(LeMars, IA) The 2009-10 LeMars Bulldogs are led on the mat by a seasoned veteran of two state tournament appearances. This year Anthony Schimek has set his sights on a not only a return to Wells Fargo, but a place on the stand come Championship Saturday night.

Schimek’s career began at the varsity level as a freshman where he took his lumps. He held his own but didn’t see the results that would be earned in the coming years to come. Wrestling at 125 lbs. Schimek had a solid season while getting his feet wet against some of the best competition the state has to offer. It didn’t take long for Anthony to improve on his first year and make a splash statewide.

He moved up to 130 lbs. for his sophomore season and the move paid off immediately. “I had the chance to wrestle either at 125 lbs. or 130 lbs. but I decided to move up because we had a pretty good wrestler who could wrestle 125. It was a good move for me and the team,” Schimek recalls. The move propelled Anthony to a 28-12 record and a spot in the state tournament at 130 lbs. A first round matchup with Josh Pirtle of Indianola ended in defeat for Anthony by the final score of 5-0. His sophomore season came to a close at the hand of Mike Hemming of Pleasant Valley but the experience left a lasting impression on Schimek. “It was one of those experiences that just stays with you. I can still smell the mats. It was such a cool feeling walking in and seeing all the mats and then how excited the fans were. During my match it was such an adrenaline rush, just an absolutely unforgettable experience.” For Schimek he wouldn’t have to wait too long to experience that feeling again because he returned last winter as a junior.

Finishing with a stellar 32-11 record, Schimek cut right through his opponents en route to a return visit to Wells Fargo. Despite two lopsided defeats in Des Moines, Schimek walked away from his second trip to state with a much better feeling. “I really wanted to wrestle better the second time around and I felt like I did. Both of the wrestlers I lost to were place winners so I certainly felt a lot better about how the trip went.”

Schimek set a few goals for himself entering his senior year. Knowing that this is likely his last opportunity to compete on the mat, Anthony’s first priority was to get back to state. Not only return but to place. “I really have focused on improving my skills and I’ve seen positive improvement all season long.” Entering the year Schimek was ranked 7th in the state at 135 lbs. but he has returned to 130 lbs. where he has experienced so much success the past three years. His style and approach is self made. He focuses on high percentage moves and minimizing mistakes. “In practice I like to wrestle with all types of wrestlers. I like to work with aggressive guys as well as passive guys to prepare for both styles of wrestlers, because I will run up against them both at some point this season.” Currently sitting with a 15-4 record Schimek has been a tough luck loser on several occasions but remains optimistic about his prospects to finish his senior year on the stand.

Head Wrestling Coach Tom Smalley looks to Anthony for leadership, and Schimek doesn’t disappoint. “He is a very good leader. He does the extra work necessary to be a good wrestler and it has paid off for him his entire career.”

Wrestling isn’t the only thing occupying this talented young guy’s time. He is also actively involved in show choir, chorus, All-State Chorus, musicals, band, football, and tennis/track. Not only that, Schimek intends on majoring in engineering at Iowa State University. “I have received interest from a few area colleges about wrestling, but for me my educational pursuits come first so this will probably be my last go ‘round.”

If this is in fact his last season on the mat, when he hangs up the headgear he will be remembered fondly in Bulldog territory as one of the most accomplished wrestlers in school history. But for Schimek, he has plenty to accomplish this season and given his determination as well as his past accomplishments, don’t be surprised to see this young man on the stand in Des Moines come the end of February.