Carter Happel with The Dan Gable trophy for the Outstanding Wrestler in 1A in 2014, 2015, and 2016
Credit for photo: Carolyn Kilburg, C & J Studio, Lisbon
The Lisbon wrestling dynasty began on the night of February 24th, 1973 when Lisbon won their first State title in wrestling. It was also on that memorable night that Lisbon crowned their first individual State champions in Doug Englert (105 lbs.) and Doug Lord (132 lbs.). Over the years, Lisbon Wrestling has had thirty State Champions capture fifty-six State Titles. But none were as successful as Carter Happel who just concluded an amazing high school career for the Lions.
To start off, Carter Happel has re-written the records of Lisbon Wrestling. Of the twelve individual records kept for Lisbon Wrestling for a season and career, Happel holds the record in ten categories. Not only did Happel break school records, he smashed them. For the season record for Team Points, Falls, and Most Wins, Happel holds the top three spots all-time. This is very impressive when you think of all the great wrestlers that have competed for Lisbon over the years.
Carter became just the 25th four-time State Champion in Iowa High School Wrestling history by winning titles at 120, 132, 138 and 145 lbs. With Scott Morningstar (1977-80) and Shane Light (1987-90), Lisbon became the first school to have three four-time State Champions in Iowa High School Wrestling history. Happel finished his career with an amazing record of 209-1. His only setback was wrestling up a weightclass at State Duals in his freshman year. Happel also won three Dan Gable trophies presented to the “Wrestler of the Year in 1A” in 2014, 2015, and 2016. He is the only three-time winner of this prestigious award.
When asked about why Happel had been so successful, Lisbon Head Wrestling Coach Brad Smith commented:
“The time he has put in during the off-season. You see guys on the awards stand every year at State that you saw wrestling in summer tournaments. The time he has put in outside of the season is what makes Carter stand out.”
Coach Smith’s return four years ago and the emergence of Carter Happel has really brought Lisbon Wrestling back to the forefront in 1A. When asked what Carter means to the program:
“Carter means a lot to the program. I knew when I came back four years ago that I had Carter Happel coming up. I thought that eventually we would get back to being in the State title hunt and we were this year but came up a little short. He did everything he could to get us a team title and Carter has been a real good role model for our younger wrestlers.”
Wrestling in freestyle in the spring and summer is where Happel has made a name for himself nationally. Happel won the Cadet National title in 2013 in Fargo and in 2014 he won a FILA Cadet national title and represented Team USA at the Cadet Worlds in Slovakia. Last summer Happel placed fifth at 138 lbs. at Junior Nationals.
Happel also became the first Lisbon wrestler to represent Team USA in the Dream Team Classic. The prestigious meet was held in New Prague, MN on March 12th. Happel, representing Team USA, defeated Brock Morgan of Team Minnesota (Apple Valley), 7-4.
When asked about his biggest influences in his career, Happel commented:
“The coaches, my dad, and Coach Smith. I was also fortunate enough to go to a good club with good freestyle coaches. Also, the support I have had from my family and the community.”
The pipeline from Lisbon to Iowa Wrestling will continue. Last October, Happel committed to continue his wrestling career at the University of Iowa. The Lisbon connection to the University of Iowa Wrestling program is as strong as it gets. Coach Brad Smith was an NCAA National Champion for the Hawks. Former Lisbon standout Royce Alger was a two-time NCAA National Champion at Iowa. Also, former Lisbon grad Ryan Morningstar was a two-time All-American at Iowa and is an Assistant Coach for the Hawks and is heavily involved with recruiting. Carter’s dad Dean Happel, a three-time State Champion at Lisbon, also wrestled for the Hawks. Happel is projected to compete at 141/149 lbs.
When asked what he will miss most about Lisbon Wrestling,
“The tradition, the people here in Lisbon. We have a great fan base and community. I am going to miss that but I know that at Iowa the tradition and fan base runs just as deep.”
As for Happel’s schedule for the rest of the season:
“I am training for freestyle right now. I will wrestle at Freestyle State. I am also going to Junior National Duals and then to Fargo. Then it will be time to head to Iowa City to begin my career as a Hawk.”
I have seen every one of the State Champions in Lisbon wrestling history. When you look at all of the accolades and records that Carter Happel leaves behind, it is safe to say that he has left his mark on Lisbon Wrestling like nobody before him.
Lisbon Wrestling Records held by Carter Happel:
Most Wins in a season
- 58 (2015
- 55 (2016)
- 53 (2014)
Match Points in a Season – 672
Takedowns in a Season – 243 (2015)
Falls in a Season
- 39 (2014)
- 36 (2015 & 2016)
Team Points in a Season:
- 408 (2015)
- 397 (2016)
- 375 (2014)
Career Wins – 209
Career Falls – 132
Career Takedowns – 699
Career Team Points – 1,470
Career Match Points – 1,937
