Third-grader competes at state meet
By Holly Neumann
Chase Timdal, a third-grader at Iola-Scandinavia Elementary School, placed second in his weight class at the Wisconsin Wrestling Federation Kids Folkstyle State Championships, held March 22-23 at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison.
Timdal, who has been wrestling for four years, is currently a member of the Wittenberg-Birnamwood Charger Wrestling Club. He competed with 15 other wrestlers in the boys’ 75-pound weight class in the 2010-11 birth year division.
His first round included a 5-0 win over Ayden Sobotte of Pardeeville and a 3-1 quarterfinals win over Andrew Robinson of Crivitz. His final win came in the semifinals, a 9-6 decision over Anthony Kluck of Hustisford.
That win placed him in the finals, where he was pinned by Gauge Schaus of the X-Factor Elite team.
“It is hard to get to state and I placed second,” Timdal said. “The guy I wrestled against was one of the top wrestlers and it was a tough match.”
This is Timdal’s first season with the Wittenberg-Birnamwood Charger Wrestling Club.
“His family began taking him to our club this year to get some good partners to wrestle against,” coach Duane Potrykus said. “He has learned much of the proper technique as the year has gone on and he is already a good athlete, which helps him make up for some of the lack of experience he has.”
Timdal brings a great attitude every time he walks into the club’s wrestling room, according to Potrykus.
“He is in other sports throughout the year, so sometimes it may be his second practice of the day,” he said. “You wouldn’t know it, as he is always in a good mood and ready to work his tail off.”
Timdal, the son of Pete Timdal and Faye Timdal, admitted that he loves to tackle people.
“Everyone should wrestle,” he said. “You get to experience getting stronger so you can grow bigger and be healthy.”