Prairie posts strong start

CEDAR RAPIDS - All the pieces appeared to be present in the preseason.

When competition started, they all fit together perfectly.

Cedar Rapids Prairie merged plenty of experience, increased numbers and tremendous talent with its long-standing tradition to open the season with a team title at Independence's Mustang Invitational Saturday.

The sixth-ranked Hawks crowned seven champions and advanced nine to the finals for a 39 1/2-point win over Osage.

The Hawks returned 11 starters this season, and a few others with varsity experience, including state champion Zach Witte and state medalists Andrew Netolicky and Peyton Wagner. The trio have helped fill leadership roles for Prairie.

"Pretty good nucleus to build on," Prairie Coach Blake Williams said. "I think just the way they work. We're always looking for leaders. They maybe are not the most vocal leaders, but they outwork and show the rest of the younger ones just how important hard work is."

Hard work paid dividends at Independence. Freshman Josh Wenger (113) and Chris Walters (120) won titles, scoring major decisions for the championship, and Trey Blaha followed with a pin in the 126-pound finals.

Jamie Day (138), 152-pounder Wagner, a 2010 state placewinner, Austin Gould at 182 and Netolicky (220) also won titles. Casey Becker (160) and Cameron Rathje (170) were second for Prairie.

With more than half of their lineup in the finals, the Hawks appear to have their regular balance to compete at each weight.

"I hope so," Williams said in the preseason. "Once we solidify our lineup, hopefully we'll have the 14 guys that will go out there and compete and just fight."

Prairie has one of the most storied traditions in the Metro area. It is celebrated by the school, its students and community, and was established long before Williams started his nine-year tenure with the Hawks.

"There's a lot of tradition to build on," Williams said. "I think it definitely helps us because kids want to be a part of a successful program. I think we've been that year-in and year-out."

The lineup opened the season without Witte, an undefeated 145-pound champ last year. He said he suffered an injury to his wrist and had his right arm in a cast to start. He said he injured it during football.

"A minor injury. It won't take long to heal, probably middle of December (or) late December," Witte said. "Until then I'm going to keep working hard to accomplish my goal."

He has been limited in practice, but continues to do anything possible to maintain his stamina and endurance.

"Mainly a lot of drilling," Witte said. "As much drilling as I possibly can and staying in shape. The first part of the season is mainly getting in shape for the year and keeping that."

Prairie hosts Dubuque Hempstead and Dubuque Wahlert on Thursday, starting at 5:30 p.m.