On May 4 and 5, nine Merrill wrestlers competed at the state Freestyle and Greco-Roman tournament at the Woodside Sports Complex, in Wisconsin Dells. The Freestyle competition was on the first day and Greco-Roman was on the second day. Competitors from all over the state came to compete. The age range started at 10U and ended with the junior division which is made up of mostly sophomores, juniors and seniors in high school. Boys and girls are divided into separate divisions as well.
The six Merrill wrestlers that competed in both styles were; Brett Suchocki, Austin Depies, Ryder Depies Wyatt Bathke, Tanner Depies and Walker Bathke. Allison Hunter and Tristan Brewington competed in Freestyle and Trevor Schenzel competed in Greco-Roman.
Five of the nine wrestlers were able to come home with some hardware. Ryder and Wyatt would place in both styles of wrestling. Ryder took second place in Greco-Roman and fourth in freestyle. Wyatt Bathke took sixth place in both styles. Austin (sixth place) and Allison (second place), both placed in freestyle. Walker Bathke placed second in Greco-Roman.
“Overall this was a good performance for the Merrill wrestlers, having three state finalists and competing so well at the state level,” said Merrill varsity wrestling head coach Brian Suchocki. “It was good to see them compete. Even the wrestlers that didn’t placed gained some valuable experience. The extra work will always pay off.”
