Jared Schmeltzer
Reporter
The Merrill varsity wrestling team sent four wrestlers to the WIAA Division 1 Sectional Tournament in Wisconsin Rapids on Saturday, Feb. 22. Three of the Bluejay wrestlers would fall in their first match, however Merrill’s heavyweight (285 pound class) Zach Iribarren would go undefeated on the day to earn his spot in the WIAA Division 1 State Tournament.
In his first match of the day, Iribarren (44-2) would score a pin in the second round agaisnt Dean Nash of Eau Claire North. His second match of the day saw a tight contest against Taylor Pahl (Chippewa Falls), with Iribarren coming out on top by 9-7 decision. The first place match saw Iribarren face off with Girard Jones of Menomonie. The match was tied after three rounds forcing a tie-breaker where Iribarren was able to score a takedown and come out with the sectional title.
At 160 pounds Merrill’s Ryder Depies made his first apperance at the sectional tournament where he would fall to Ross Kaz (Chippewa Falls) by pin in the second round. The Bluejays 170 pounder Casey Hoffman would suffer a similar fate, falling in his first match to Garrett Borth (River Falls) by a 7-3 decision. Walker Bathke had a tough first match of sectionals as well, falling by pin in just 30 seconds to Ryan Muller of New Richmond.
The WIAA Division 1 State tournament will begin on Thursday, Feb. 27, at the Kohl Center in Madison. Weigh-ins are set for 1:30 p.m. with the action beginning at 3 p.m.