Lopez receives Dan Gable Mr. Wrestler of the Year award

NEW LONDON — Just over two weeks ago on Saturday Feb. 19, New London’s Marcel Lopez made history becoming just the 30th wrestler in Iowa high school wrestling history to amass four state championships.

He added yet another achievement to an already historic season on Thursday.

Inside of New London’s Charles Lorber Gymnasium in front of his peers, Lopez was given the distinction of the Class 1A Dan Gable Mr. Wrestler of the Year.

“I’m very grateful for everything that’s happened,” Lopez said. “All the wins, losses and injuries I’v had to endure, everything I’v had to go through. All the people I’v met, all the people who have pushed me. If one thing had happened differently this probably wouldn’t have happened. I’m glad the cards fell how they fell. I thank everyone who helped me along the way.”

Lopez was in the running for the award last season, but wasn’t voted a winner.

The award, which is presented by Fareway Foods Inc. and IAWrestle in correspondence with the Iowa Wrestling Coaches and Officials Association was voted by the fans.

The awards were originally presented at an ceremony in Boone, but Lopez couldn’t attend.

Lopez couldn’t have ended his high school wrestling career any better. He haden’t lost on the mat since his sophomore year, tallying 127 straight wins. Over the course his four years at New London, Lopez racked up a 207-4 overall record.

Lopez won his previous Class 1A state titles at 106 pounds in his freshman season, 113 as a sophomore and 120 as a junior.

He hoisted the 126 pound championship this go around after defeating Jace Rose of Oakland Riverside, 5-3, in the finals.

On the mat this season Lopez was nearly perfect. Along with never experiencing defeated, he only allowed one takedown all season long.

The other two wrestlers in the running for the Class 1A award were North Butler-Clarksville’s Chet Buss and Gable Porter of Underwood, both state champions.

Other Dan Gable Mr. Wrestler of the Year Award winners were Wyatt Voelker of West Delaware in Class 2A. Iowa City High’s Ben Kueter represents Class 3A and Ella Schmit of Bettendorf was named the Dan Gable Ms. Wrestler of the Year.

Lopez isn’t done wrestling yet this season as he will be heading back up to Des Moines to headline the Night of Conflict event. Lopez will be facing off against University of Iowa commit and world medalist Nate Jesuroga of Southeast Polk.

““I’m really excited,” Lopez said. “They got a hold of me and told me they could get me a match. I said that I prefer if you got me Nate. He was a little surprised by it, but I’d rather wrestle someone good. ”

He said he wouldn’t have it any other way.

“I need a match like that to see where I am,” Lopez said. “Last time I wrestled someone of that caliber, I had food poising. This is a little redemption for me. If anyone’s gonna push him past his limits it’s going to be me.”