Boys high school wrestling notes: West Delaware’s Liam Weber finds success with daily improvement

MANCHESTER – Better today than yesterday. Better tomorrow than today.

The words stenciled on the steps leading to the West Delaware wrestling room reminds Liam Weber of his goal every time he steps inside.

“It's part of getting one percent better each day,” Weber said. “It’s nice to have a good team, good support system. I just like seeing the constant growth and constant improvement week by week.”

Weber’s fixation on being his best and letting that take care of the rest has produced a successful start to his junior campaign. Weber is 15-0 and ranked second at 157 pounds in Class 2A.

“Not really much to say other than it's not over, obviously,” Weber said. “Right now is really when you have to lock in and not really worry about what everyone's telling you.

“I feel like people can get lost in the rankings sometimes. I try not to look at them too much or how people think I'm wrestling. I just like to get in the room every day and not worry about any of that.”

West Delaware Coach Jake Voss said Weber has been very consistent with his effort and growth. Voss was unable to identify a specific to moment that has defined his season.

“He’s been focused on being better each time he steps on the mat,” Voss said. “It’s more than one performance.”

Weber’s skill on the mat is a product of his desire to learn the sport’s intricacies and develop his skill. He credited his dad, who encouraged continual progress since he was a youth. Voss and Hawks assistants Mitch Peyton and Scott Litterer have influenced his positive mental approach.

“Coach Voss says either you’re a student of the sport or you're a fan of the sport,” Weber said. “There is a big difference. People that get caught in the rankings and at that point you’re more of a fan of it instead of a student of it.

“I think Jake and I love wrestling so much because there's always something to get better at. No matter how bad you beat a guy, you could tech the No. 1 guy, and still have things to improve on, which is why I love it so much.”

High expectations accompanied Weber from his first varsity practice. His freshman season ended in injury. Last season, Weber qualified for state and received a bye. He notched his 42nd win of the season but lost the next two bouts, falling a victory short of a state medal.

The sting of the last two seasons hasn’t provided extra motivation but it did shape his point of view.

“I think those last two seasons have really put into perspective how you have to do everything right to be on top of the podium,” Weber said. “It's your mindset, which I really worked on in the past year.”

Weber has always been a leader by example. He has become more mindful of his role, especially as an upper classman. Voss has seen Weber accept that responsibility, helping the Hawks to fifth in the Iowa High School Athletic Association 2A dual rankings.

“He’s really taken ownership with his leadership,” said Voss, noting that Weber’s neutral offense and mat wrestling has elevated to an elite level. “He really understands the impact he has with his actions.”

The Hawks have a tough schedule, which includes the Benton Bobcat Eckenrod Invitational on Saturday. Throw in a couple tough tournaments, the Wamac Conference slate and postseason dual action and Weber will be battled tested for the postseason. He will keep working to be the best version of himself for each challenge that awaits.

“I think it's good that we see that good competition,” Weber said. “It just prepares me for the end of the season.

“We don't have much time left. We have to focus on doing little things right. And for me, I think that's really been one of the deciding factors is all the little things.”

Anamosa’s Welton, Scranton win titles

Anamosa’s Hudson Welton and Hudson Scranton captured individual titles Saturday at the Osage Scuffle. Both went 4-0.

Welton won the 132-pound crown, pinning PCM’s Kaliber Fry in 1:20 of the final. Welton posted four bonus-point victories with three pins and a major decision.

Scranton, ranked third in 2A, beat West Hancock’s 1A top-ranked Teague Smith, 4-2, in the 157 final. Scranton also posted a 7-0 semifinal decision over 1A No. 5 Sam Dominick, of Woodbury Central. Scranton improved to 14-2, while Welton is 16-3.

Mount Vernon wins Lions’ Den Duals

The rivalry between Mount Vernon and Lisbon added another chapter Saturday. The Mustangs topped the host Lions, 42-26, in a battle of ranked programs to win the Lions’ Den Duals.

Mount Vernon, ranked No. 14 in 2A, won nine weights, including seven straight from 150 to 285, against 1A No. 5 Lisbon. Avery Paustian (150), Mikey Ryan at 157, Caysen Curran (190) and heavyweight Beckett Curran had pins for Mount Vernon, which avenged a loss to Lisbon in this tournament last year.

Mount Vernon also defeated Clayton Ridge (74-4), Highland (45-30) and Cedar Rapids Washington (76-5).

Lisbon had wins over Washington (66-15), Clayton Ridge (63-18) and Highland (58-21).

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