger, who takes on top-ranked Sam Krivas, of Hempfield, Penn., at 138.

Independence state champion Chase Straw, who signed to wrestle at Iowa State, will wrestle top-ranked Vincenzo Joseph, of Pittsburgh, at 152.

Union two-time state champion Jacob Holschlag will join Thomsen on the Iowa team. The 11th-ranked Holschlag is expected to wrestle No. 25-ranked Luke Entzel, of Missoula, Mont.

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