Lisbon’s Tiernan Boots prepared for best finish in last wrestling postseason

LISBON – Dependable. Reliable. Versatile. Successful.

Many adjectives apply to Lisbon’s Tiernan Boots, who stands out in wrestling, football, track and the classroom. They don’t get much more well-rounded than the Lions’ senior 150-pounder.

“I’m always looking to do the next best thing,” Boots said. “Keep my sights high and set high expectations for myself, doing my best in everything I do.”

Boots will attempt to save his best for last, entering his final wrestling postseason when Lisbon travels to Saturday’s Class 1A district tournament hosted by Colfax-Mingo. Third-ranked Boots is a three-time state qualifier already, placing fourth last season and fifth as a freshman.

“This year I want it all,” Boots said. “That's been the goal the last couple of years, but this year it's more doable than ever. I’ve been working to perfect some spots and just fine-tuning everything.”

Boots has been a model of consistency. He has not missed a practice in four seasons, noting that he also has been to every football and track practice. A feat like that takes a lot of devotion, toughness and even a little luck to avoid bumps and bruises or fight through the unavoidable aches and pains from wrestling.

“Just having a guy like that in the room and creating that culture allows us to have guys who are dedicated, even on the JV level,” Lisbon Coach Aaron Helmrich said. “It sets the mindset for future generations because what he’s teaching these juniors, sophomore and freshman something they’re going to show the next lot and keep building that tradition.”

His effort has earned membership in the program’s “Guts Club” for those who don’t miss practice. The award is a trip to Texas Roadhouse and he hasn’t missed the steak dinner. He has no plans to miss out on it this year.

“It sets a good example for the team,” Boots said. “I expect it out of the team, so I expect out of me, too.”

Boots was an all-state running back, helping the Lions reach the Class A state quarterfinals. He also was a state runner-up in the 100 meters in track and a member of Lisbon’s 1A record-setting 400 and 800 relays. The summer is offseason, technically, but he’s still training on the football field and in the wrestling room.

Helmrich said Boots has earned academic All-American honors as well.

“He excels at all of them,” Helmrich said. “There's a reason why he does. He's got talent, but he's a hard worker in everything he does.”

Some may only witness the zeroed-in competitor but Helmrich has noticed another side to his personality. Helmrich said his children are some of Boots’ biggest fans, especially 6-year-old daughter, Sylvia. He will make time to spend time with her and shows a lighter side when he gives back by officiating youth matches.

“Him and Silvia will laugh and joke,” Helmrich said. “It is fun to see when he lets loose and is having a good time.

“He’s not serious all the time but when he’s in school he's pretty focused. When you get him away, you get him reffing our beginners tournament, and you’ll see a smile on his face. It does surprise a lot of people.”

The wrestling resume speaks for itself. Boots is 46-2 this season with his only two losses to Denver’s top-ranked 157-pounder Boden White. Boots is 13-0 since dropping to 150 in January.

Helmrich said Boots ranks fifth in school history in all-time victories and pins. He also has 37 pins this season, only two off the record held by four-time state champion Carter Happel.

Boots has widened the gap against the competition, extending leads and hunting for falls. He has pins and technical falls over state qualifiers and medalists.

“He wasn't satisfied with getting a win,” Helmrich said. “He really wants to dominate this year. That’s really evident in his wrestling. It shows the hard work he puts in every day. It is coming through.”

The 1A field at Colfax-Mingo includes Baxter, Belle Plaine, HLV, No. 4 Jesup, Montezuma, Moravia and Pekin.

Boots faces his last postseason campaign on the mat. He has positioned himself for his finest finish. The key is to continue the high pace most opponents can’t match, maintain the same approach from the regular season and keep things simple by enjoying every match.

“I just know my capabilities and what I've done in the past,” Boots said. “I know that I am so hungry and shooting for something higher.”

GAZETTE AREA DISTRICT ASSIGNMENTS

CLASS 3A

At. C.R. Jefferson

Burlington, C.R. Jefferson, Clear Creek Amana, Davenport West, Dubuque Hempstead, Dubuque Senior, Fort Madison, Iowa City High, North Scott

At Waverly

Cedar Falls, C.R. Xavier, Iowa City West, Linn-Mar, Marion, Mason City, Waterloo East, Waverly-Shell Rock

At Marshalltown

Ankeny, C.R. Kennedy, C.R. Prairie, C.R. Washington, Indianola, Marshalltown, Norwalk, Waterloo West

At Bettendorf

Bettendorf, Clinton, Davenport Central, Davenport North, Iowa City Liberty, Muscatine, Pleasant Valley, Western Dubuque

CLASS 2A

At Van Horne

Benton Community, Camanche, Central DeWitt, Davenport Assumption, Grinnell, South Tama, Tipton, West Liberty

At Independence

(Held Friday)

Anamosa, Center Point-Urbana, Dubuque Wahlert, Independence, Maquoketa, Monticello, North Cedar

At Williamsburg

Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont, Knoxville, Mediapolis, Mid-Prairie, Mount Pleasant, Solon, Washington (Iowa), Williamsburg

At New Hampton

AP-GC, Charles City, New Hampton/Turkey Valley, North Fayette Valley, Oelwein, Vinton-Shellsburg, Waukon, West Delaware

At Clear Lake

Clear Lake, Crestwood, Decorah, Forest City, Garner-Hayfield-Ventura, Hampton-Dumont-CAL, Iowa Falls-Alden, North Butler

At Webster City

BCLUW-SH, Clarion-Goldfield-Dows, Dike-New Hartford, East Marshall/GMG, Roland-Story, Union Community, Webster City, Woodward-Granger

CLASS 1A

At Monona

Bellevue, Cascade, Clayton Ridge, Dyersville Beckman, Maquoketa Valley, Midland, MFL MarMac, Nashua-Plainfield, Postville, Sumner-Fredericksburg

At Pleasantville

Alburnett, BGM, Cardinal, Iowa Valley, North Mahaska, Pleasantville, Sigourney-Keota, Van Buren, WACO, Wapello

At Colfax

Baxter, Belle Plaine, Colfax-Mingo, HLV, Jesup, Lisbon, Lynnville-Sully, Montezuma, Moravia, Pekin

At Denver

Denver, East Buchanan, Elkader Central, Hudson, Mason City Newman, North Linn, South Winneshiek, Starmont, Wapsie Valley, Waterloo Columbus

At Wilton

Durant, English Valleys, Highland, Iowa City Regina, Lone Tree, Louisa-Muscatine, New London, Northeast, Springville, West Branch, Wilton

At Jewell

ACGC, AGWSR, Don Bosco, Fort Dodge St. Edmond, Manson-NW Webster, North Tama, Ogden, Pocahontas Area, South Central Calhoun, South Hamilton

Comments: kj.pilcher@thegazette.com