From seasoned seniors to ambitious freshmen, Racine County’s wrestling talent is dominating the mats this season. These athletes exemplify dedication and skill, making significant impacts on their teams and setting the stage for promising futures.
5 Racine County high school wrestling stars of the week: Jan. 7 edition
Key Takeaways:
- Union Grove’s senior Dummer dominates at 157 pounds with a 20-1 record.
- Case High School’s freshman Boudreaux impresses with a strong start at 126 pounds.
- Burlington’s junior Skrundz continues a family legacy with notable performances.
- Horlick’s freshman Stiel quickly rises in girls wrestling, winning tournaments with ease.
- Waterford’s junior Goetzke shows significant improvement, hinting at future success.
The wrestling mats of Racine County are witnessing a surge of exceptional talent. From the unwavering dominance of seasoned seniors to the unexpected prowess of ambitious freshmen, five high school wrestlers are making headlines with their remarkable performances.
Dummer’s Dominance at Union Grove
Senior wrestler Dummer of Union Grove High School is on a trajectory that mirrors his outstanding junior year, where he finished third at 144 pounds in the WIAA Division 1 state tournament. Now competing at 157 pounds, Dummer boasts an impressive 20-1 record , with his only setback being a narrow 3-2 decision against Declan Koch of Neenah, who is currently ranked first in the state at that weight.
“Even in that match to Declan Koch, the No. 1 kid at 157, it was a 3-2 match, so he has been in every single match,” said Union Grove coach Andy Weis . “And he’s not just winning. He’s dominating. He’s got 11 pins and eight tech falls on the year.”
Dummer’s calm confidence on the mat has not gone unnoticed. With plans to wrestle for Division III Augsburg University in Minnesota, he is set to continue his wrestling journey beyond high school.
Boudreaux Makes an Impactful Debut at Case
At Case High School, freshman Boudreaux is rapidly making a name for himself in the 126-pound division. Holding a 20-6 record , including 9-1 with three pins in tournament play , his dedication is evident.
“He never misses a practice. He works hard, he’s dedicated, and he does stuff during the offseason,” praised longtime Case coach Dave Edwards . “He’s a perfect example of a guy who wants to be successful in wrestling.”
Boudreaux’s impressive start hints at a bright future, as he continues to outpace expectations typically set for a newcomer.
Skrundz Continues the Legacy at Burlington
The Skrundz family has long been synonymous with wrestling success at Burlington High School. Junior Patrick Skrundz is upholding that tradition, starting the season with a 12-4 record at 132 pounds after an impressive 43-11 record as a sophomore.
“Patrick gives you everything he can do,” said Burlington coach Jade Gribble . “He wrestles good sometimes and not as good in others, but he always has high-level effort. He’s a hard-working kid, he loves the sport of wrestling, and he’s a young man who puts the time in.”
Aiming for the state podium, Skrundz is determined to take the next step in his wrestling career, building on the foundations laid by his brothers, Jake and Austin.
Stiel’s Swift Rise in Girls Wrestling
Freshman April Stiel of Horlick High School is a burgeoning talent in girls wrestling. Competing at 107 pounds for the Park/Horlick Co-op team, Stiel recently clinched victory at the Waukesha West Invitational , pinning all three of her opponents in the first period.
“She’s a first-year wrestler; she’s working hard, and she’s learning as we go along,” noted coach Adrian Langlois . “At the tournament, all of her pins were in the first period, and it was really a pretty dominant performance by her.”
With her rapid ascent in the sport, Stiel exemplifies the potential for growth and success in girls wrestling.
Goetzke Finds His Stride at Waterford
Junior Grady Goetzke of Waterford High School is demonstrating significant improvement in the 132-pound weight class. Despite his 8-11 record , Goetzke showcased a breakthrough performance at the E.H. Stech Invitational , where he pinned three opponents to qualify among the top 12.
“He’s had the toughest schedule on the team so far, he’s been in a lot of battles, and at the tournament, he had a breakthrough,” said Waterford coach Abe Graziano . “He won three matches in dominating fashion… Not giving up is starting to pay off for him.”
Goetzke’s perseverance is beginning to yield results, signaling that he’s finding his rhythm on the mat.
A Promising Future Ahead
These athletes’ achievements reflect the dedication and hard work permeating high school wrestling in Racine County. As they continue to hone their skills and chase their goals, they not only elevate their own careers but also inspire teammates and future wrestlers.
With such a wealth of talent emerging, the future of wrestling in Racine County looks brighter than ever, promising thrilling matches and remarkable stories in the seasons to come.