It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in West Liberty, IA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
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Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in West Liberty, IA, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in West Liberty, IA understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in West Liberty, IA 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
Week 14 of the college wrestling season delivered another round of thrilling matchups and memorable moments for college wrestling fans. No. 1 Penn State dominated No. 2 Iowa at home, No. 6 NC State narrowly defeated No. 18 North Carolina, there were plenty of upsets, and much more. Here’s a look at some of the top moments of the week.Dual of the weekThe top ranked Penn State Nittany Lions handed the No. 2 Iowa Hawkeyes their first loss of the season in a Big Ten showdown on Friday night. The Nittany Lions...
Week 14 of the college wrestling season delivered another round of thrilling matchups and memorable moments for college wrestling fans. No. 1 Penn State dominated No. 2 Iowa at home, No. 6 NC State narrowly defeated No. 18 North Carolina, there were plenty of upsets, and much more. Here’s a look at some of the top moments of the week.
Dual of the week
The top ranked Penn State Nittany Lions handed the No. 2 Iowa Hawkeyes their first loss of the season in a Big Ten showdown on Friday night. The Nittany Lions improved to 10-0 overall and 4-0 in the Big Ten with the 30-8 victory. Iowa moved to 9-1 overall and 3-1 in the Big Ten. The win is the 66th-straight dual victory for Penn State, as they won eight of the ten matches inside the Bryce Jordan Center.
No. 1 Penn State 30, No. 2 Iowa 8
January 31, 2025 – Bryce Jordan Center – University Park, Pa.
125 | #9 Luke Lilledahl (PSU) tech fall #26 Joey Cruz (IOWA), 22-6
133 | #2 Drake Ayala (IOWA) tech fall Kurt McHenry (PSU), 19-4
141 | #3 Beau Bartlett (PSU) dec. Cullan Schriever (IOWA), 7-3
149 | #3 Shayne Van Ness (PSU) maj. dec. #2 Kyle Parco (IOWA), 17-6
157 | #3 Tyler Kasak (PSU) dec. #1 Jacori Teemer (IOWA), 5-2
165 | #1 Mitchell Mesenbrink (PSU) tech fall #2 Mikey Caliendo (IOWA), 19-4
174 | #2 Levi Haines (PSU) dec. #6 Patrick Kennedy (IOWA), 10-3
184 | #1 Carter Starocci (PSU) dec. Angelo Ferrari (IOWA), 3-1
197 | #1 Stephen Buchanan (IOWA) dec. #4 Josh Barr (PSU), 5-1
285 | #2 Greg Kerkvliet (PSU) maj. dec. #10 Ben Kueter (IOWA), 12-2
Performance of the week
West Liberty’s Ty McGeary, the top-ranked wrestler in the country at 184 pounds, made history by becoming the first wrestler in Mountain East Conference (MEC) history to win four consecutive championships. On Saturday, McGeary secured a 14-6 major decision victory against Glenville State's Kyle Homet in the 184-pound final.
Upset of the week
The upset of the week came at 149 pounds on Friday, when Oregon State’s Ethan Stiles, ranked at No. 21, defeated Stanford’s Jaden Abas, ranked at No. 8, in an 18-8 major decision. Stiles, a redshirt freshman, picked up one of three OSU wins in the dual as Stanford edged out the Beavers 22-16. Abas is a four-time NCAA Qualifier and NCAA All-American for the Cardinal.
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Photos of the week
Tony Rotundo photographed one of the top duals of the week in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, when No. 6 NC State defeated No. 18 North Carolina. The dual came down to the last match, as No. 3 Vince Robinson won by 10-4 decision over No. 13 Spencer More, giving the 19-16 win to the Wolfpack. Swipe through Tony’s best below!
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Move of the week
Grand View’s Cailin Campbell used this move in the quarterfinals at the Grand View Open. Campbell earned a third-place finish at the tournament at 117 pounds.
A Lowden area trapper brings coyote pelts to a buyer in Wheatland. File photoMark Ridolfi Previous Next Posted Wednesday, January 29, 2025 11:53 am ...
A Lowden area trapper brings coyote pelts to a buyer in Wheatland. File photo
Mark Ridolfi
Posted Wednesday, January 29, 2025 11:53 am
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources welcomes residents to town hall style meetings on Feb. 19 in Iowa City and Maquoketa on recently completed hunting and trapping seasons, possible changes to hunting and trapping rules and regulations, and other topics as requested.
“We want people to come out to these meetings, listen to the seasons reviews, ask questions and hear directly from our staff,” said Todd Bishop, chief of the Iowa DNR’s Wildlife Bureau. “Part of the meeting will be devoted to discussing potential rule changes and collecting feedback as we work through the rules process.”
The meetings are open to the public. Comments collected from these public meetings will be considered along with other related comments received by the Iowa DNR prior to proposing changes to hunting rules and regulations. Proposed rules will be presented to the Natural Resource Commission during a regular public meeting for consideration and additional public comment.
Meeting dates, times and locations
Iowa City, Feb. 19, 6 p.m., Johnson County Extension Office, 3109 Old Hwy 218 South
Maquoketa, Feb. 19, 7 p.m., Hurstville Interpretive Center, 18670 63rd St.
Any person attending the public meeting who has special requirements, such as those related to mobility or hearing impairments, should contact the Iowa DNR or ADA Coordinator at 515-725-8200, Relay Iowa TTY Service 800-735-7942, or [email protected], and advise of specific needs.
Iowa furbearer hunting limits
Opossum, badger, striped skunk, fox (red and gray), Nov. 2 - Feb. 28, No Limits daily or possession.
Bobcats, Nov. 2 - Feb. 28. No restrictions. Limit three per season, and regional restrictions.
Coyote, continuous open, no restrictions. No daily or possession limits.
Raccoon, continuous open, no restrictions. No daily or possession limits.
Iowa furbearer trapping limits
Coyote, mink, muskrat, weasel, striped skunk, badger, opossum, fox (red and gray), Nov. 2 - Feb. 28. No daily or possession limits
Beaver, Nov. 2 – April 15. No daily or possession limits.
Otter, Nov. 2 - Feb. 28. daily and possession limit of three.
Bobcat, Nov. 2 - Feb. 28. Limit three per season, and regional restrictions
Raccoon, continuous open. No daily or possession limits.
Civet Cat (Spotted Skunk), continuous closed.
Gray Wolf Continuous Closed
Taking by shotgun or spear is prohibited. Outside the furharvester season, only cage traps or dog-proof traps are legal methods of take. During the furharvester season, trappers may use other lawful traps normally allowed during the trapping season.
Dengler is ranked 4th in Class 2A and surpassed 100 career wins in wrestling, leads Comets basketball team in multiple categories and set school’s single-game steals recordK.J. Pilcher The Gazette offers audio versions of articles using Instaread. Some words may be mispronounced.WEST LIBERTY – Ryker Dengler recalled when he chose not to choose anymore.He wrestled and played basketball before high school, deciding to w...
Dengler is ranked 4th in Class 2A and surpassed 100 career wins in wrestling, leads Comets basketball team in multiple categories and set school’s single-game steals record
The Gazette offers audio versions of articles using Instaread. Some words may be mispronounced.
WEST LIBERTY – Ryker Dengler recalled when he chose not to choose anymore.
He wrestled and played basketball before high school, deciding to wrestle his freshman year. Dengler attended an open gym his sophomore year when he approached West Liberty basketball coach James Laughlin, inquiring about the possibility of working with wrestling coach Ian Alke so he could participate in both sports.
“The funny thing is I knew James and I was pretty sure he was going to be on board,” Dengler said with a slight laugh. “I didn't know Alke would have been on board. James was completely fine with it and then I went over to Alke and he had no issue with it either.”
Dengler has been a regular starter for varsity wrestling and basketball during the last three seasons. The senior 165-pounder is ranked fourth in Class 2A, while leading the Comets in points, rebounds and steals at guard.
“I've done it my whole life, really,” said Dengler, who was West Liberty’s starting quarterback in the fall, runs track in the spring and plays baseball. “I love competing. Competing is so much fun for me, so I wouldn't want it any other way. I love competing like this year round.”
Alke said he was equally impressed and concerned about Dengler’s decision. He realized the physical demands were challenging and it could lead to burnout or even injury. Alke knew Dengler’s mettle.
“But knowing Ryker’s character and his passion for both sports, I quickly realized he had the maturity and the drive to handle it,” Alke said. “I also knew that if anyone could pull it off, it would be him. So, while there was some concern, I also had a lot of confidence in his ability to manage it.”
Dengler had been a leader in both sports from a young age, admitting he was decent but not great in either. His eighth-grade wrestling season was canceled due to Covid but he was able to still play AAU basketball that year, which made the decision as a freshman that much tougher.
Dengler attended open gyms up until the winter season started and opted for mats and Asics over hardwood and high tops. He even played pick-up basketball games with friends in his free time.
Wrestling was too tough to deny.
“Another factor was my family has always wrestled,” said Dengler, who announced he will play football at Coe via X.com Wednesday. “They’re a huge wrestling family, so I felt like I like it and I'd want to keep doing it. I only had a couple more years of it, so let's keep doing it.”
Wrestling and basketball have long been viewed as adversaries. The two activities make strange bedfellows. One is a prototypical individual sport, while the other is the consummate group venture. Dengler seems to compartmentalize both for those very reasons. Monday was one of the few days he was able to enjoy full basketball practice and a full wrestling workout during the same day.
“I love how basketball is a complete team game,” Dengler said. “One man can't carry your basketball team. You have to be all together.
“Wrestling isn’t the opposite because you have duals but it’s almost the opposite. You’re competing for yourself and I like it in wrestling how you can't really blame anybody but yourself when you're on the mat. It's you against the other person and there's no other outside factor.”
Whether its shots for a takedown or shots for a 3-pointer, some skills do transfer to the other. Conditioning is universal.
“Obviously, I'm in pretty good shape because of both of them,” Dengler said. “I usually come out at the end of the first quarter and then I'll usually stay in for the rest of the game. And my wrestling coaches always tell me just push the pace. Nobody has the endurance almost as I do.
“Wrestling is a very tough sport, mentally, so wrestling has probably helped me with every sport, anything I've done mentally. It's just so tough.
Dengler said he competes more than he practices. He will have an occasional basketball game on Monday but most are on Tuesday and Friday. Wrestling duals are mainly Thursday with tournaments on Saturday. He keeps himself fresh for competition, avoiding workouts for the other sport on those days.
The key to balancing everything is communication between the coaches and Dengler. It still seems like a full-time job when you factor in academics.
“Ryker has done an incredible job managing the demands of both sports and school,” Alke said. “His time management skills are exceptional. He’s always been disciplined with his schedule and stays focused on what needs to be done.
“Ryker communicates with both coaching staffs, making sure he’s attending practices for both basketball and wrestling, most times in the same day, while still keeping up with his academic responsibilities. His work ethic is what really sets him apart. He never complains and always has a positive attitude.”
Credit has to be given to Laughlin and Alke. They have cooperated for Dengler to contribute to both programs and allowed him to maximize the experience.
“Coach Laughlin and I have a great relationship, and we’ve had a lot of discussions about Ryker’s schedule and priorities,” Alke said. “We’ve worked together to make sure he’s able to balance practices and games, while also making sure he has the time he needs to recover and prepare for wrestling.
“There have been some compromises, but we both recognize the value of Ryker being able to participate in both sports, so we’ve made adjustments as needed to make sure he’s able to give his best in both areas.”
Dengler said his teammates are pretty supportive. Double duty does come with a dose of good-natured ribbing and levity.
“They know I'm trying to be there as much for their sport as I am for the other,” Dengler said. “I'll get a little bit of crap from both sides.
“I won the Central DeWitt tournament a couple weeks back. I got on the podium and I heard ‘he’s a basketball player’ from some of my teammates. Or my teammates will mess around and try to wrestle me and stuff in practice. It's just a little bit of a joke.”
In wrestling, he surpassed the hallowed 100-win plateau and has 109 career victories after a runner-up finish at Solon’s Ed Hadenfeldy Invitational on Saturday. He is 24-3 with eight pins, three technical falls and three major decisions this season. He is on pace for his third straight year with at least 30 wins.
“As a wrestler, Ryker is incredibly well-rounded,” Alke said. “He has great technique, an unmatched work ethic, and an intense competitive spirit. His conditioning is exceptional, and he can maintain a high pace throughout an entire match. He also has an innate ability to read his opponent and make adjustments on the fly, which is a skill that’s developed over time but also speaks to his wrestling IQ.
“His leadership qualities shine through, not just in his ability to win matches but also in how he supports and motivates his teammates.”
Dengler has started in 40 of 45 games since his sophomore year, including all 12 games this season and all 18 as a junior. He averages 17.5 points per game. He also has 102 rebounds (8.5 per game), 41 steals (3.4) and 35 assists (2.9) this season. Dengler also set the school’s single-game steals record with 10 in a win over Calamus-Wheatland on Jan. 2.
“I wouldn't say it like it blows my mind at all,” Dengler said. “I'm just out there competing and I'm trusting in myself. If I wasn’t good at one or the other, I wouldn’t be doing them.
“I believe in myself, obviously, and believe I can compete with anybody and no matter if I'm doing one or two sports.”
Dengler will leave big shoes to fill. Alke praised him for being an exceptional person as much as an athlete, describing his ability to excel in all sports and school as “remarkable.” His discipline, work ethic and maturity are examples for younger athletes to emulate.
Dengler has goals to achieve before he leaves the program. He was a state qualifier, going 2-2 and fell one way shy of a medal in Des Moines. Dengler is determined to be the first state placewinner among his siblings and last year’s finish has added fuel to the fire.
“If everything goes right, I'm obviously trying to get on the podium,” Dengler said. “I missed it last year and that was a little disappointing. I really believe I can make it on the podium this year. Then, once I get to those placing rounds, just let go and take me as far as I can.”
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