Polar Bears, Bulldogs to represent at state
By Erik Buchinger
Four New London and Hortonville wrestlers will compete for a shot at a state title after qualifying from their performance at sectionals on Saturday, Feb. 17.
Hortonville’s junior Eric Barnett and Kirkland Hills will be competing in Madison as well as Garrett Ruckdashel and Jacob Hoier from New London.
Barnett finished in first place in the 113-pound weight class at the WIAA Division 1 Green Bay Preble sectional.
Hills placed second at 170 pounds.
In the WIAA Division 2 Oconto Falls sectional, Ruckdashel won the 138-pound division.
Hoier finished third at 170 pounds.
Barnett advanced to state for the third consecutive year and won the 106-pound state title last season. He comes into this year’s state tournament with a 42-0 record and has not lost since his freshman year in 2016.
Hills will wrestle at state for the first time. He will start the tournament with a 36-12 overall record this season.
Barnett and Hills will begin their state competitions on Thursday, Feb. 22 at 3 p.m. in the preliminary round, which begins at 3 p.m.
Ruckdashel qualified for state for the first time and will begin the tournament with a 42-4 record.
Hoier is also making his first state appearance and will enter with a 32-12 record.
Hoier will wrestle on Thursday, Feb. 22 in the preliminary round, which starts at 7 p.m.
Ruckdashel will begin on Friday, Feb. 23 in the quarterfinal round, which begins at 11:15 a.m.
The state wrestling tournament will be held at the Kohl Center in Madison from Thursday, Feb. 22 until Saturday, Feb. 24.