The Manawa Wolves wrestling team brought the beat down to the Rosholt Hornets and left with a 49-24 victory, on Parents’ Night, Thursday, Jan. 30.
The Wolves won nine of the 10 matches, with six of them being by pin. Senior Night wasn’t quite as successful.
On Monday, Feb. 3 the Wolves held a Quadrangular which brought Winneconne, Markesan, and Oconto to town. The Wolves faced Oconto and Winneconne and came up short by scores of 51-28 and 39-36 respectively.
Remington Reeck manned the 126 pound class for the Wolves and worked his way to a 2-1 record on varsity and a 1-0 record on JV over the past week.
“Remington has broken double digit wins as a freshman. That is awesome and well deserved. He has had a very successful year as a rookie and we are excited for what his future holds,” said Coach Dan Kundinger.
Dominic Schuelke wrestled three different weights over the past three duals and pinned his opponent each time.
“Dominic is hitting his stride right now. He looks great and the cut down to 126 I think could be his big break for state. He is ready for the stretch run and we can’t wait to see what he is going to do over the next four weekends,” said Head Coach Brad Johnson.
Daryn Claussen, also wrestled multiple weights over the past three duals. He went 2-1 with a 10-1 win and a pin. The lone loss was by two points.
“Daryn is making the cut down to 132 in hopes of accomplishing his ultimate goal this season. The road isn’t ever easy to Madison but his chances go up as he gets stronger at his desired weight class. It should be fun to see what he has in store for everyone over the next month,” Johnson said.
Justin Wentworth continued to control the 145 pound class for the Wolves despite making the cut down to 138. To help the team he was forced to stay at 145. Despite the seven pound weight difference, he battled to a 1-2 record.
“Justin puts it on the line for his team every dual. He never complains about making the tough cut and being asked to wrestle up. We are proud of Justin and are excited to see him in the 138 pound weight class. He could make life interesting for his opponents over the next few weeks,” said Coach Shae Coyle.
In the 152 pound weight class Ben Beyer found success going 2-1 in the last three duals. Beyer weighs in at 145 pounds and bumps up for the team every week.
“Ben has been one of those kids where watching him grow from week to week just makes you proud of what your program stands for and is capable of doing. I have been here a lot of years and kids like Ben are what make a program successful,” said Coach Mitch Patri.
Garret Griffin was the Wolf of choice at the 160 pound weight class over the past three duals. He faced two very tough Division II opponents and couldn’t quite pull out the victories. He did dispose of a tough Hornet opponent via the pin.
“I had a great talk with Griffin after Senior Night that was focused on always working to improve. Never allow one second of a match to be wasted on anything but beating your opponent. That talk will be his theme on the mat over the next four weeks and should allow him to hit his stride and run the table in February,” Johnson said.
Andy Bristow wrapped up his wrestling career as a Manawa Wolf on Parents Night and went out fighting. His career was short lived but not short on memories. Bristow didn’t find the success he wanted but he never gave up and showed a lot to his team.
“I haven’t known Andy very long but every time I come in the practice room he is there either pushing his teammates or pushing himself. That is something he can hang his hat on and be proud of. I know the guys appreciate everything he has given this season and we as a coaching staff are extremely proud of him,” said Coach Robin Dunnihoo.
Jake Kaczorowski owned the 195 pound weight class for the Wolves over the past three duals and owned his opponents in that time. Jake worked to a 3-0 record, recording a pin, a forfeit, and a 5-1 victory.
“That is a fun stretch for Jake. We are proud of what he has accomplished on the mat over the past eight duals and his growth over the entire season as a whole is just unbelievable. He is three matches over .500 and hasn’t wrestled in six years. We are happy he has another year with us but we know he has unfinished business the rest of the year,” Kundinger said.
In the 220 pound class Casey Johnson found continued success for the Wolves going 3-0 with three pins.
“It’s go time for Casey. He knows the stretch he lives and grinds for is here. He has some unfinished business in our conference and then the date gets one step closer. He needs to stay focused on the prize but take one match at a time the rest of the way,” Coyle said.
Cole Thompson continued his return for the Wolves at 285 pounds. He recorded an 8-0 victory and two pins in his matches.
“That is starting to look like the Cole we grew to love early in the year. He did tons of different things and continued to be dominant off the bottom. He has something special waiting for everyone over the next month, I just know it,” Coach Johnson said.
Hakeem Benhamadi worked to a 1-1 record on JV over the past week. Hakeem was up 19-10 in the match he won before pinning his opponent with 30 seconds left.
“Hakeem has come a long way this season and we are proud of his accomplishments. I just can’t believe how far he has come. We just need him to work hard this summer and become a technician rather than a well-educated squirrel on the mat. He sometimes gets going too fast and, literally, runs past points,” Kundinger said.
Michael Gray worked to a 1-0 record for the Wolves in JV action. Gray took it to his lone opponent in which he won via the technical fall 18-1 early in the third period.
“MJ’s growth this season has been insane much like many of our other guys. He has really honed in on a style and we are looking for him to perfect that in the offseason and comeback as a sophomore force looking to make a name for himself,” Coyle said.
Nick Swenson returned to action on JV for the Wolves and the time lost proved costly. He was in a tight battle going into the third period but was caught and pinned.
“Nick has had a rough year with sickness and injury which puts him behind the eight ball against most guys with 20 plus matches. Nick just has to stay focused and practice and he will be right on track for his senior campaign,” Kundinger said.
The wrestling team will travel to Wittenberg, Saturday, Feb. 8 for the conference meet.