On Thursday night, January 9, the Whippet Wrestlers were back in action after some time off from hosting the 46th annual Mid-States Tournament and recovering over Winter Break by hosting neighboring Delavan-Darien.
Coming into the evening Coach Schimming knew without a doubt that this was going to be a competitive dual meet with quality wrestlers at both ends setting the tone for a great night for fans. The Whippet JV team did not disappoint, coming out and winning 9 out of the 10 matches and looking much improved in the process.
In Varsity action, the Whippets got things started strong with two first period pins at 144 and 150 pounds by Connor Friend and Traysen Thomason. Ironically both used the exact same technique on their way to their pins. A fan mentioned to Coach Schimming afterward, “Well, can see what was drilled over break!”
The Whippets dropped the next four matches in a row, all by pins, putting the team in a hole that would require the team to really dig their heals in down the homestretch. Junior Soto stopped the Comets in their trajectory toward a victory by getting a first period pin over his opponent at heavyweight. The teams traded forfeits at 106 and 113. To Jarvis Porcaro and Jasen Porras’s displeasure they each received a forfeit, bringing the team score to a deadlock at 36-36. Brady Friend came out with a lot of confidence and was able to secure a big pin to put the Whippets up 42-36. Adding to the excitement, the Comets were able to get the pin in the final match to tie up the dual meet.
After the excitement of the dual meet for fans, students, and coaches, it was determined by criteria letter F that Whitewater would win based on having filled more of the weight classes. This pushed the Whippets to 4-1 overall and 2-0 in the Rock Valley Conference “Valley” Standings.
The team is next in action on Tuesday night, January 14, when they travel to Edgerton to take on the Tiders of Edgerton and the Trojans of Beloit Turner. Both duals look to be good competitive matches for the Whippets as well to help prepare them for the upcoming tournament series less than one month away. Wrestling at Edgerton High School will begin at 5:00.
Article Submitted by John Schimming
Whitewater High School Head Wrestling Coach
jschimming@wwusd.org
Photos Courtesy of Bob Mischka
