Clinton wrestler Tate prepares for second all-star meet in a week

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By Shannon Heaton | Thursday, April 10, 2008 |

It has been a busy week for Clinton wrestler Byron Tate.

Last Sunday, he competed for Team Iowa in the first Illinois vs. Iowa All-Star Classic, and this Saturday, he represents Iowa in the Dream Team against Iowa dual at West High School in Iowa City.

And then there has been the college recruiting, as if preparing for the two biggest matches in Tate’s offseason haven’t been enough on his plate.

Tate, the Class 3A state champion at 215 pounds, has drawn the interest of several colleges but has yet to make a final decision. He will make an oficial visit to Iowa State on April 18, according to his high school coach, Clint Long.

Getting an opportunity to wrestle for arguably the best wrestler in the sport’s history in America is a significant reason why Tate is looking at Iowa State. That, and the possibility of an open roster spot at either 184 or 197 pounds, are the main draws.

“Whatever’s best for the team, either 184 or 197,” Tate said, though his body type and roster composition might argue for him being at the higher weight. “Cael’s been pretty cool (throughout the recruiting process).”

There are a pair of fellow Quad-Citians on the Cyclones roster, as 125-pound starter Tyler Clark and 174-pound Billy Lewis, both freshmen this year, wrestled for Bettendorf in 2006-07.

Another drawing point for Iowa State would be a potential teammate he got to meet last Saturday in preparing for the Illinois-Iowa dual. Eric Thompson of Waverly-Shell Rock, ranked No. 1 in the nation among heavyweights, already has signed with Iowa State.

“He and I talked about it. We hung out yesterday and just talked, and talked a little again today,” Tate said Sunday. “With Eric at heavyweight, it’s going to be a lot of fun there.”

Tate has spent two days a week in the Clinton wrestling room, lifting on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays but has kept his offseason schedule light so far while preparing for the wrestling matches he’s had and will have this week.

On Saturday, Tate — who is ranked 11th in the nation at 215 pounds — is facing the nation’s top 215 in Tyrell Fortune of Oregon.

Top wrestler named

Iowa Wrestling Insider, a wrestling news Web site based out of Clinton, will award one of Saturday’s Team Iowa competitors its award as the top wrestler in the state during the Dream Team event Saturday at Iowa City West. Tickets for that dual are $8 in advance, $10 at the door.