Witt-Birn’s Gauderman places 4th at state wrestling tournament

Wittenberg-Birnamwood High School sophomore David Gauderman posted a 2-2 record to place fourth in the 220-pound weight class at the Division 3 WIAA State Individual Wrestling Tournament on Feb. 13 at Wausau East High School.

“I expected to place this year, it didn’t surprise me that I did,” said Gauderman. “Obviously, it’s not where I wanted to finish this year, but it’s still quite an accomplishment.”

The sophomore’s first state appearance started with an 8-3 decision win in the quarterfinals.

Gauderman got the first takedown in the match and was able to maintain the top position for the rest of the period. Gauderman chose the bottom position in the second period and pulled off a reversal to go up 4-0.

After his opponent escaped, Gauderman got another takedown. His opponent escaped again to make it 6-2 heading to the final period.

Starting in the neutral position, Gauderman earned another takedown to up his lead. His opponent eventually escaped again, but soon time ran out.

In his semifinal match, Gauderman was pinned late in the second period.

Gauderman fell behind in the first period before tying it with a reversal. His opponent escaped to make it 3-2 entering the second period.

His opponent chose the bottom position and escaped after about 20 seconds. He later took down Gauderman before getting the pin at the 3 minute, 42 second mark of the match.

Gauderman bounced back with a 9-5 decision win in the consolation semifinals.

The Witt-Birn wrestler earned the only points in the first period with a takedown. Gauderman escaped from the bottom position early in the second period, but was then taken down, trimming his lead to 3-2.

Gauderman earned two more points in the period, one on a penalty and another on an escape.

In the final period, Gauderman earned four points on two takedowns to hold on for the win.

In the third-place match, Gauderman lost by pin in the third period.

The Witt-Birn sophomore was taken down first in the opening period, but escaped to make it 2-1. His opponent escaped for the lone point in the second period.

In the final period, Gauderman escaped to trim his deficit to one, but was then taken down and eventually pinned.

“In the matches I lost I just made a few too many mistakes,” said Gauderman. “And in the matches I won, I didn’t make any.”

Gauderman’s 2-2 record at state pushed the wrestler’s season record to 18-3.

He’s hoping his state experience this year will help him as he prepares for the final two years of his high school career.

“It teaches me that there will always be someone better than you out there, and that you just have to outwork them if you want to beat them when it counts,” said Gauderman.

ONLINE

For full state results, visit www.trackwrestling.com.

sports@newmedia-wi.com