Athlete Profile: Pierson Potrykus

WITTENBERG — After putting together a strong freshman season capped by a state appearance, Wittenberg-Birnamwood High School sophomore Pierson Potrykus turned in another strong season this winter to help the team win a conference title and place well at several other invitationals and tournaments.

Potrykus came in second in the 113-pound weight class at the Central Wisconsin Conference Tournament on Feb. 8 in Almond before winning the 113 class at the Division 2 Waupaca regional Feb. 15.

Potrykus just missed out on qualifying for a second-straight state berth, placing fourth at a tough Division 2 Oconto Falls sectional Saturday.

Earlier in the season, the sophomore helped the Chargers post a perfect record in CWC duals.

“Pierson is a hard-working and talented wrestler,” said Witt-Birn coach Troy Ostrowski. “He brings a lot of leadership skills to this team while being an underclassman. He is a great individual to coach and have in the wrestling room. Not only does he help his teammates with his physical skills, but they also see the mentality he brings to practice.”

Q: When did your interest in wrestling begin?

A: I’ve been going to wrestling matches for my brothers (Braxton and Stetson) since I was born, but my interest started when I was around 4 years old when I went to my first practices.

Q: What is your favorite part about the wrestling season?

A: Being around the team and winning with the team is by far my favorite part of the season.

Q: What about wrestling appeals to you?

A: What appeals to me is that the hardest workers will always do better in the sport, and work ethic will always trump talent.

Q: When you step on the mat, what do you hope to accomplish?

A: I hope to never leave the mat knowing I didn’t give it my all.

Q: After making it to state as a freshman, how did you handle expectations and opponent’s best shots this season?

A: I just treated every match as if it’s the state finals and knew if I did that, I’d meet my expectations. To me, that’s all that matters.

Q: Your team recently won the Central Wisconsin Conference Tournament. What was that experience like for you?

A: It was a great experience with the team to win conference for the first time since 2016 when my brothers last won it.

Q: Favorite TV show, movie and musical artist?

A: TV show — “The Mandalorian.” Movie — “The Wolf on Wall Street.” Musical artist — Trippie Redd.

Q: Who is your favorite athlete, and why?

A: My favorite athlete is Giannis Antetokounmpo because of his work ethic and still being humble after winning a MVP.

Q: Name one thing about yourself that not many people know.

A: I’ve been featured by the official Slim Jim’s Instagram before.

Q: What is your favorite thing to do when you are not in school or competing in a high school sport?

A: Staying up late playing Xbox with the boys.

Q: What’s the greatest piece of advice you have ever been told?

A: Everyone’s human, and everyone is beatable.

Q: You have a couple years left in high school. Do you have any goals you’d like to accomplish athletically by the time you graduate?

A: My two goals for high school are to bring WBHS a team and individual state title in wrestling.

AT A GLANCE

Athlete: Pierson Potrykus

Sport: Wrestling

Weight class: 113

School: Wittenberg-Birnamwood High School

Year: Sophomore