Monroe driven to improve last year's state finish

A taste of success can make one crave more.

Valley Community's Lincoln Monroe is hungry to improve on his third-place state finish last season.

The Tigers second-ranked senior will take the first step toward capping his career with a state championship Saturday at the Class 1A sectional hosted by Postville High School. Wrestlers across the state in 1A and 2A open the postseason with sectional tournaments, starting at noon.

Monroe is trying to make his third appearance at the state meet, qualifying as a freshman and earning a medal as a junior. Bronze hardware was met with mixed emotions, and has powered him this season.

"I'm glad I was third, but it gave me the extra drive, being I was so close last year that I wanted to work that much harder so I can get to the top," Monroe said. "That's what I'm trying to do.

"It's something I've always dreamed of being able to do."

He hasn't been alone in his journey. Monroe has benefited from having his coach, father and one of his biggest fans in his corner. Tigers head coach LeVirgil Monroe fills all three roles. It is a relationship that is important to Lincoln Monroe.

"It helps a lot having a dad that coaches because I get a little extra guidance from him outside the (practice) room," Lincoln Monroe said. "He really supports me big time. Just having that knowledge living with me helps."

Lincoln Monroe has been dominant in his final season, posting a 42-1 record before the sectional tournament. All but three of his wins have been by technical fall or fall in the first two periods. He recorded his 150th career win in the 120-pound finals of the Upper Iowa Conference tournament last Saturday, and has surpassed Ben McCready this year as the school's all-time wins leader.

"He's been a man on a mission," LeVirgil Monroe said. "Since June 1, he's been working for one goal and that's being on top."

The 18-year-old Monroe dedicated a lot of time in the offseason, joining two freestyle clubs, attending camps and wrestling the entire summer. He was motivated to improve on his past accomplishment, and has used the additional experience to move into the elite ranks, enhancing his strength, endurance and technique.

"It gave me a lot of quality workout partners and time on the mat, picking up extra techniques, different styles and putting them together," Lincoln Monroe said. "I want to break my opponent with my skills and physical ability. I just want to break them with all my hard work."

Not only will Lincoln Monroe end his prep career when the season concludes, but LeVirgil Monroe will step down after 25 years as Tigers head coach. He also served as an assistant coach at Postville for two years. The Tigers' Pat McMillan won the Class 1A 140-pound state title in 1998, and being able to drape a gold medal around his son's neck would be a perfect finish for Valley's leader.

"(Wrestling) is his first love," said LeVirgil Monroe, 50, who will continue to teach physical education. "To see him get satisfaction for all that hard work would be sweet."

Although the thought of being his dad's next state champ is meaningful, Lincoln Monroe is fueled by his own reasons.

"There is always going to be a little motivation to win it for him, but I wrestle for myself," Lincoln Monroe said. "I wrestle because I enjoy it and want to be the best I can be."