Lisbon's Happel focused on winning second title

It seems fitting that when Carter Happel was in practice when being named one of the state's best wrestlers.He received a text from his father, Dean, who was in Des Moines for the announcement, and turned his attention back to the honor that means most to him.Happel was named Iowa's Class 1A Wrestler of the Year on Tuesday and will attempt to win his second state title at the Iowa High School Athletic Association state wrestling tournament at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines. Lisbon's top-ranked sophomore faces Coon Rapids-Bayard's Brett Carstens (25-11) in the opening round Thursday, beginning at 7 p.m.He learned last week that he was nominated for the award that includes Dan Gable's name on the trophy. He said the trophy was being brought back to Lisbon and a ceremony would occur in the future.“I didn't care if I was going to win because that's not what I am focused on,” Happel said. “We've all been working hard for this week, but it is nice to win it.”The award adds to his confidence, heading into the state tournament. He admits he will be disappointed if that is the only thing won this weekend.“All year I was working to be a state champion,” said Happel, whose father was a three-time state champion for Lisbon and wrestled for Gable at the University of Iowa. “I'd rather have the state title over this.”Happel is 49-0 at 132 pounds, setting Lisbon's single-season records in pins and wins. He has been one of the most dominant wrestlers in all classes. Happel said he feels like he is wrestling his best in the postseason.“The last few weeks I've been wrestling well,” Happel said. “I think I've been getting better throughout the year.”Many wrestling fans and followers have looked ahead to the second round. If Happel wins, he could face Alburnett's two-time state champion Hunter Washburn, who wrestles Don Bosco's Nick Mangrich (29-16) in the first round.Both are on track to be a four-time champion, but someone's quest will come to a halt this week. Happel owns two wins over Washburn already this season. The elder Happel predicted the third battle could come early at state.“I knew I'd have to wrestle him at some point,” Happel said. “It doesn't really matter to me.”

Rathbun on a rollCenter Point-Urbana sophomore Brock Rathbun might be wrestling as well as anybody, heading into the state tournament. The 2013 state finalist recently earned the No. 1 spot at 113 pounds in The Predicament's final installment of Class 2A individual rankings.He pinned his way through the sectional tournament, adding two technical falls at district to return to the state meet. Rathbun (42-0) has not lost since his state championship match against West Delaware's Pat Woods.The biggest win for Rathbun this season was avenging that loss with an 8-3 win over Woods in the Wamac Conference Championships final. He is confident he can reach the top step of podium.“I beat him last week,” Rathbun told KCRG's John Campbell after his district title last Saturday at Marion High School, “so I feel like I think nobody's going to stop me this year.”

Striving for perfectionAccording to the Iowa High School Athletic Association, 34 wrestlers own undefeated records heading into the state wrestling tournament. The Gazette area boasts 13 wrestlers, looking to complete their season with an unblemished record.In Class 3A, Cedar Rapids Jefferson's Brenden Baker (36-0 at 106) and Linn-Mar duo Alijah Jeffery (37-0 at 120) and Ross Lembeck (15-0 at 152) are unbeaten.“He's competitive,” Jefferson Co-Head Coach Matt Orton said of Baker, who is ranked first. “I don't think he's ever satisfied unless he's pinning or teching (technical fall) somebody. Sometimes a tech fall is not enough. He has goals with every match he wrestles no matter who it is. He has things he wants to do and accomplish. It's those little baby steps that help him accomplish the big goal.”Five area wrestlers in 1A, including three Tri-Rivers Conference are undefeated. East Buchanan's top-ranked 195-pounder Tyler Hoffman has a 41-0 mark, while Maquoketa Valley heavyweight Tyler Yonkovic is 48-0. Lisbon's Carter Happel is 49-0 at 132. West Branch 160-pounder Casey Pence is 32-0, attempting to earn his second straight state medal. Highland freshman Drew West is 46-0 at 106.Union's two-time state champion Max Thomsen leads the perfect 2A group. He is 45-0 at 138. Returning state champ Fletcher Green, of Washington, Iowa, is 42-0 at 120. Wamac trio Brock Rathbun (42-0 at 113), Independence's Chase Straw (47-0 at 145) and Solon's Lance Evans (27-0 at 220) have not lost.