By Jon Klinkowitz
Iowa City Press-Citizen
Wrestling isn’t a sport that lends itself to self-expression.
Lone Tree senior Nick Petsel has found a way, however. The 171-pounder has a unique lucky charm.
“Sometimes I wear goofy socks to change it up, “Petsel said. “I have ones with pink hearts on them. My girlfriend gave them to me.”
The unique footwear has been effective, helping Petsel build a 9-3 record at the holiday break.
A third-place finisher at last season’s district meet, Petsel has his eye on the state tournament. But it could be a lonely trip. Lone Tree has just 11 wrestlers this season, and all the forfeits have hurt the team’s dual record.
“In a way it’s frustrating, “Petsel said. “But it’s OK since we’re doing well in the matches where we do wrestle.”
Petsel also plays football, and is active in the Future Farmers of America, the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America, and the camping club at Lone Tree. He also enjoys racing his dirt bike around the family farm.
His college plans aren’t set in stone, but Petsel likely will attend Muscatine Community College next year to study horticulture.
Nick Petsel is this week’s Prep Profile:
If I could visit any place in the world, it would be: Australia.
What annoys me: Lazy people.
When I am not playing sports I am: Riding my dirt bike, hanging out with friends or working.
My nickname is: Petsel.
My biggest asset to the team is: Making it fun so the time flies by.
My most prized possession is: Family and friends.
My superstitions are: Wearing pink socks at meets.
Best sports experience: District wrestling last year or starting as a sophomore in football.
People would be surprised to know that I: Sleep with a teddy bear.
Three words that describe me: Funny, honest and hardworking.
Dream profession: Professional dirt bike racer.
Dream car: ’68 Road Runner.
People say I look like: My dad.
People I most admire are: My parents.
My team/personal goals for the season are: To make it to the state tournament.
If I had $1 million dollars I would: Probably buy a new truck and put the rest in the bank.
I can’t imagine going a week without: Being outside in fresh air.
My favorite —
Pro or college player: Robert Gallery.
Pro or college team: Iowa Hawkeyes.
Class: Pump construction.
Food: Mexican.
Cereal: Cinnamon Toast Crunch.
Color: Green.
Movie: “Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle.”
TV show: “Rob and Big “on MTV.
Music: Country and rock.
Book: “Of Mice and Men, “by John Steinbeck.
Actor: Will Farrell.
Actress: Jennifer Aniston.
One final random thought (pearls of wisdom/words to live by): Just have fun.
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