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Teske named top 3A wrestler

Unbeaten Dodger junior champion earns Gable Award

Messenger photo by Britt Kudla Fort Dodge’s Brody Teske prepares for his state championship match last Saturday night in Des Moines.

Brody Teske continues to take all of the wins, championships and awards in stride.

The Fort Dodge junior was named the 2017 Dan Gable Mr. Wrestler of the Year in Class 3A during a banquet in Des Moines on Wednesday. And while being recognized was ”very neat” in the eyes of Teske, the undefeated three-time state champion’s main focus is on moving forward — not looking back.

”It was a cool opportunity for me and for Fort Dodge wrestling, no doubt,” Teske said. ”I feel blessed. It’s taken a lot of hard work to get to this point, so it’s always nice (to be singled out) like this by the coaches and officials from across the state — and of course, receive an award named after an icon like Dan Gable.

”I look at it as a way of honoring our community and the support system I have back home. I wouldn’t be where I am today without them, so this is an award we all share. But I’m not going to rest on this or anything else I accomplished this year. That’s in the past now. We have to stay hungry and focused on getting better, because you can always get better.”

Teske topped recent University of Iowa commit Nelson Brands of Iowa City West and Western Dubuque star Max Lyon — a Purdue University recruit — for the large-class prize. Teske was one of three finalists in 3A a year ago as well.

Teske was 49-0 at 120 pounds this season, and he scored bonus points for the Dodgers in every single match. He racked up 24 pins, 15 technical falls, four major decisions and six victories by either forfeit or injury default.

At state, Teske tallied the most points for his team in all of 3A — 29 — which ranked second overall for the week at Wells Fargo Arena. He is now 135-0 in his career as FDSH’s first three-time state champion.

Chase Shlitz of Creston and Underwood’s Alex Thomsen — like Teske, both three-time champs — were the 2A and 1A recipients, respectively. Coaches from across the state vote to decide the three finalists in each class, which were announced two weeks ago. Coaches and officials combined to determine the winners.

The Gable honorees were selected based on the student-athletes’ accomplishments on the mat, in the classroom and in the community.

”Brands and Lyon are both incredible. I honestly thought Max would get it,” Teske said. ”I didn’t have any control over it, so like last year (as a finalist), I was just thankful for being nominated. There are so many outstanding (individuals) out there, and it’s not like I can go wrestle (Brands or Lyon) head-to-head to decide (the award).”

Teske, who is ranked third nationally at 120 by both Intermat and FloWrestling, continues to take a ”never satisfied” approach to his career.

”When I look back and watch videos from my freshman year (when Teske captured his first state title), it’s crazy to see. (The difference) is night and day,” Teske said. ”And yet, I know I have to keep growing and getting stronger both physically and mentally. It’s not just about separating myself (from the field) in the state of Iowa. I have to continue to make a name for myself nationally, then attack the world.

”I dropped from second to third (according to FloWrestling), which gives me motivation. I only have to look at the guys ahead of me (Patrick Glory of New Jersey and Julian Chlebove of Pennsylvania) as a reminder. There are always ways to prove yourself and there will always be doubters who question if you’re good enough or hungry enough. That’s where you get your drive.”

Teske has a busy spring of college visits ahead. He said he hasn’t even started narrowing down his school list, nor is he in a hurry to do so.

”It will come,” Teske said. ”When the time is right, it will happen. Would I love to have it done and over with? Sure. But I’m not going to rush anything. I’ll take my trips and weigh my options a lot this spring.”

Teske’s main focus on the mat in the coming months will be preparation for the UWW Cadet World Team Trials in Akron, Ohio, on June 1. A win there would secure a spot in the World Championships in Beijing, China.

His long-term plans extend far beyond the borders of Iowa or even the United States, but Teske’s heart will always be with the Fort Dodge Dodger wrestling community.

”I can’t say enough about their support,” Teske said. ”Not just for me, but all of us in the program. We really appreciate it, and we want to keep accomplishing things that will make them proud and keep Dodger wrestling on the map for years to come.”

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