A new chapter in Cresco’s rich wrestling history was forged recently
when state champions Laken Lienhard and Carter Fousek signed their names
to the Iowa Wrestling Hall of Fame mural in Cresco. The tradition of
signing the mural began last year after Fousek won his first state title
as a freshman.
Laken is the first female state champion from Crestwood while Fousek is
the first two-time state champion from Crestwood since Chuck Martens won
titles in 1982 and 1983.
The additional two state titles now has Crestwood/Cresco individual
state titles at 69, the second highest number in the state behind West Waterloo’s 89.
“The addition of autographs to the mural was done to honor the wrestler
and not be just a number in Cresco’s wrestling history,” IWHOF Chairman
Dennis Meirick said.
The last time Crestwood/Cresco High School had multiple state champions
in one year was in 1982 when Chuck Martens and Jeff Knutson won titles.
Before that in 1961 Don Henry, Omar Frank, and Tom Peckham all won
individual state titles. The year before that Richard Schmauss, Merlin
Schmauss, Tom Peckham and Alex Egorenko all won individual titles. The
1960 team also won the state team title.
“The left banner of the mural was created so visitors can gain an
understanding of why the Iowa Wrestling Hall of Fame is in Cresco. It
recognizes our rich heritage and adding these two to our history is our
honor,” Meirick concluded.
