Senior Spotlight: Lane Scorpil; Columbus Jct.
So which Senior was the quickest one to get their Senior Spotlight Questionnaire sent to me? A Southeast Iowan of course! Lane Scorpil! A kid I always root for due to being a fellow Southeast Iowan as well as these son of a SEI wrestling legend from the 90’s, Ben Scorpil of West Liberty. I watched Ben wrestle quite a bit as a kid. A guy from West Liberty who I wrestled all the time named Jeff Wiele used to always talk about how awesome he was. He was a hero in West Liberty and it surprised nobody that his son, Lane also became a good wrestler.
And on another note, Lane’s uncle, Jason Utter (Columbus Jct.) gave me my most memorable “welcome to HS, kid” moment when I was a Freshman, for he tech-falled me. I don’t think anyone else besides him ever tech-falled me… He had me totally confused when I wrestled him. One of the best guys I ever wrestled.
And I do need to add something… Lane has stated in various interviews before that Columbus Coach, Andy Milder has had a great impact on him. Andy Milder has been a key part of Columbus Jct.‘s success for decades now and if it’s one person that I have unintentionally left out or acknowledged to this point, it’s him. I’ve posted tons of stuff about former Columbus Jct. coaches, Bill Plein and John Siegel, but I don’t think I’ve ever posted anything on Milder and he’s been along for the ride this entire time as well! Props to him and his family and my apologies that it took me way to long to acknowledge him.
SO! Meet Columbus Jct. standout Senior, Lane Scorpil!
When did you start wrestling? Who introduced you to the sport?
My dad, Ben Scorpil, started in Kindergarten.
Do you have any family who wrestled before you? How did they do?
My dad Ben Scorpil was a 3X State Finalist and 4X time place winner: 1994 2nd, 1995 1st, 1996 2nd ,1997 3rd.. Dad was the first West Liberty wrestler to place all 4 years at state. He was 158-9! My uncle Jason Utter (5th), and cousins Randy Pugh (1st,3rd) & JD Pugh (5th,3rd,2nd,1st). Currently my brother Ty who is a sophomore this year wrestles as well.
Did you catch on to wrestling quickly or was it a gradual process?
It took awhile but I finally caught on beginning of Sophomore year. It also helped that I finally was able to put on some weight. I’ve always been the lightest guy in the weight classes.
What club did you wrestle for growing up and how would you describe your experience with the club?
Catpac Wrestling Club and DC Elite. Each Club had its benefits. Catpac taught me the fundamentals and DC Elite just has a lot of talented athletes in the club.
What are a couple memorable moments from youth wrestling?
Only thing I took away from youth wrestling was the friends I gained.
How did you finish at state tournaments in youth?
I never placed, but I never cut weight either. I was always trying to put the weight on.
What are some of your more memorable moments from high school wrestling to this point?
Most memorable was the match that qualified me for state my sophomore year. I had put so much time and effort into the sport, it was one of those moments where it all paid off.
How did you finish at the state tournaments you wrestled in at the HS level to this point?
Freshman year didn’t make it out of districts. I broke my hand the day before practice started, so I only got to wrestle half a season. I also was 95 pounds and that was eating breakfast before weigh ins. Sophomore placed 5th and Junior 3rd.
Who were your wrestling heroes growing up? Who are your current wrestling heroes?
My dad is my hero on and off the mat. I love to spend time in West Liberty and listen to Coach Diemer tell stories about his wrestling days. He was a force to be reckoned with and still is. My dad has worked hard his whole life and built a successful business.
Was there ever a point in your career where you noticed yourself jumping levels and making huge strides?
Between my freshman and sophomore year. My main focus was to put the weight on.
Who have been some of your toughest competitors in HS to this point in your career?
Bryce Thompson from Highland, we went back and forth. Bryce spent a lot of time at my house working out in our wrestling room. So we both knew what the other one was going to do. We finished 3-3 when Bryce graduated. Never got our tie breaker match in.
What was your most memorable state tournament?
This last year I got 3rd. I got caught in the quarters by Stangel from Osage. I pinned everyone on the back side to beat Stangel 10-6 for 3rd.
What are your wrestling goals for this coming season?
State Champion
How would you describe your wrestling style? Who would you compare yourself to?
My style is a combination of Columbus and West Liberty wrestlers. I like wrestling on my feet best.
Do you have any regrets from wrestling that you want to make up for as a Senior?
No regrets really. I was disappointed last season in the quarter finals, but just went back out with the mindset I’m gonna get the next best thing.
What other sports do you play and how have you done at them?
Cross Country and Track. Our Cross Country team this year is looking strong.
What are some of your hobbies besides wrestling?
I enjoy riding bikes. Motorcycles and Bicycles
What is some of the best advice you ever received?
Don’t come off the mat with any regrets
Do you have any advice for up and coming wrestlers?
Put in the extra work when no one else will.
What is your favorite style of wrestling? Folkstyle, Freestyle or Greco?
folkstyle
Who were some of the most influential coaches you worked with?
Siegle and Coach Milder.
What are your college plans? Is wrestling in your future whether it be competing or coaching? Do you have interest in MMA?
Future plans are to become a diesel mechanic and as for wrestling time will tell.
