On Saturday, February 4, the Whippet Wrestling Team traveled to Clinton to participate in the Rock Valley Conference Wrestling Tournament. It was a very good day for the team as everyone wrestled very well with some having their best matches of the season to this point of the year. When the day ended, the Whippets found themselves in 2nd place in the Conference tournament behind Evansville. 

Leading the way for the Whippets was Aaron Porras who claimed his first RVC Championship. He wrestled very well all day recording two pins and a convincing win against a very strong opponent in the championship match. With the championship Saturday, Aaron checked off the first of his goals for the post season.

Finding their way into the finals were Victor Hernandez, Connor Friend, and Payton Lyon. Each of these wrestlers had very nice wins on their way to the championship match. Friend and Lyon both had a steep hill to climb in the finals as they had defending state champions and unfortunately were unable to knock them off, even though they gave it their all. Hernandez had two very nice matches leading up to the championship before a strong opponent from Big Foot.

Coming in 3rd place for the Whippets included Jasen Porras and CJ Tomomitsu. Each of these wrestlers lost tough semi-final matches but came back strong in the wrestlebacks to bring home the bronze. 

Taking 4th place and just missing a medal was Nate Black. Finishing the day strong and winning their last match of the day to take 5th included Jason Villegas, Trayson Thomason, Odair Porras, Jesus Barajas, Avi Kalra, and Ethan Barels. It is tough to battle back and wrestle for placement.

The Whippets are next in action on Saturday, February 11, when they travel to Jefferson to participate in the WIAA Regional Tournament.

Article and Group Photos Submitted by John Schimming
Whitewater High School Head Wrestling Coach
jschimming@wwusd.org
Photo of Aaron Porras Courtesy of Bob Mischka