Article by John Schimming

On Saturday the Whippet Wrestling team traveled to East Troy to participate in the region wrestling tournament. This is phase one of the tournament series. There are both individual advancement as well team advancement at stake for the 7 teams participating in the tournament.

Going in the coaches knew it was going to be a great race for the team title. Throughout the day it was very close between Wisconsin Lutheran and Whitewater. Unfortunately for the Whippets when the dust settled they found themselves just missing out on advancing to team sectionals coming in second place. As a team we are disappointed as we were really looking forward to having the opportunity to advance to team state. I do believe this team had a legitimate chance if they could have gotten through the regional. I predict that Wisconsin Lutheran will be representing our sectional at the Field House in the state team competition in March.

Individually the wrestlers wrestled the best that they could and did well. This time of year is tough as you will always leave a tournament with student-athletes who are disappointed that their season is over. This weekend was no different. The whippets had 7 individuals come in 3rd place which is one shy of being a sectional qualifier. For some the pain of that placement was quite evident, but they are young and the coaches hope this drives them to not feel this again in future seasons during the tournament series.

Qualifying for Whitewater included three champions; Cody Gamble, Jaden Salmieri and Will Leibbrand. Coming in runner-up and also qualifying included; David Cushman, Amaru Casas and Gehrig Monday. All six of these individuals will be competing on Saturday at the individual sectional, which will be taking place in Campbellsport High School.

Thank you to all who traveled to East Troy to support the team. There was a nice sea of red in the stands representing Whitewater and their voices could be heard with positive support throughout the day.