Bulldog wrestlers positioned for a solid second half
The Lake Mills wrestling team will look for big things when they resume the second half of the season in January. The Bulldogs are currently ranked No. 5 in Class 1A and have a 12-3 dual record.
"We are very pleased with how we have done so far this year," said Coach Alex Brandenburg. "Our schedule has been very difficult so far, but we feel have given some of the best teams in the state all they could handle."
With the toughest portion of the schedule behind, Lake Mills will look to build some momentum heading into February. The team will wrestle right around 20 duals in January. "It is important for our wrestlers to use January to get in the best shape possible before heading into postseason meets in February," Brandenburg said. "The kids have picked up a lot of confidence in the strength of the team and feel we can place in the top three of state duals again if we can stay healthy."
Lake Mills won the Top of Iowa Conference Tournament last year and placed third at the state duals. With most of the line-up back from last year, the team hopes to repeat the accomplishments. "We like the balance of our line-up and feel we have another really good dual team," said Brandenburg. "Placing in the top three again will take some work because Don Bosco, Denver, Lisbon, and Missouri Valley are loaded." The Bulldogs return to the mats at home on Jan. 4 with a quadrangular meet starting at 6 p.m.
1A Dual Rankings:
1. Don Bosco 13-1; 2. Lisbon 16-2; 3. Denver 10-2; 4. Missouri Valley 15-0; 5. Lake Mills 12-3; 6. Interstate 35 9-0; 7. Logan-Magnolia 17-2; 8. Emmetsburg 12-0; 9. Wapsie Valley 5-1; 10. Woodbury Central 11-1.
Varsity Records: 106- Jack Ramaker 16-6; 113- Caiden Jones 19-2; 120- Tyler Helgeson 10-5; 126- Alex Martinson 15-8; 132- Casey Hanson 16-5; 138- Ashten Love 11-9, Kyle Beery 7-4; 145- Cael Boehmer 5-7; 152- Drae Love 3-6, Alex Albert 8-9; 160- Elijah Wagner 15-7; 170- Cole Bergo 14-7; 182- Drake Harnish 17-5; 195- Gabe Irons 18-3; 220- Max Johnson 11-10; 285- Brett Tyler 9-10.
