4 Lena wrestlers make M&O all-conference list

3 Gillett/Suring wrestlers recognized
By: 
Morgan Rode
Sports Editor

The Lena and Gillett/Suring wrestling teams each had multiple athletes recognized by the Marinette & Oconto Conference.

The conference did not break the all-conference wrestlers down between a first, second and honorable mention team, instead releasing one list.

Lena

Senior Kevin Chang and the sophomore trio of Dylan Comins, Sam Marquardt and Luke Misco were named to the all-conference list for Lena.

Chang enjoyed a strong final season, going 11-2 on the mat. He wrestled most of the year at 126 pounds before dropping down to 120 late in the season.

“The honor honestly feels great,” said Chang. “I never would have thought I was good at the sport, but now that I actually got mentioned, it’s a crazy thought.”

Comins wrestled at 106 pounds for the Wildcats. He finished the season with a 16-3 record.

“I just treated them (conference matches) like any other match — just went out and did my thing,” said Comins.

Comins was the lone Lena wrestler to qualify for state.

“It’s pretty cool that I got all-conference,” said Comins. “Last season I wasn’t even a contender.”

Marquardt finished the season with a 12-5 record, with most of his losses coming at the 138 weight class. He competed in the 132 class during the postseason, and placed first at regionals to qualify for sectionals for a second straight year.

“I approached every match the same, believing that I could win,” said Marquardt. “I always practiced hard throughout the week to get prepared for the matches. Working hard is how I achieved this honor.”

Misco put together another strong season on the mats before breaking his leg just days before the postseason began. He was a state qualifier as a freshman.

Misco finished his season with a 10-1 record, primarily wrestling at 113 pounds.

“I cannot wait to be back on the mat,” said Misco. “This year has made me appreciate every match, and every opportunity I have to wrestle and improve myself. I plan to come back strong and give all of my effort to bring the best person and wrestler I can be.”

Gillett/Suring

Sophomore Keegan Rattin and freshmen Trent VanDenElzen and Carter Whisman all made the all-conference list for the Gillett/Suring co-op.

Rattin finished with an 11-4 record on the season.

“I approached my matches like anyone else would — a little nervous at first but then realizing no matter what to always try your hardest and set your mind to a specific goal and conquer it which leads to great achievements,” said Rattin.

VanDenElzen capped the year with a 9-4 mark.

Whisman finished 3-9 on the season.

“This award is something that most athletes do not expect to get their freshman year and it is a great achievement that I am happy to receive,” said Whisman.

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