Individuals Compete for State Wrestling Titles This Weekend

Issue Date: February 10, 2021

The 78th State Individual Wrestling Tournament is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 13. The Division 1 tournament will be held at Kaukauna High School. The Division 2 tournament will be conducted at Adams-Friendship High School with the Division 3 tournament held at Wausau East High School.

Ticket prices per tournament session are $11 and are only available to member schools with competitors qualifying for the State Tournaments. There is a two-ticket limit per participant. No general admission will be available at the venues during the tournament.

Below is the schedule of competition for the individual tournament. All weight classes will be wrestled in consecutive order starting with the 106-pound weight class and proceeding through the classes on a "next available mat" basis within the mat assignments. Each round will begin approximately 15 minutes following previous round.

Saturday, Feb. 13

Division 1 - Kaukauna H.S. (Four mats)

10 a.m. - Quarterfinals, Semifinals, Consolation Semifinals, Wrestleback matches

5 p.m. - Championships, Third-Place &"�Fifth-Place matches

Division 2 - Adams-Friendship H.S. (Four mats)

10 a.m. - Quarterfinals, Semifinals, Consolation Semifinals, Wrestleback matches

5 p.m. - Championships, Third-Place &"�Fifth-Place matches

Division 3 - Wausau East H.S. (Three mats)

9 a.m. - Quarterfinals, Semifinals, Consolation Semifinals, Wrestleback matches

5 p.m. - Championships, Third-Place &"�Fifth-Place matches

The championship final matches of all three divisions will be aired live on FS Wisconsin. Please check local cable listings for the FS Wisconsin channel in your area. The live programming aired on FS Wisconsin will also be streamed on FoxSportsGo.com with cable provider authentication.

All mats of the pre-finals matches and the third- and fifth-place matches will be streamed live on WIAA.TV with a subscription to the NFHS Network. To purchase a subscription to the live programming for only $10.99 per month, log-on to www.wiaa.tv or www.nfhsnetwork.com and click on the subscription button at the top right of the page.

There will be champions crowned in 14 weight classes in three divisions. Wrestlers who finished first or second in each weight class at last weekend's four sectionals in each division qualified for the State Tournament. Therefore, there are eight qualifiers per weight in each division and 112 total qualifiers for each division. There are 172 programs represented at this year's individual championships, including 60 from Division 1, and 60 in Division 2 and 52 in Division 3.

Kaukauna has qualified the most wrestlers in the Division 1 field with eight. Stoughton is next on the list with six. Amery and Prairie du Chien have the distinction of qualifying the most individuals in Division 2 with seven. In Division 3, Kenosha Christian Life, Mineral Point and Random Lake claim the most qualifiers with six. There are 23 former champions in the tournament field this year.

Stoughton has produced the most individual championships with 53. Mineral Point is next with 51, followed by Wisconsin Rapids Lincoln with 44 and then Luxemburg-Casco with 42. Others with significant totals are Milwaukee South with 39 and Coleman with 38.

The Division 2 field has six former champions, including Senior Matty Bianchi of Two Rivers, who is attempting to become the 19th wrestler to win four State individual championships. Two others in the division are seeking their third titles. Bianchi's legacy began in 2018 with a title at 113, followed by the 132 title in 2019. Last year, he claimed the crown at 138, and he moves up to 145 this season. He is 9-0 heading into first-round action at State. According to available records, Bianchi has compiled a 147-10 record during his career. Senior Blaine Brenner of Stanley-Boyd/Owen-Withee embarks on his quest to win three straight State titles. He won at 106 in 2019 and added the 120 title last year. This season, Brenner moves up two weights to 132 with a 15-0 record to this point in the season, which gives him a stellar 107-2 mark in the past three seasons. Junior Clayton Whiting of Oconto Falls is also in position to win a third straight championship. He moves up to 182 this season after winning titles at 152 in 2019 and 170 last year. His record of 14-0 this season improves his record to 110-4 during his career. Sophomore Rhett Koenig of Prairie du Chien moves up a weight to 113 after earning the championship at 106 last season. He is 16-1 this season heading into State Tournament competition. Junior Caleb Meunier of Winneconne won the 113 title last year after finishing runner-up at 106 as a freshman in 2019. He moves up to 126 this season with a 15-2 record. Sophomore Braeden Scoles of Kewaskum made quite an impression his freshman season last year by winning the 145-pound title. He's back in the State Tournament seeking his second title with a 13-0 mark at 160.

The Division 3 field has 11 former champions looking to add another gold medal after winning titles last season, including a trio of wrestlers seeking their third title. Junior Tanner Gerber of Cameron moves up two weight classes to 126 after winning the 113 title last season and the 106 championship in 2019. He has a 13-0 record heading into competition this week, which gives him a 110-3 career record in his first three years. Junior Kole Marko of St. Croix Falls is also pursuing his third championship. He won the crown at 145 last season and the 138 crown the year before that. Marko moves up to contend for the 152 title this year with a 15-0 record heading into the tourney, which gives him a 98-4 record during his career. Senior Trett Joles of Boyceville moves up a weight to 195 after ruling the 182 weight class the past few seasons, winning titles in 2019 and 2020 after placing third at the weight in 2018. He advances to State with a 16-0 record this season and a 158-3 mark during his career. Sophomore Brayden Sonnentag of Cadott jumps to the 120-pound class this season after winning the title at 106 in 2020. He begins competition at State with a 16-0 tally this season. Two of last year's champions have moved into the 138-pound weight class. Junior Cash Stewart of Poynette moves up three weight classes from 120 after winning gold last year and finishing fourth at 113 in 2019. He has won all seven of his matches so far this season at 138. Junior Gavin Drexler of Stratford moves up two weights to join Steward after capturing the title at 126 last year. Drexler is 18-0 this year. Junior Karson Casper of Coleman moves on from 138 after winning the championship at the weight a year ago. At 145 this season, Casper has posted a 14-0 record. Senior Jack Severin of Kewaunee won the Division 2 championship at 126 last year after placing fourth at 126 in Division 3 in 2019 and fifth at 120 in 2018. He is back in Division 3 this season, qualifying at 132 with a 19-0 mark. Senior Aidan Vandenbush of Random Lake is aiming his attention on a title at 160 after winning the championship at 152 last season and finishing third in 2019. He hasn't lost this year in 18 matches, which gives him a 115-4 record over the last three years."�Senior Nolan Springer of Mineral Point moves up a weight to 170 after conquering the 160-pound weight class last season and finishing fifth at 152 in 2019. He has compiled an 11-0 record this year. Senior Tanner Gaffey of St. Croix Falls attempts to defend his title at 285. He went undefeated last season to earn the crown. He is 15-0 this season, giving him a 107-3 record the last three seasons. It may be interesting to note that all but two of the 22 former champions competing this week enter the tournament undefeated.

In any given conventional season, there have been a fairly consistent number of undefeated wrestlers qualifying for the State Individual Wrestling Tournament. The average number of undefeated wrestlers qualifying for State during the past decade is a shade above 21, and each have been recognized in the preview over the years. This year, there are significantly more because of the limited number of matches with restrictions to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. It's suffice to indicate that there are 101 undefeated qualifiers and another 102 that have just one loss this season.

State Tournament brackets and tournament schedule are available in the restricted media area of the WIAA website or by accessing the TrackWrestling.com site.

Recent stories, opinions and photos

Issue Date	Department	Headline
03-03-2021	Sports	Cougars & Patriots Bow Out in Sectional Semis
03-03-2021	Sports	Maroon Girls Have Strong Defensive Showing
03-03-2021	Sports	Peshtigo Varsity Bowlers Headed to State Tourney
03-03-2021	Sports	State Boys Basketball Tournament in LaCrosse & Oshkosh This Week
03-03-2021	Front Page	Takes Down Light Pole
03-03-2021	Front Page	Crivitz Starting Over In Quest for Police Chief
03-03-2021	Front Page	Peshtigo School Superintendent Seeks To Partner More With City
03-03-2021	Front Page	Comprehensive Plan Deadline Topic at Marinette City Council
03-03-2021	Front Page	Peshtigo School Board To Meet On March 10
03-03-2021	Front Page	Barbara Johnston Celebrated 106th Birthday On March 3
03-03-2021	Community - Coleman	Coleman May Close Rosemont Street Alley
03-03-2021	Community - Coleman	Coleman School Board To Meet March 8th
03-03-2021	Community - Coleman	Coleman Utility Meet Monday, March 8
03-03-2021	Community - Coleman	7th Annual Equity Craft, Vendor Fair
03-03-2021	Community - Crivitz	Lady Leprechaun Shopping Day, Gun Show March 13
03-03-2021	Community - Wausaukee	$1000 Scholarship for Athelstane, Silver Cliff Graduating Seniors
03-03-2021	Community - Wausaukee	Legion Post 66 To Meet March 6
03-03-2021	Community - Wausaukee	Wausaukee Lions Annual Flower Sale
03-03-2021	Community - Wausaukee	Wausaukee Blood Drive Nets 51 Pints
03-03-2021	Perspectives	From My Window
03-03-2021	Perspectives	From our readers
03-03-2021	Perspectives	Country Cousin
03-03-2021	Obituaries	Roland C. Abel
03-03-2021	Obituaries	Barton C. Adrian
03-03-2021	Obituaries	Robert J. Barker
03-03-2021	Obituaries	Genevieve T. Cichon
03-03-2021	Obituaries	William W. Fernstrum
03-03-2021	Obituaries	Phyllis G. Fischer
03-03-2021	Obituaries	Noreen L. Garon
03-03-2021	Obituaries	Terry R. Granger
03-03-2021	Obituaries	Esther Jenquine
03-03-2021	Obituaries	Pieterdina G. Keller
03-03-2021	Obituaries	Thomas R. Kollross
03-03-2021	Obituaries	Mark R. Krzewina
03-03-2021	Obituaries	Lucille M. Lesperance
03-03-2021	Obituaries	Carol L. Philbrick
03-03-2021	Obituaries	Jeanette F. Schahczinski
03-03-2021	Obituaries	Ila R. Sparpana
03-03-2021	Obituaries	Maria M. Waldmeier
03-03-2021	Obituaries	Gale R. Wogsland
03-03-2021	Obituaries	Margaret M. Zona
02-24-2021	Front Page	Woman's Club To Donate "Story Time" Sculpture
02-24-2021	Front Page	County Board Applauds Selection Of Glenn Sartorelli To Head DHHS
02-24-2021	Front Page	Peshtigo Council To Meet March 2
02-24-2021	Front Page	Water Treatment Program Discussed At Town Meeting
02-24-2021	Front Page	Pound Village Board To Air Well Issues Feb. 26
02-24-2021	Community - Coleman	Coleman Board May Restore 5-Day In-Person Classes For Upper Grades
02-24-2021	Community - Wausaukee	Wausaukee To Hold Zoning Change Hearing March 10
02-24-2021	Community - Crivitz	By 4 to 3 Vote Crivitz Board Keeps Masks For This Year
02-24-2021	Community - Coleman	Country Line Dancing Resumes at Equity
02-24-2021	Community - Coleman	Lena School Staff Spaghetti Supper
02-24-2021	Community - Coleman	Coleman School District Pre-K Screening, Jr. K Registration
02-24-2021	Community - Crivitz	January Students of the Month at Crivitz Elem., Middle Schools
02-24-2021	Community - Crivitz	Crivitz Church Has Food and Fellowship to Go
02-24-2021	Community - Wausaukee	Wausaukee Lions Flower Sale, Bowling Tournament
02-24-2021	Community - Wausaukee	Silver Cliff Celebrates Centennial Aug. 12-14
02-24-2021	Sports	Coleman Tops Crivitz for Third Time to Take Regional Title
02-24-2021	Sports	Suring Falls to Athens in Sectional Semifinal
02-24-2021	Sports	State Runner-up Cougars Fall in Final 33-32
02-24-2021	Sports	Ice Shanty Removal Dates Approaching
02-24-2021	Sports	Peshtigo Girls Softball In Need of Players
02-24-2021	Perspectives	From our readers
02-24-2021	Perspectives	From My Window
02-24-2021	Perspectives	Country Cousin
02-24-2021	Obituaries	Marie R. Apple
02-24-2021	Obituaries	Tony F. Camp
02-24-2021	Obituaries	Jason S. Chaltry
02-24-2021	Obituaries	Dr. Richard R. Chaltry
02-24-2021	Obituaries	Judie Gowaski
02-24-2021	Obituaries	William H. Howell
02-24-2021	Obituaries	Pauline R. Ireland
02-24-2021	Obituaries	Kenneth J. Kalafut
02-24-2021	Obituaries	Mitchell A. Keyport
02-24-2021	Obituaries	Carol J. Kobus
02-24-2021	Obituaries	Robert E. Kons
02-24-2021	Obituaries	Darlene M. Kostuch
02-24-2021	Obituaries	Mark R. Krzewina
02-24-2021	Obituaries	Ann L. Lemke
02-24-2021	Obituaries	Grace L. Meyers
02-24-2021	Obituaries	Sandra J. Michaud
02-24-2021	Obituaries	Evelyn Nelson
02-24-2021	Obituaries	Norma Parker
02-24-2021	Obituaries	Alfred G. Polzin
02-24-2021	Obituaries	William Sweeting
02-17-2021	Front Page	Marinette Marine Breaks Ground For Largest Building Ever On Site
02-17-2021	Front Page	Peshtigo School Board Hears PSI, Administration Reports
02-17-2021	Front Page	Tyco/JCI Provides New Updates on PFAS Issue
02-17-2021	Front Page	Marinette School Classes Going In-Person March 1
02-17-2021	Front Page	Report To Chamber On The Fire Sesquicentennial, Kayak Dock
02-17-2021	Community - Coleman	Coleman School District Pre-K Screening, Jr. K Registration
02-17-2021	Community - Coleman	Suring School Distant Learner Numbers Drop From 58 To 31
02-17-2021	Community - Coleman	County Line Dancing Resumes at Equity
02-17-2021	Community - Crivitz	School Board To Consider Facilities, Masks, Prom
02-17-2021	Community - Crivitz	Middle Inlet Board OKs Purchase Of Fire Truck
02-17-2021	Community - Crivitz	Crivitz American Legion Gun Show March 13th
02-17-2021	Community - Wausaukee	Town of Wausaukee Sets Road Weight Limit Rules, Exceptions
02-17-2021	Community - Wausaukee	Parking On Boat Launch Road Remains Problem For Wagner
02-17-2021	Community - Wausaukee	Silver Cliff To Celebrate Centennial Aug. 12-14
02-17-2021	Sports	Area Teams Advance to Regional Second Round
02-17-2021	Sports	Regional Heart Breakers Leave Suring as Sole Survivor
02-17-2021	Sports	Boys & Girls Hockey Teams to Play for State Titles
02-17-2021	Sports	Whiting Wins Third Title; Casper Claims Silver
02-17-2021	Sports	Task Force Conducts Modified Marinette Realignment Review
02-17-2021	Sports	Marinette Youth Baseball Online Registration Starts March 1st
02-17-2021	Sports	PHS Alumni Scholarship Golf Outing July 16th
02-17-2021	Perspectives	From My Window
02-17-2021	Perspectives	From Our Readers...
02-17-2021	Perspectives	Country Cousin
02-17-2021	Obituaries	Delores M. Cline
02-17-2021	Obituaries	Robert J. Collard
02-17-2021	Obituaries	Ruth A. Davey
02-17-2021	Obituaries	James R. Derusha
02-17-2021	Obituaries	Gerald Elsner
02-17-2021	Obituaries	Melva Hetcher
02-17-2021	Obituaries	Susan K Meicht
02-17-2021	Obituaries	Darlene L. Szymusiak
02-17-2021	Obituaries	Darlean J. Webb
02-10-2021	Front Page
02-10-2021
02-10-2021	Front Page	DNR Listening Session Provides PFAS Updates
02-10-2021	Front Page	Tyco Announces Updates Of Recent Water Testing
02-10-2021	Front Page	City of Peshtigo Partners With Historical Committee
02-10-2021	Front Page	Mayor Genisot Gives State of City Address
02-10-2021	Community - Coleman	Ash Wednesday Service at Pound
02-10-2021	Community - Coleman	Annual Equity Craft, Vendor Fair June 19
02-10-2021	Community - Coleman	Coleman School District Pre-K Screening, Jr. K Registration
02-10-2021	Community - Crivitz	Community Ed Offers Farmhouse Spring Wreath
02-10-2021	Community - Crivitz	High Falls Fish-O-Rama, Radar Run, Winterfest
02-10-2021	Community - Crivitz	CBA Persons of Year Nominations Accepted
02-10-2021	Community - Wausaukee	Wausaukee Blood Drive is Feb. 15th
02-10-2021	Community - Wausaukee	Friends of Wausaukee Library Annual Fruit Sale
02-10-2021	Community - Wausaukee	Religious Ed Students Bowl for St. Jude Hospital
02-10-2021	Sports	Coleman Beats Crivitz, Stays Undefeated in M&O
02-10-2021	Sports	WIAA Tournament Play Begins; Gillett Advances Over Crivitz
02-10-2021	Sports	Coleman Wins Sectional; Advances to Team State
02-10-2021	Sports	Individuals Compete for State Wrestling Titles This Weekend
02-10-2021	Sports	DNR Publishes Sturgeon Spearing Season Forecast
02-10-2021	Perspectives	From My Window
02-10-2021	Perspectives	Country Cousin
02-10-2021	Obituaries	Marjorie A. Barley
02-10-2021	Obituaries	William J. Bohan
02-10-2021	Obituaries	Mary M. Coddington
02-10-2021	Obituaries	Sue Flanner
02-10-2021	Obituaries	Mary Ann Gardon
02-10-2021	Obituaries	Donald E. Hayes Jr.
02-10-2021	Obituaries	Sandy R. Hendrickson
02-10-2021	Obituaries	Charlotte A. Hoffman
02-10-2021	Obituaries	Sue M. Jones
02-10-2021	Obituaries	Karen A. Konop
02-10-2021	Obituaries	Joseph Krzewina Jr.