HIGH SCHOOL JOURNALISM: North-Linn's Schott unbeaten heading into today's tournament

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By Austin Frasher, North-Linn junior

ROY MILLS - Most North-Linn fans know about the success of the Lynx wrestling team and many  know of Logan Mulnix, who in recent years has placed first and second at state.

What about junior Brendan Schott,  North-Linn's 170-pounder? He is ranked first in class 1A with an undefeated season and more than 100 career wins heading into the state tournament today.

At the Benton Community tournament on Jan. 7, Schott beat the No. 1-ranked wrestler in Class 2A and the No. 2  in 1A.

 “Those are signature wins,” said Coach Brad Bridgewater.

 “My entire Benton Invitational bracket was loaded with some tough kids,” Schott said. “I'm glad I got the opportunity to wrestle them.”

At theTri-Rivers Conference tournament in Central City on Ja. 28,  Schott achieved his 100th career win in his finals match.

“It felt really good to get to that milestone.” he said.  “Even though it wasn't the toughest match, it shows how far I've come.”

Schott's most recent achievement was at the district's tournament in Sumner-Fredricksburg. He beat Jerrid Nuss of Wapsie Valley, 8-4, in the first round. In his finals, he beat Tanner Phillips from South Winneshiek by a major decision, 9-1.

Schotts teammates, coaches, parents, and grandparents don't just see him as a wrestler though. He also is a team captain along with senior, Cole Bamrick.

Coach Bridgewater said, “He's a leader in and out of the wrestling room. He's usually the last guy to leave the room each night.”

Bridgewater also stated that he tries to help motivate Schott by  “reminding him what his goals are."

Schott thinks his biggest motivations are "goals that I set for myself, and my partners in the wrestling room, and my family at home pushing me to get where I want to be.”

Pride in Schott runs throughout North-Linn, in academics and athletics, but his family is very proud of him as well.

His grandmother said she's tried to help Brendan by “letting him know that his value is more than just being a wrestler or an athlete.” When asked how he's tried to motivate Brendan, his father said, “Just one on one talks. Letting him know that we're proud of him no matter what the outcome is.”

Grandma Nelson said that her proudest moment of Brendan was “when he missed standing on the podium because he was consoling a teammate.” Brendan's dad said he's proudest of Brendan's “respect for his peers, adults, and elders.” Brendan's mom added that she is  “proud of the way he carries himself and how much class he has; his leadership and the way he treats his opponents and team.”

When asked who inspired him the most Schott said  his "older brother and my buddy Chris LeClere.”

Schott  started wrestling when he was five years old. He  said his motivation to start wrestling was that his brother was really into wrestling.

His  favorite thing about wrestling is “I like that it's the most competitive sport in the state of Iowa. When you win, you receive a sense of self satisfaction.”

Schott's  advice to any aspiring wrestlers is simple.

 “Work hard, never give up.”

 When asked what he was looking forward to most with Schott next year  Bridgewater said  “continued success.”