A family trio for two

Chris LeClere and Alex Burkle walked in the footprints of some pretty big shoes the last three years. The North Linn senior duo watched as two of their brothers have won state titles, and take the mat today to begin their final quest to add to the family titles.
“It would mean a ton to me,” said Chris LeClere, whose older brothers Dan, a four-timer, and Nick were state champs for the Lynx. “It would be a weight lifted off my shoulders.”
Burkle is in the exact position. His brothers, Kyle and Tyler, a defending NCAA Division III national champion at Coe, won crowns. The last time North Linn crowned two champions in the same year was when Dan LeClere and Kyle Burkle won titles in 2002.
“We talk about it all the time, and actually, all the time as in every day,” Burkle said. “Chris and I do a good job of being there for each other, making sure we’re both calm.
“He reminds me of having another brother around.”
Both are ranked No. 1, entering the tournament. LeClere is 40-1 at 140 pounds. He’ll face AGWSR’s Ryan Roberts (35-7) first round. Burkle is one of 38 unbeaten state wrestlers with a 39-0 mark at 215. He drew Mount Ayr’s Cade Lambson (35-8).
The pair have wrestled together since preschool. They want nothing more than to win titles together and complete their families’ trifectas.
“We’re pretty determined,” LeClere said. “We want to get it rolling again and leave on a good note.”