Sacrificing to be the best

CEDAR RAPIDS - Xavier's Josh Gerke has been wrestling for as long as he can remember.

He uses self control and the strength he has gained from past years to keep from eating the tempting foods he craves while cutting weight.

'I mostly crave water, fruit and pudding when I cut weight,” Gerke said.

Gerke drops 24 pounds each wrestling season to make in the 126-pound division.

Being on the varsity wrestling team as a sophomore is a big accomplishment in itself, he said.

'I've worked hard to get to where I am and I plan to make it far this year, hopefully to state,” Gerke said.

That plan is helped by senior teammates Michael Maher and junior Clint Lemback.

'My main goal this year is to break the pin record and to be in the top three at state,” Gerke said.

Achieving these goals will be no easy task. Defeating his top competitor, senior Henry Pohlymeyer of Johnston, will be a challenge. Pohlymeyer placed first at state in 2013 and second in 2014.

To defeat Pohlymeyer, Gerke plans to train until all his goals are met. He lifts, runs, wrestles, goes to the sauna and, of course, watches his diet.

'Cutting weight is extremely challenging, and I mostly just want to eat the whole time,” Gerke said.

After weighing in, Gerke splurges on Gatorade and chocolate milk.

'Eating isn't usually on my mind right away,” he said.

There never really is an off season for Gerke. He wrestles for a club outside of school to keep his skills sharp.

He hopes all his hard work and sacrifices will pay off throughout this season and especially at the state match in March.