Shawano wrestling team looking to three-peat in Bay

The Shawano Community High School wrestling team made history during the 2018-19 season when it won its first-ever Bay Conference title. The Hawks also won the title last season, and the team believes it has the wrestlers to claim the crown again this winter.

Shawano, which is coached by Mike Homan, graduated a couple of standout wrestlers from last year’s team, but still has plenty of experienced and talented wrestlers back on the mat this season.

A group of seven seniors — Nick Kohn (285), Gage Timm (160), Colten Herm (145), Carter Schmidt (145), Reef Anthony (132), Trace Yeager (195) and Wyatt Brandt (126) — will lead the way.

“To get three straight conference titles, we are going to have to be focused every day at practice, because now we got the target on our back and other teams will be doing everything they can to stop us from doing so,” said Timm, who hopes to end his year at state, if there is a state tournament. “So we just need to keep working and not overlook anyone.”

Also back with varsity experience are juniors Andrew Popp (170), Noah Jones (138) and Brady Stomberg (106) and sophomores Connor Majeski (120) and Hayden Stange (132).

Herm, Timm and Popp all finished with perfect dual records in Bay matches last season to make the all-conference first team. Jones and Kohn landed on the second team.

Homan also likes the group of freshmen that will be getting their first taste of high school wrestling and believes they will help the team as the season progresses.

“The challenges we will face this season are way different than ever before,” said Homan. “We will be competing less and wearing more protective gear than ever in an effort to stay healthy. We need to stay sharp and continue working hard as the season progresses towards the end.”

Homan knows the conference will test the Hawks each and every night, with each team bringing their own unique challenge.

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