On Saturday, December 13, the Whitewater Wrestling Team hosted the 14th Annual Whitewater Invitational involving 12 teams from around the area. After coming close over the years, for first time in the 14 years of hosting the tournament, the Whippet Wrestling Team found themselves in first place, outdistancing Waterford.
Individually the team had many great performances throughout the day with lots of pins along the way.
Leading the way were three champions in George Christon going 3-0, Gabe Crane going 5-0, and Brady Friend going 5-0. This was the first high school tournament championship for all three of these young men. George had 2 pins, Brady 4 pins, and Gabe pinned all 5 of his opponents. George came out really motivated after a tough loss on Thursday night and was on a mission. Gabe also was on a mission and was focused on doing what he does best in his victories. Brady has shown more confidence each time he steps on the mat, and he is fun to watch.
Coming in as runner ups after making the finals were Alex Morales, Dahlton Vogel, and Austin Retzlaff, with all 3 of them going 4-1 on the day. Alex showed some great technique and persistence in a couple of close matches during the day coming out on top. He learned how to fight through adversity in the semi-finals to win his match, eventually by pin. Dahlton wrestled very well all day before running into a tough opponent from Janesville Craig. Finally, Austin won a tight match in the quarter finals and then came out on top of a very tough competitor in the semifinals before falling in the finals to a strong student from Kenosha Bradford.
Coming in 4th place and just missing out on the podium were Julio Avelino, Duli Balazi, Max Babcock, and Deavion Olson. Each of these students wrestled well but just missed out on the podium.
Great work to the entire wrestling team on a great job on Saturday. Also thank you to the many hands that made this tournament run so smoothly.
The team is next in action on Tuesday night, December 16, when they host East Troy in a Rock Valley Conference match up. Both teams are 1-0 in the conference so come out and support the Whippet Wrestling Team!
Article Submitted by John Schimming
Whitewater High School Head Wrestling Coach
jschimming@wwusd.org
Photos Courtesy of Cora Schimming
