HIGH SCHOOL JOURNALISM: Xavier's Ickes leads by example

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By Shannon Mulcahey, Xavier senior

CEDAR RAPIDS - Xavier senior Sean Ickes has been participating in wrestling for nine years, the last four with the Saints.

He has made two state appearances  and is leading this year's team toward its goal of qualifying for state.

'The experience of going to state helps me know the level of wrestling and the dedication it takes to be good,' Ickes said.

Ickes is using his years of experience to become a role model for the younger wrestlers on the team.

'I just want to lead by example and be a good role model to everyone on the team,' Ickes said. 'There's a lot of leadership on the team this year so it's been pretty fun so far.'

Ickes' dedication and discipline has benefited him so far this season. He helped lead the Saints to a 66-12 opening season win over Cedar Rapids Washington on Dec. 5.

'As a team, we just want to focus on wrestling hard every match and coming into practice looking to improve every day,' Ickes said.

Ickes, senior Cole Turner, junior Michael Maher and freshmen Josh Gerke and Clint Lembeck all went 3-o in their matches at the Dyersville Beckman Duals last month.'

Wrestling has helped me push through mental barriers,' Ickes said. 'There's a lot of times when you want to go easy, but you know that taking days off comes back to bite you. So there's a motivation to get better.'

The Saints return Jefferson and Dubuque Wahlert in an MVC double-dual on Thursday, starting at 5:30 p.m.