State Wrestler Welcome Home Caravan

We encourage you to come join the surprise caravan for the wrestlers at 1:00PM across from the Wild Rose Casino (gravel road off the by-pass).

The caravan will continue down the bypass to Main Ave, then 2nd St, and ending at Happy Joes.

Come join!

State Place/Finals Recap

Today was a not a perfect ending to the state tournament for the River Kings, but any time you end the weekend with three medalists and in the top 15 for the team scoring you can be proud of your achievements. 

Medal Round: 

The round saw #5 Hunter Genco, #3 Dustin Caldwell, #9 Dillion Chase continue their assault on the 2013 Iowa State Wrestling podium.

#5 Hunter Genco vs. #4 Austin Anderson, Sr. Ankeny (Sr. 43-4)

Hunter came out of the gun like a man possessed.  He scored early in the contest off of a scramble into a cradle.  He rode tough with a leg in and a cross wrist looking for a power half.  After a stalemate stoppage Genco rode him out to end the period. 

Anderson chose bottom and escaped shortly into the period turning right around and getting in deep on a single.  After several huge scrambles and a big whizzer by Genco the two went out of bounds.  Anderson shot deep with a carry, but Hunter fought it off with a whizzer again to carry the score into the third.

Hunter chose down and fought off a series of wrist locks on the right side and was nearly tilted by Anderson.  After a restart and a quick stand up the two battled in a rear standing until Genco cut away for 1.  Anderson shot in deep again, but Hunter hit his patented “bug” counter and scored the take down with three back to seal his third place finish. 

#3 Dustin Caldwell vs #8 Ethan Ruby C.B Lewis Central (Jr. 34-7)

Dustin opened up the match with a series of double legs and found himself fighting out of a front head lock series.  On a second double leg attempt he got caught in a go-behind and was takendown.  He promptly escaped with :46 left in the period.  After a shot and scrambled Dustin was taken down , he reversed, and was then Dustin was reversed to drive the score to 6-3 after 1.

Dustin started the second period on top and just could not work the holds needed to turn Ruby.  After a series of stand ups by Ruby he converted a reverse to score two more.  Shortly before the whistle to end the 2^nd he caught Dustin for 3 back points.  The score was 11-3 after two. 

Dustin chose down to start the third and exploded out for the escape.  Ruby worked a Russian tied series that carried them out of bounds. Dustin went for a throw, but Ruby countered for 2.  He rode Dustin out to win 13-4.  Dustin took 4^th.

#9 Dillion Chase vs. River Whitters (Sr. 38-14)

I picked up this match late due to Dustin’s match overlapping.  Chase opened up the match with a takedown and turn to jump to a four point lead. 

He carried the lead deep into the match riding Whitters tough throughout the entire second period. 

The wrestlers went neutral to start the third and Dillion was in scoring position on a front headlock.  After a huge scramble Dillion was able to avoid the taken down.  The stayed in good position with head and hands up looking to defend any throws.  With :14s left he took a low shot held a leg, but was countered and gave up the takedown.  It was too little too late.  Dillion claimed the 5^th place medal with a 4-2 decision.

The Bob Lueders' Mental Toughness Match

This section will recap the match and it's turning point that lead the River King wrestler to display the mental toughness taught by Hall of Fame coach Bob Lueders.

Hunter Genco’s match against #1 Alijah Jeffery.  He shook off a slow first period to pick up the pace tremendously in the second period.  His intensity, force of his holds, and relentlessness opened up the opportunity for him to hit a throw to score the points needed to come back from being down 8-1 and defeat #1 ranked Alijah Jeffery.

Five Things I Think

1) I think the people (parents and coaches) with dress shirts are holding on to false ideals.  The dress shirts with the embroidery says I’m not one dimensional, I’m blue collar, but I can be business too.

2)  I think I speak for all media, coaches, fans, and wrestlers when I say this weekend is exhausting.  It’s a lot of shuttling, organization, and emotion.  It truly is a roller coaster ride all weekend. 

3)  I think there is no substitute for good officiating.  A referee the is knowledgable, active, communicates, and confident is a great resource in any sport, especially wrestling.  Refs that just stand and monitor can cost athletes  

4) I think the future is bright for the Clinton wrestling program.  With all five qualifiers/3 place winners returning balance of power in the MAC may be slowly starting to shift.  I’m excited to see what this team does in a year.

5) a.  I think I could get used to this job.  It was a ton of fun to provide the stories and commentaries for those of you that read them.  Thanks for all the kind things you’ve said.  This whole reporting thing was set up by my uncle, Coach Lueders, AD Gary Lueders, and KROS radio personality Gary Determan.  Without their blessing this wouldn’t have been possible.  But ultimately this was about the kids and I hope I promoted them well. 

5) b.  If someone is looking for a sports or travel journalist and you like my stuff please contact me, I'll listen.  

The Why Would You Wear That in Public, Let Alone to the State Meet Award:

Winner:  All teams that wear (especially in the finals) with funky designs, i.e. chain link designs, tribal designs, tie dye, flames, lightning, weird socks, and crazy hair.  

Instead:  Look at college wrestling and follow their lead, simplicity is classy and easy on the eyes.

Coach Lueders’ Thoughts:

“It was great to see the red and black back on the victory stand.  We had three of our five qualifiers medal in the top five, and all of these guys will return next year.  I couldn’t be more proud of the way these guys battled all weekend.  Our loses were to guys who placed really high or won it.  Overall, it was a fun weekend and the program will only get better.  I’m excited of what the future holds."

Place Winner Quotes:

Hunter Genco: "I have to say you have to believe to succeed.  If you really think you can accomplish something you can. I knew that after my first match I knew I would be able to bounce back and get third. "

Dustin Caldwell: "You have to bring your best on the biggest stage.  I feel unsatisfied, but it is a good accomplishment and I have already set goals for next year."

Dillion Chase: "Overall it was a good weekend and it felt good to finally get on the podium.  I didn't get what I wanted, but it will push me to get what I want next year.  Now it's all about the off-season training."  

  

If you tried to watch the finals and only got the Simpsons or something else please contact the IAHSAA at this website: http://www.iahsaa.org/contact.html#sports or call this number: 515-432-2011 

Thanks for taking the time to read the tweets, this blog, and most importantly supporting the journey of these young men.  It went so fast!  Stay close to the blog as I’ll be writing a summary over the weekend in the next few days!

Thanks again!  

Kellen Robert Schneeberger

Photos from the day:

Placing Results

RESULTS:

#5 Hunter Genco defeated  #4 Austin Anderson, Sr. Ankeny (Sr. 43-4)

#3 Dustin Caldwell lost to  #8 Ethan Ruby C.B Lewis Central (Jr. 34-7)

#9 Dillion Chase defeated. River Whitters (Sr. 38-14)

Full summary to come.  

Placing Match Preview

Here are the previews for the placing matches for your Clinton River Kings:

#5 Hunter Genco vs. #4 Austin Anderson, Sr. Ankeny (Sr. 43-4)

These two young men wrestled two years ago and Anderson defeated Genco.  They have not crossed paths since.  If Genco has any more ice in his body, he has a great chance to grab the third place medal. 

#3 Dustin Caldwell vs #8 Ethan Ruby C.B Lewis Central (Jr. 34-7)

Caldwell and Ruby share a common opponent, Dylan Matter.  Rub was defeated by Matter and Caldwell win in OT in the consolation semifinals  If Dustin continues to wrestle his match and not force shots he should find himself with a third place medal.

#9 Dillion Chase vs. River Whitters (Sr. 38-14)

These two wrestlers have never wrestled against each other and have no common opponent.  Whitters is coming of a 7-0 loss to Dowling Catholic’s Isaiah Patton, while Chase lost a close one 2-1.  The wrestler that recovers from the loss the quickest will have the edge in this place match. 

Day 3: Consolation Semifinal Results

Placing Round: 

The round saw #5 Hunter Genco, #3 Dustin Caldwell, #9 Dillion Chase continue their assault on the 2013 Iowa State Wrestling podium.

Hunter Genco

Hunter shook off a slow first period to ride a wave of moment to get the victory.  After giving up position and a take down early in the match, Hunter came back with a firery last half of the match.  He scored a takedown of an over-under tie for a throw and back points.  With the score tied Genco continued to work on top hovering for a tilt or cradle.  His persistence paid off.  With less than 20s left in the match Genco locked up a cradle scored 3 back and won 11-8 over the #1 ranked Alijah Jeffery.  

Dustin Caldwell

The 152 pound match featuring #3 Dustin Caldwell vs Dylan Matter.  This match started slow with both wrestlers cautious to give up positioning and angles to the other athlete.  After a scoreless first period, Matter chose bottom to start the second period.  Caldwell rode well, riding for nearly a minute and a half before Matter broke free with a stand up for 1.  The third period was a hard fought battle to get to neutral position, but Dustin did so with nearly 45s remaining.  Dustin stayed patient and looked for openings.  He had a great high crotch, to a peek-out, to a low ankle attack that carried the wrestlers out of bounds.  The period ended shortly thereafter.  In OT Dustin controlled the ties and changed level frequently creating another high crotch opportunity that lead to another scramble.  This time though he fought hard, got to a low ankle, elevated the it over his head stepped through, and came out the back.  The then worked acrossed to the far ankle to seal the td and the match 3-1. 

Dillion Chase

Dillion Chase took on Dalton Witte in a battle of MAC wrestlers.  Witte scored an early takedown and rode Chase out in the first. The second period Witte was in the down position and Chase applied lots of pressure, but could not tilt the Greyhound.  He continued to work a power half and a variety of tilts, but could not score. Somewhere in the battle of the secodnd period Chase was award a penalty point due to Witte using an illegal hold. The third period Chase took bottom.  With the score still 2-1, Chase tried to get to his feet, but Witte rode a hip and a near wrist very tightly.  Chase continued to move, but could not score the tying escape.  He lost the match 2-1. 

Up next for the River Kings:

120: Hunter Genco vs. Austin Anderson, Sr. Ankney (43-4) for 3rd place.

152: Dustin Caldwell vs. Ethan Ruby C.B. Lewis Central Jr. (34-7) for 3rd place.

160: Dillion Chase vs. River Whitters Sr. (38-14) Cedar Rapids Prairie for 5th place. 

Day 3: The Podium Round Preview

Hello wrestling fans!  You are in a treat this morning.  These matches are finals quality matches on the consolation side. 

Here are the first matches for your Clinton River Kings this morning:

#5 Hunter Genco vs. #1 Alijah Jeffery Linn-Mar (Sr. 46-3)

These two young men are no strangers to each other, having dueled several times throughout the season. Jeffery has won two of those bouts, but Genco recently defeated him in the State Dual's regional round.   Jeffery is coming off a tough loss last night in the semifinals, while Genco has done nothing but build steam on the consolation side.  Genco has been as cold as ice and look for him to continue to wrestle focused. 

#3 Dustin Caldwell vs #9 Dylan Matter West Des Moines Valley (Sr. 25-7)

While these two have never met in tournament competition, they share a common opponent in Bettendorf’s Malique Hudson.  Hudson defeated Matter in OT, while Caldwell defeated Hudson at Districts.  Hudson was then ejected for unsportsmanlike-like conduct.  While Dustin suffered a tough loss last night, he has wrestled confident and within his style all tournament long.  Look for him to score from his feet and control the pace. 

#9 Dillion Chase vs. #2 Dalton Witte (Burlington 38-6)

These two are both from the Mississippi Conference, but have never competed against each other.  However, they share a common opponent in Assumption’s Danny Bush.  Earlier this year, Witte was defeated by Bush 6-2 and Bush defeated Chase in OT.  This should be a wide-open match up with the edge going to Chase in the top position. 

The winners of these matches will continue on to the third place match, while the loser will compete for fifth place.  Hunter, Dustin, and Dillion will all be medalists and in the Grand March.  This morning we see what step they will be on!

Tonight's State Finals will be on KLJB 18.1 or KGCW 26.1 in the QC Area or check out this site to find your station: http://www.ihssn.com/images/stories/pdfs/broadcast_coverage/IHSSN_2012_TV_Broadcast.pdf

Day 2: Recap

Today was a wide range of emotions for the River King wrestling athletes, coaches, family, and friends.

Morning Session: 

The first round saw #3 Dustin Caldwell and #9 Dillion Chase continue their march to the 2013 Iowa State Wrestling Tournament. finals  #5 Hunter Genco continued to bounce back from his early loss and head towards a third place finish.  #3 Alex Caldwell, fell in his wrestle back against #1 Joel Northrup.

Hunter Genco

Hunter came out on a mission again.  He dominated all match long with good hands and level changes on his shots.  He scored on two great shots, including one at the edge near the coaches.  Hunter used his length and savy to turn Gill and earn the major 13-3.

Alex Caldwell

At 145 pounds Alex Caldwell took on #1 Joel Northrup.  This was the third match up between this two wrestlers.  Caldwell started off the match very stern and full of good movement.  He fought off several attacks early on, but the elbow injury sustained yesterday and the strength of Northrup was too much.  Caldwell could not get his offense going, and just didn’t have the strength in his arm to close the gap.  Caldwell lost

Alex gave his best effort, but wrestling with one hand against a highly ranked opponent was too much. He fell to Northrup 9-0.

Dustin Caldwell

The 152 pound match featuring #3 Dustin Caldwell and John Milani from Iowa City West.  Dustin came out determined.  He looked confident and dominant early on.  He scored early on a high crotch and never looked back.  He continued to wrestle his match using his ties, and holds to control Milani throughout the match.  His dominance frustrated the younger Milani causing him to shove Caldwell at the whistle.  Dustin turned, faced, and walked into him and had to be separated by the referee. Caldwell did nothing cheap and didn’t say a word.  All you needed to know was the look on his face.  He would not be denied. 

Dillion Chase

Dillion Chase took on Markram Ibraheem from Des Moines East (Jr. 23-17).  The match started out in a torrid pace.  Ibraheem was very active on his feet. He changed levels, used a flurry of hands, and low shots to drive Dillion out of bounds.  Dillion remained unphased.  He countered Ibraheems energy with a great shot and finish.  He promptly tied up Ibraheem and pinned him in under a minute. 

 ----------------------

The Evening Round:

Hunter Genco

Genco started out the match against Kelly with great pace.  He worked hard to get position and got in deep on several shots.  Kelly used his length to generate a counter to score the first takedown. Genco would not be denied.  He continued to battle and worked his way back. 

Kelly rode tight to Genco’s hip looking for a tilt, but Hunter would not give in.  He continued to work for an escape.  He nearly hit a switch, but went out of bounds where he was docked a penalty point for swearing.  Genco go to his feet late in the third period and hit a headlock with back for 4 points to send the match to overtime.  Hunter worked head position and countered a quality shot by Kelly to score the winning 2.  What an exciting match!

Dustin Caldwell

Dustin came out and looked solid on his feet.  He fought off several attacks by Nemmers.  Caldwell could not break through Nemmers defense and found himself in a front headlock position several times in the first period. 

In the second period Nemmers gained an escaped 20 seconds into the match.  Nemmers offense lacked any leg attacks and he consistently tried to work a front headlock.  The continued to fight for psotion and battled in a front headlock.  The headed into the third period with Nemmers up 1-0. 

Nemmers rode a bar arm and tight waist to try to wear Caldwell down.  He keep working to free his wrist.  He freed his wrist and got to his feet with 47 seconds left in the matc. 

Dillion Chase

Chase took control of the match early on.  He scored early with a takedown and back, but was reversed.  He lead 4-2 after the first period concluded.  

In the second Chase rode Walkup tough with a power half.  He burned in both legs and tried for the pinning combination on either side, riding nearly for a full minute and fifteen-seconds.  After being warning for stalling Dillion had Walkup in a tilt that looked awfuly close to receiving back points, but none were given.  The period ended with no scoring change.  

Into the third period Dillion earned an escape and upon getting to his feet he tried for a throw by but the hold took both the wrestlers out of bounds.  Walkup got in on a shot off the restart, but Chase defended well earning a stalemate.  Next Dillion fired off a shot that lead him to his belly.  He could not fully gather himself and Walkup hit a spladle on Chase.  Dillion fought hard, but the hold got tighter and Walkup got the fall.  

The Bob Lueders' Mental Toughness Match

This section will recap the match and it's turning point that lead the River King wrestler to display the mental toughness taught by Hall of Fame coach Bob Lueders.

Hunter Genco's huge four point swing with under fifteen-seconds to go.  Genco knew the score was tight, saw an opportunity for a headlock, hit it, and recorded two nearfall before the hold took the wrestlers out of bounds. The momentum from the move carried over into the sudden victory period where Hunter countered and scored the winning takedown. 

Five Things I Think

1) I think the “streaker” (not really a streaker as he was wearing a Superman costume” got too greedy.  He almost completed a full lap before security got him.  If he was really “super” he would have bounded over the northern ledge, ran up to a cheerleader and saved her from evil.  Instead, he was escorted arm and arm with one of our fine event staff.

2)  I think Hunter Genco may be one of the most creative wrestlers I have seen in my life as a competitor, coach, and now journalist.  He is able to use his body, his strength, and length to create scoring opportunities that most wrestlers wouldn’t see.  And I believe his veins are filled with glacial water. 

3)  I think Wells Fargo arena filled to capacity with wrestling fans not only reaches ear shattering volumes when Brands, Schwab, and Gabel are announced.  But that those thousands of fans would be ready for a match with any and all members of the IOC.  Wrestling fans with a purpose are not ones to mess with.  

4) I think the chicken dance should be banned from state wrestling for all eternity (maybe every sporting even for that matter).  It is worse than the macarana, electric slide, gangnam style, cupid shuffle, and country line dancing all wrapped up together in some crazy cross-cultural-cross-decade combination dance.  It doesn't even get the little kids to dance! I could continue on about the music choices of the arena, but I digress.

5) I think there is nothing more gut wrenching then seeing a kid/student/athlete that you work with have their dreams dissolve before your eyes.  It makes you feel helpless and give you a hole in your stomach.  The only reassurance is that in the big scheme of things this has happened for a reason, and life continues on.  

The Why Would You Wear That in Public, Let Alone to the State Meet Award:

Winner:  The Pekin Panthers.  With a mascot like the panthers, you could make certain assumptions about their uniforms, but one that you would not make would be lightning bolts.  Yep, they had red and white lightning bolts on the back of their singlet.  Oh, and uh, the panther was on the front. 

Runner-up:  People in colored jeans/pajama pants.  I don't mean girls or guys, parents or kids.  I mean anyone that buys those colored gap pants or crazy designed golfer pants.  If you are walking around with tabasco bottle patterned pajama pants and you aren't wrestling (even if in my opinion, but I'll let it slide today) you should contemplate your timing.  Furthermore if you are wearing colored jeans, they better be your school colors... well no forget it, colored jeans are not cool.    

Coach Lueder's Thoughts:

"I'm just so proud of these guys.  If you look at draws and seeds we really overachieved in the minds of others.  The end goal is always a state title, but our guys are going out and just trying to wrestler their best, which is all we ask.  We were :17 away in one match, and 2 points away in another.  It's such an emotional roller coaster ride.  You have the elation of Hunter's match, then the tough gut wrenching losses of Dustin and Dylan.  Your heart just goes out to them.  But, life goes on and we have to get up tomorrow, move forward, and battle tomorrow."

Tomorrow's Match-ups

Consolation Round:

#5 Hunter Genco vs. #1 Alijah Jeffery Linn-Mar (Sr. 46-3)

#3 Dustin Caldwell vs #9 Dylan Matter West Des Moines Valley (Sr. 25-7)

#9 Dillion Chase vs. #2 Dalton Witte (Burlington 38-6)

Tomorrow's session starts at 10:00am with all three classes wrestling the consolation semifinals and consolation finals.  

Thanks for taking the time to read the tweets, this blog, and most importantly supporting the journey of these young men.  It's gone so fast!  Tune in tomorrow and follow me on twitter @kellenschnee and check back on the blog!

Thanks again!  

KRS

Photos from the day: