Wrestlers prepare for state tournament

Shawano’s Drake Herm will represent the Hawks at the boys state wrestling tournament this weekend at the Kohl Center in Madison.

At the sectionals in Kimberly on Feb. 17, Herm battled in the finals match but lost 14-0. In his wrestle back, he pinned Ryan Schmidt of Kaukauna in 42 seconds to qualify for the state tournament. His first match was set for the afternoon of Feb. 22.

“Drake has done such a great job all year long,” coach Mike Homan said. “He continues to lead our team, and we are excited to watch him wrestle in Madison this weekend.”

Carsen Herm found his way to the finals where he lost by pin to Tanner Hart of Kimberly. He went on to the third-place match and won by fall in 52 seconds over Grant Harris of Hortonville.

“Carsen had a good year. It didn’t earn him a trip back to the state tournament, but he had a great season,” Homan said. “He has been a rock in our lineup the last three years, and his leadership and wrestling will be missed. We will especially miss the way he earned victories by pin in most matches.”

Carsen Herm has the school record for pins in a season at 28.

Drew Chelberg, Connor Chelberg and Brayen Boivin were all out after losing their first-round matches. Homan said all three wrestlers have good years ahead of them.

“Connor has been such a great wrestler for us the last two years,” Homan said. “He works tirelessly and has one of the best work ethics on the team. He has battled hard in every position, and his leadership will be missed. He is one of those special athletes that you cannot replace; you are just glad you had the opportunity to coach him.”

At 113, Dane Hodkiewicz had to medical forfeit due to an injury, after earning his way into the second round.

Oconto Falls Sectional

Several area wrestlers advanced to the state tournament after competing in the WIAA Division 2 sectionals at Oconto Falls on Feb. 17.

Wittenberg-Birnamwood’s Brooke Hoffman placed first at 185.

At 148, Cole Bozile (Oconto Falls) beat Colton Klug (Brillion) for second place.

At 144, Andres Sanchez (Wittenberg-Birnamwood) defeated Colin Meiselwitz (Elkhart Lake-Glenbeulah/Howards Grove) for second place.

In the second-place match at 165, Bryson Schmid (Wittenberg-Birnamwood) beat Vincent Cook (Freedom).

In the second-place match at 285, Owen Schultz (Wittenberg-Birnamwood) defeated Sam Keuler (Wrightstown).

At 106, Garrett Ganter (Oconto Falls) defeated Logan Boehnlein (Seymour) for third place.

The third-place battle at 190 saw Nick Trepanier (Oconto Falls) defeat Cooper Cappaert (Freedom) 5-3.

Ethan Brissette (Peshtigo) pinned Braeden Groshek (Wittenberg-Birnamwood) in 5:17 for third place at 157. Groshek finished in fourth place.