CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – When you are looking for the best in wrestling all you have to do is head to a premier wrestling state.

One hundred forty wrestlers fought the sweat, blood and tear over the past year to qualify for one of wrestling’s premier events – the national tournament – and West Liberty State College has six of those 140 kids.

With decades of wrestling flooding into the Crown Plaza hotel, there was one underline theme that continued to be noted as the four newest members were inducted into the Division II Wrestling Hall of Fame and that was wrestling has changed their lives.

As Sandy Steves, a long time announcer for NCAA wrestling, took the podium her enthusiasm and love for wrestling intensified the room. With stories of gentleman that never placed in their respected state tournament to a tale about one inductee not touching a mat until his sophomore year of high school all of these gentleman achieved great success.

Gary Bentrim of University of Northern Iowa, Howie Gangestad of Minnesota-Mankato, Larry Amundson of Minnesota-Mankato and Troy Kenning of Minnesota-Mankato – the four inductees – all spoke highly of their experiences.

But the special part of the Hall of Fame induction ceremony with these four gentlemen was learning they all had great success after wrestling as well.

All four are fathers and some even grandfathers.

Some of their accolades and honors included Peace Corps, United States Marine Corps, Athletes In Action, Campus Crusade for Christ and the list goes on.

There travels have taken them all around the world and Amundson to 90 countries himself alone.

MANKATO WRESTLING

THIS IS one of the top programs this season in Division II wrestling and it shows by their strong wrestling tradition. Not only did they have three inductees into the Hall of Fame they qualified eight into the national tournament.

WLSC HALL OF FAME PERSONELL

THE HILLTOPPERS’ have been quiet in terms of the Hall of Fame as Dr. Vince Monseau was the last member from West Liberty State College into the legendary Division II Hall of Fame in 2003. However, Pat Pecora, current Pit-Johnstown coach, was also inducted that same year. Pecora is a West Liberty wrestling alumni and led his Mountain Cats’ team to two national titles to earn his spot into this legendary group.

After retiring from WLSC Monseau decided to take on the roll of principal of River High School in Hannibal which he says has been a very rewarding decision. Pecora on the other hand is still in the heart of the season as he qualified seven for this weekend’s two-day grind.

STUDS RETURNING

THIS WEEKEND’S tournament will have eight returning national champions in action and will be led by University of Findlay (Ohio) grappler Antonio Guerra  (157-pounds 2007 and 149-pounds 2006). The Toledo native is the only two-time national champion competing in the Division II tournament.

BROOKE’S PHIL BLISS

IN A short conversation with former Brooke High standout Phil Bliss and his former coach Eric Bown, the Belmont Abby (N.C.) senior says he is ready to give it one last shot as he eyes the podium. Bliss will wrestle in the 157-pound bracket and will face off with Vince Bertucci of Central Missouri in his opening round bout.

FORMER BROOKE High coach and OVAC referee Merule Tourney is officiating this weekend’s tournament. Tourney left the Ohio Valley to coach at Montour High School, in the Pittsburgh area, where he currently resides. Tourney is also a former West Liberty wrestler.

WLSC UPDATES

AS I sit on press row in the US Cellular Center check for frequent updates on West Liberty wrestlers along with Bliss on my blog: Shooting the Breeze. It can be found as you scroll to the bottom of the page at www.timesleaderonline.com

Cook can be reached at bcook@timesleaderonline.com