Merrill Varsity Boys Wrestling Team competes in Menasha Sectional

On Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025, the Merrill Varsity Boys Wrestling Team traveled to Menasha to compete in the highly competitive WIAA Division 1 Sectional Tournament, where they faced a deep field of talented wrestlers and teams.
“Leading the Bluejays was Remington Skic (132 lbs), who secured his spot at the WIAA State Tournament after a hard-fought performance,” said Merrill Varsity Head Wrestling Coach Brian Suchocki. “Skic’s determination and skill propelled him through the bracket, earning him a chance to compete at the Kohl Center in Madison.”
“Merrill’s Noah Klug (215 lbs) and Dusty Schmirler (106 lbs) came heartbreakingly close to joining him at State, each finishing in third place, just one spot shy of qualification,” he said. “Both grapplers showcased their grit and tenacity, battling through the brackets and leaving everything on the mat.”
“The rest of the Merrill squad faced tough opponents in the opening rounds. Six other wrestlers fought hard but were eliminated after their first matches,” Suchocki said. “Despite the early exits, their effort and commitment were evident throughout the day.”
“The Sectional also marked the end of high school wrestling careers for Carson Brooks and Callum Wheeler, two Senior leaders who have proudly represented Merrill over the years,” he said. “Brooks battled hard just to make it to Sectionals and had a great week of practice leading up to the event, but it wasn’t quite enough. I really enjoy his competitiveness.”

“Wheeler, a dynamic and skilled wrestler, lost a close battle in the first round to an opponent who later qualified for State,” Suchocki said. “I know Callum can compete with anyone. I’m proud of how he approached each practice this year.”
“Despite the tough ending, the Bluejays have plenty to look forward to. Broc Suchocki, Brett Suchocki, Hunter Opper, and Josh Gustum will all return next season, ready to build on their experiences,” he said. “Each has shown they can compete at a high level, and this season’s challenges will serve as motivation heading into next year.”
“With Remington Skic now set to represent Merrill at the WIAA State Tournament, the Bluejays will rally behind their qualifier as he prepares for the biggest stage in Wisconsin high school wrestling,” Suchocki said.
Skic will compete at the 82nd Annual Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association Individual Wrestling Tournament this Thursday, Feb. 27, at the Kohl Center in Madison. Tickets are available online on the WIAA website or at the Kohl Center.

Individual results for Merrill:

106 - Dustin Schmirler (32-14) placed 3rd and scored 13.0 team points.
120 - Broc Suchocki (28-15) place is unknown and scored 0.0 team points.
126 - Brett Suchocki (24-14) place is unknown and scored 0.0 team points.
132 - Remington Skic (34-10) placed 2nd and scored 15.5 team points.
144 - Callum Wheeler (30-13) place is unknown and scored 0.0 team points.
165 - Hunter Opper (24-11) place is unknown and scored 0.0 team points.
190 - Carson Brooks (24-15) place is unknown and scored 0.0 team points.
215 - Noah Klug (32-11) placed 3rd and scored 11.0 team points.
285 - Joshua Gustum (21-23) place is unknown and scored 0.0 team points.

Team Results:

1 Kaukauna 174.5
2 Wisconsin Rapids Lincoln 158.0
3 Hortonville 107.5
4 Neenah 88.0
5 D.C. Everest 86.5
6 Oshkosh West 75.0
7 Wausau West 43.5
8 Merrill 39.5
9 Stevens Point Area Sr. High 22.0
10 Appleton North 18.0
11 Appleton East 0.0
11 Appleton West 0.0
11 Kimberly 0.0
11 Menasha 0.0
11 Oshkosh North 0.0
11 Wausau East 0.0