By Jared Schmeltzer
Reporter
On March 22 and 23 eight Merrill youth wrestlers competed in the State Folkstyle tournament, held at the Aliant Energy Center in Madison. Four Bluejay wrestlers were able to bring home hardware, Braxton Bartelt and Madlyn Hunter both placed second, Allison Hunter took third place and Emersyn Graap placed fourth.
“The state tournament was a great experience and a great challenge.” explains Merrill varsity wrestling coach Brian Suchocki, “It was good to see Braxton compete. He will be at the high school next year where he will work to improve skills,”
Madlyn Hunter was dominate on the way to the finals pinning all of her opponents. “Even though she fell short of winning her final match she competed hard and always has a smile on her face,” adds Suchocki.
Allison Hunter was very determined after she lost her first match of the tournament 2-0. “She stayed focused after the loss and wrestled two dominant matches in the consolation bracket. Allison then faced the same opponent she lost to in the first round for third place where Allison battled to a 3-0 victory.” said Suchocki.
Graap competed at her first state tournament and fought her way to 4th place. “Emersyn did a nice job all day and it was great to see her make to the awards stand,” comments coach Suchocki.
All the Merrill wrestlers qualified at the largest of eight state qualifiers in Merrill on March 16. The Merrill qualifier had 593 competitors which was 50 more then the next largest and 200 more then the smallest. 11 other Merrill wrestlers competed there but fell short of reaching the state tournament.
“As a program it’s good to see our wrestlers working hard and training to become better wrestlers.” adds Suchocki, “It was a very good season for all of the Merrill wrestlers.”