Josh Gerke '17 Recruiting Profile

I began wrestling when I was just 4 years old. From the play matches in the living room with friends to wrestling in Wells Fargo under the lights, I have always been extremely competitive. However, it wasn't until fourth grade that I quickly understood my love and potential that I had in the sport. I have been a four sport athlete my entire life and being able to succeed as well as I have in wrestling, without specializing, is what I believe separates me from everyone else.

My favorite memories from wrestling was winning my first Iowa AAU state title in 6th grade, as well as placing 5^th in state last season in high school. It was an amazing feeling to see the hard work and discipline I had put into the sport pay off. As I have been going through high school I have continued to grow and fall more in love with the sport. I love to score points and help our team as much as possible. I hold the school season (28) and career total pin records and I still have my senior year yet to complete.

Outside of Wrestling I have been a 3 time varsity runner on my high school track team and competed at the State meet all of those years. As a freshman I qualified in the 4x400 relay. As a sophomore I qualified in the 4x400 and the 4x800, placing 6th in the 4x800. This past season, my junior year, I qualified in the 4x800 placing 2nd, the Distance medley (800 leg) placing 8th, and the Open 800 placing 6th! In addition I am competing in my second varsity season of football where I am the starting Corner and Kick returner I love competing and will give my all each and every time. I played baseball up until this year where I decided to focus more on wrestling.

When I am not competing, practicing, or studying I have two part time jobs. I am a lifeguard at Elmcrest Country Club, as well as a cashier at HyVee. I am very active in my school and have been selected as a senior mentor for incoming freshman. I also was a catholic retreat leader for the 8^th graders of my former middle school. I strive to always be a leader in everything I do. I have been a 3 year Captain for wrestling as well as two years for track.

My future goals are to be very successful not just athletically but academically as well in college. I want to compete at a high level and to make an impact on the team. I have and will continue to give all that is asked for by my coaches and teammates.