Tag: Wisconsin Wrestlers

May 22, 2025

Class of 2025 College Signings

As the Class of 2025 graduation approaches, a notable group of Wisconsin high school seniors have made their commitments to wrestle at colleges and universities nationwide.
At the moment, we're aware of 104 commits!

As always, if we missed anyone, please bring it my attention or send an e-mail to wiscograppler@gmail.com and indicate the wrestler’s name, wrestler’s high school, and the college choice.

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Wrestler	School	High School	Division
Nathaniel Taylor	Allen University	Menomonee Falls	NCAA Div 2
Caleb Cady	Appalachian State University	Pewaukee	NCAA Div 1
Carter Freeman	Augsburg University	Wisconsin Rapids	NCAA Div 3
Cole Dummer	Augsburg University	Union Grove	NCAA Div 3
Devon Lietzau	Augsburg University	Sparta	NCAA Div 3
Owen Griesbach	Augsburg University	Marshfield	NCAA Div 3
Treynor Curtin	Augsburg University	Reedsburg	NCAA Div 3
Gabriel Larkin	Briar Cliff	Wausau West	NAIA
Hunter VanderHeiden	California Baptist University	Freedom	NCAA Div 1
Abby Jutrzonka	Carthage College	Racine Case	NCAA Div 3
Bopasoreya Quintana	Carthage College	Sun Prairie	NCAA Div 3
Crystal Gutierrez	Carthage College	Indian Trail	NCAA Div 3
Juley Belasco	Carthage College	Oconomowoc	NCAA Div 3
Kade Rule	Chattanooga	Mineral Point	NCAA Div 1
Kaleb Lodahl	Concordia College	Cadott	NCAA Div 3
Tyson Skubal	Concordia University	Lakeland Union	NCAA Div 3
Ethan Hady	Cornell College	Richland Center	NCAA Div 3
Owen West	Cornell College	Beloit Memorial	NCAA Div 3
Turner Campbell	Cumberlands	Holmen	NAIA
Colton Weiler	Dubuque	Auburndale	NCAA Div 3
Logan Marshall	Ellsworth Community College	Jefferson	JUCO
Katherine McElhose	Elmhurst	Brookwood	NCAA Div 3
Isiah Guerrero	Gardner Webb	Waukesha West	NCAA Div 1
Logan Mueller	Gardner Webb	Brillion	NCAA Div 1
Peyton Lee	Grand View University	Kaukauna	NAIA
Amadi Cameron	Indian Hills	West Allis Central	JUCO
Blake Thiry	Indiana University (Football)	Prairie Du Chien	NCAA Div 1
Lincoln McCarty	Iowa Lakes Community College	River Falls	JUCO
Breyson Kelley	Lakeland University	Florence	NCAA Div 3
Caleb Hillshafer	Lakeland University	West Bend East	NCAA Div 3
Hudzon Sebesta-Opelt	Lakeland University	Neillsville/Greenw./Loyal	NCAA Div 3
Jacob Hillshafer	Lakeland University	West Bend East	NCAA Div 3
Katherine Sillars	Lakeland University	Durand	NCAA Div 3
Logan Schwinger	Lakeland University	Rhinelander	NCAA Div 3
Mason Hansen	Lakeland University	Kaukauna	NCAA Div 3
Rigoberto Tellez	Lakeland University	Oostburg	NCAA Div 3
Faith Bartoszek	Lehigh	Wrightstown	NCAA Div 1
Aidan Gruenenfelder	Loras College	Pecatonica/Argyle	NCAA Div 3
Blake Endres	Loras College	Belleville	NCAA Div 3
Brode Brokopp	Loras College	Iowa-Grant	NCAA Div 3
Carson Menehan	Loras College	Monroe	NCAA Div 3
Conner Brimeyer	Loras College	Cuba City	NCAA Div 3
Jonathon Lamprich	Loras College	Holmen	NCAA Div 3
Kadyn Davis	Loras College	Belmont-Platteville	NCAA Div 3
Lennon Ewert	Loras College	Mineral Point	NCAA Div 3
Owen Seffrood	Loras College	Darlington/Blackhawk	NCAA Div 3
Ross Crist	Loras College	Darlington/ Black Hawk	NCAA Div 3
Trevor Paulson	Loras College	Aquinas	NCAA Div 3
Cadence Zwiefel	Loras College (Football)	Sparta	NCAA Div 3
Ben Helminski	Luther College	Menomonie	NCAA Div 3
Jaxon Smith	Luther College	Marinette	NCAA Div 3
Caleb Pekrul	Milwaukee School of Engineering	Hartford	NCAA Div 3
Natalie Klavetter	North Central	Hudson	NCAA Div 3
Brook Corrigan	Oklahoma State	De Pere	NCAA Div 1
Espyn Sweers	Ottawa University	Mauston	NAIA
Landyn Freeman	Ripon College (Baseball)	Wisconsin Rapids	NCAA Div 3
Gunner Johnson	Rochester Community and Technical College	GET/MM	JUCO
Will Schmitt	Sacred Heart	St Croix Central	NCAA Div 1
Jacob Herm	South Dakota State University	Neenah	NCAA Div 1
Liam Neitzel	South Dakota State University	Hudson	NCAA Div 1
Cole Bozile	St. Cloud State University	Oconto Falls	NCAA Div 2
Ethan Bast	St. Cloud State University	West Bend West	NCAA Div 2
Owen Sjoberg	St. Cloud State University	Watertown	NCAA Div 2
Matthew Barlay	University of Chicago	Franklin	NCAA Div 3
Co'Ji Campbell	University of Illinois	Kenosha	NCAA Div 1
Danny Heiser	University of Missouri	Evansville	NCAA Div 1
Tristan Steldt	University of Pittsburgh	Fennimore	NCAA Div 1
Caleb Dennee	University of Wisconsin	Marshfield	NCAA Div 1
Collin McDowell	University of Wisconsin	Arrowhead	NCAA Div 1
Devin Bobzien	University of Wisconsin	Milton	NCAA Div 1
Peter Tomazevic	University of Wisconsin	Freedom	NCAA Div 1
Roen Carey	University of Wisconsin	Mineral Point	NCAA Div 1
Ty Imhoff	University of Wisconsin	Highland	NCAA Div 1
Trenton Cournoyer	University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire	Stratford	NCAA Div 2
Blaklee Bastien	University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire	Luxemburg-Casco	NCAA Div 3
Mason Dewing	University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire	Crandon	NCAA Div 3
Wyatt Unser	University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire	Glenwood City	NCAA Div 3
Kellen Kelly	University of Wisconsin-La Crosse	Saint Croix Falls	NCAA Div 3
Carter Lueck	University of Wisconsin-La Crosse	Stratford	NCAA Div 3
Aiden Slama	University of Wisconsin-La Crosse	Milton	NCAA Div 3
Ashton Meister	University of Wisconsin-La Crosse	Poynette	NCAA Div 3
Braedon Dorshorst	University of Wisconsin-La Crosse	Lodi	NCAA Div 3
Carter McDaniel	University of Wisconsin-La Crosse	Weyauwega-Fremont	NCAA Div 3
Henry VanderHeiden	University of Wisconsin-La Crosse	Freedom	NCAA Div 3
Jayden DeLao	University of Wisconsin-La Crosse	Central	NCAA Div 3
Mycah Beckett	University of Wisconsin-La Crosse	De Pere	NCAA Div 3
Ryland Schneider	University of Wisconsin-La Crosse	Oshkosh West	NCAA Div 3
Allison Weiss	University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh	Holmen	NCAA Div 3
Ethan Wusterbarth	University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh	Oconto	NCAA Div 3
Evelyn Hurley	University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh	Peshtigo	NCAA Div 3
Haley Dezelske	University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh	Holmen	NCAA Div 3
Joe Beavers	University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh	Hustisford	NCAA Div 3
Nick Jenkins	University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh	Kaukauna	NCAA Div 3
Nina Sanfilippo	University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh	Muskego	NCAA Div 3
Nathan Lanz-Messman	University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh	Menasha	NCAA DIV 3
Deacon Allen	University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh	Plymouth	NCAA Div 3
Ben Kienbaum	University of Wisconsin-Parkside	Kiel	NCAA Div 2
Edwyn Schroeder	University of Wisconsin-Parkside	Oshkosh West	NCAA Div 2
Elijah Terrell	University of Wisconsin-Parkside	Slinger	NCAA Div 2
Guy Fraley	University of Wisconsin-Parkside	Homestead	NCAA Div 2
Jarvis Porcaro	University of Wisconsin-Parkside	Whitewater	NCAA Div 2
Lincoln Flayter	University of Wisconsin-Parkside	Hartford	NCAA Div 2
Nathan Stiebs	University of Wisconsin-Parkside	Germantown	NCAA Div 2
Nolan Skebba	University of Wisconsin-Parkside	Hortonville	NCAA Div 2
Sullivan Ramos	University of Wisconsin-Parkside	Kenosha Indian Trail	NCAA Div 2
Tanner Gormanson	University of Wisconsin-Parkside	Wisconsin Rapids	NCAA Div 2
Thomas Reilly	University of Wisconsin-Parkside	Kenosha Bradford	NCAA Div 2
Landon Colson	University of Wisconsin-Platteville	Janesville Craig	NCAA Div 3
Owen Becker	University of Wisconsin-Platteville	Germantown	NCAA Div 3
Adam Whittier	University of Wisconsin-Platteville	Mukwonago	NCAA Div 3
Avery Femrite	University of Wisconsin-Platteville	Beaver Dam	NCAA Div 3
Luke Kamish	University of Wisconsin-Platteville	New Richmond	NCAA Div 3
Mason Mandurano	University of Wisconsin-Platteville	Belmont/Platteville	NCAA Div 3
Addison Gratz-Maag	University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point	Eau Claire Memorial	NCAA Div 3
Amerrah Kayon	University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point	Shoreland Lutheran	NCAA Div 3
Amiya Leverance	University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point	Nekoosa	NCAA Div 3
Carissa Vagt	University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point	Superior	NCAA Div 3
Deakin Trotzer	University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point	DC Everest	NCAA Div 3
Ethan Hoyer	University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point	Brillion	NCAA Div 3
Hunter Bozile	University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point	Oconto Falls	NCAA Div 3
Johnathan Krager	University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point	Chippewa Falls	NCAA Div 3
Julia Van Buren	University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point	Madison West	NCAA Div 3
Katelyn Nosbisch	University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point	Black River Falls	NCAA Div 3
Madalyn Sokolski	University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point	Bonduel	NCAA Div 3
Micahlee Skjerly	University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point	Barron	NCAA Div 3
Owen Hansen	University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point	Waupaca	NCAA Div 3
Rosemary Triggs	University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point	Whitefish Bay	NCAA Div 3
Zak Wrobel	University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point	Sturgeon Bay	NCAA Div 3
Ben Guerra	University of Wisconsin-Whitewater	Burlington	NCAA Div 3
Conner Markiewicz	University of Wisconsin-Whitewater	Coleman	NCAA Div 3
Grant Braskamp	University of Wisconsin-Whitewater	Waupun	NCAA Div 3
Hunter Szyszkiewicz	University of Wisconsin-Whitewater	Mukwonago	NCAA Div 3
James Bratz	University of Wisconsin-Whitewater	Shoreland Lutheran	NCAA Div 3
Kenny Vaughn	University of Wisconsin-Whitewater	Kenosha Indian Trail	NCAA Div 3
Ava Gardner	Wartburg	Marshfield	NCAA Div 3
Cailyn Whittier	Wartburg	Mukwonago	NCAA Div 3
Eli Rabideau	Wartburg	Germantown	NCAA Div 3
Hailie Krueger	Wartburg	New London	NCAA Div 3
Makenzie Usher	Wartburg	Milton	NCAA Div 3
Marshall Hanke	Wartburg	Lomira	NCAA Div 3
Syler Zdanczewicz	Wartburg	Fennimore	NCAA Div 3
Nash Banko	West Point	Oostburg	NCAA Div 1
Jonas Longsdorf	University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point	River Falls	NCAA Div 3
Jacob Range	Iowa Lakes Community College	River Falls	JUCO
Nick Trepanier	Iowa Lakes Community College	Oconto Falls	JUCO
Vinny Costabilo	Iowa Lakes Community College	River Falls	JUCO
Kyler Walske	University of Wisconsin- Stevens Point	Mishicot	NCAA Div 3
Lane Andersen	Milwaukee School of Engineering	Amery	NCAA Div 3
Kylie Miller	Luther College	Saint Croix Falls	NCAA Div3

January 22, 2025

Rankings Released & New Gear

Updated Rankings: D1, D2, D3

The latest wrestling rankings are here! As the season progresses, we’re seeing more stability in the weight classes as wrestlers settle into their spots.

Girls rankings are in the works and will be released later this week.

WI Grappler Gear

Want to support the team that provides you with these accurate and up-to-date rankings? Check out our gear store! We’ve just added an incredibly soft sweatshirt that’s perfect for chilly nights. By purchasing gear, you’re directly supporting our continued efforts to bring you the most comprehensive and reliable wrestling information in the state.

Grappler Girls Logo Structured Twill Cap
$24.99 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
WI Grappler Wide mouth water bottle
$24.95 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Super Soft Embroidered WI Grappler Logo Hoodie
Price range: $40.00 through $42.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Wisconsin Grappler Embroidered Structured Twill Cap
$24.99 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Wisconsin Grappler Logo Under Armour® hoodie
Price range: $63.00 through $65.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Women’s Mat Logo crop top
$22.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Wisconsin Grappler Fleece shorts
Price range: $31.95 through $33.95 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Top Ranked Grappler Tee Unisex t-shirt
Price range: $19.50 through $28.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page

October 22, 2024January 7, 2025

2024-25 Wrestling Season Rule Changes Explained

Big Changes for the ’24-25 Wrestling Season

The NFHS has implemented some key rule changes for high school wrestling, impacting everything from scoring to referee signals. Here’s a quick rundown of what to expect:

Out of Bounds: Wrestlers will now be considered inbounds with just one point of contact touching the mat or boundary line. This should make calls more consistent and easier to understand. This isn’t only for takedowns; it will effect reversals and escapes as well as pinning situations.
Near-Fall Points: The scoring system for near-falls has been simplified. Wrestlers will earn between 2-4 points based on the duration they hold their opponent in a near-fall position. This rewards sustained dominance and encourages working towards a pin.
Takedown Power: Good news for offensive wrestlers! Scoring a takedown will now earn a wrestler three points instead of two.
Farewell 10-Foot Circle: The previously used 10-foot circle is no longer mandatory. Wrestlers be encouraged to “stay in the center of the mat” instead of “within the 10-foot circle.”
Universal Time-Out: Referees will now use a standard hands-to-chest signal for timeouts, aligning with other sports.

These changes aim to improve clarity, consistency, and encourage a more offensive style of wrestling. Be sure to check out the official NFHS website for a complete breakdown of the new rules. Each state has the autonomy to decide which rule changes from NFHS gets adopted to ensure sports are governed in a way that is appropriate for their specific state and the needs of their member schools. You can review the WIAA’s summary here.

What are your thoughts on these rule changes? How do you think they will impact the upcoming Wisconsin high school wrestling season? Share your comments below!

August 11, 2024August 11, 2024

Rankings by Class: ’24-25 Season

July 25, 2024August 11, 2024

Why Rankings Are More Than “Bullshit Lists from Washed Up Fat Guys”

Four years ago, we noticed a gap in the Wisconsin high school wrestling scene – there wasn’t a reliable and comprehensive rankings system in place. In an effort to address this issue, we founded Wisconsin Grappler, with the goal of providing accurate and up-to-date rankings for wrestlers and teams throughout the state.

Whether you’re a fan, a coach, or a wrestler, understanding how rankings work can add a whole new level of excitement to the sport. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at the importance of rankings in high school wrestling, and why they matter more than you might initially think.

Benefits of Rankings

Rankings are important for several reasons, including providing recognition and motivation to wrestlers and teams, playing a role in the seeding process for wrestling tournaments, and serving as a tool for colleges and universities to identify and recruit talented wrestlers. Rankings also generate excitement among spectators and increase attendance at matches.

Recognition & Motivation

Rankings are more than just a list of names and numbers; they serve as a powerful tool for recognition and motivation in high school wrestling. Whether you’re a wrestler or a fan, seeing your name or your team’s name on the rankings can be a major source of pride and motivation.

Rankings can also motivate wrestlers and teams to work harder and strive for improvement. A high ranking can provide a goal to strive towards, while a lower ranking can serve as a reminder that there’s always room for improvement. Additionally, rankings can create a sense of competition and drive wrestlers and teams to perform at their best in order to maintain or improve their ranking.

Being ranked can also provide exposure for wrestlers and teams. Coaches, recruiters, and fans often use rankings to identify talented wrestlers and teams to follow. Exposure can lead to opportunities for scholarships, sponsorships, and recognition within the wrestling community.

Seeding:

The seeding process involves assigning each wrestler a seed or ranking within their weight class based on their past performance, skill level, and overall record. Wrestlers with higher seeds are typically placed on opposite sides of the bracket, so they won’t face each other until later rounds of the tournament. This gives them a better chance of advancing further in the tournament.

If a wrestler is highly ranked going into a tournament, they may receive a higher seed than a wrestler who is unranked or ranked lower. This can mean that the highly ranked wrestler will face easier opponents in the early rounds of the tournament, which can help them conserve energy for tougher matches later on.

However, rankings are not the only factor considered in the seeding process. Tournament organizers may also take into account other factors, such as head-to-head matchups, recent performance, and overall strength of schedule. So, while rankings can play a role in the seeding process, they are not the only determining factor.

Recruitment:

College wrestling coaches often rely on rankings to help identify and recruit talented high school wrestlers. Rankings provide a useful starting point for coaches who are looking to build a competitive college wrestling program. Coaches will typically use a variety of sources for rankings, including national high school wrestling associations, wrestling websites, and regional/state rankings. These rankings can help coaches identify wrestlers who have achieved success at the high school level, have demonstrated consistent performance, and have the potential to make an impact at the college level.

Rankings can also help coaches evaluate a wrestler’s potential fit within their team’s needs. For example, if a college team is lacking in wrestlers in a particular weight class, they may focus their recruiting efforts on high school wrestlers who are highly ranked in that weight class. Additionally, rankings can help coaches prioritize their recruiting efforts, as they may have limited resources and time to devote to recruiting. Coaches may focus their attention on highly-ranked wrestlers who have expressed interest in their program or have a history of success at the state or national level.

Spectator interest:

Rankings can generate excitement among spectators by creating a buzz around top-ranked wrestlers and teams. Fans enjoy following the progress of their favorite wrestlers and rooting for their success. The anticipation of seeing top-ranked wrestlers compete against each other or against lower-ranked opponents can increase attendance at matches.

Rankings can also help build rivalries between teams or individual wrestlers, which can lead to higher levels of excitement and anticipation for matches. Fans may be more likely to attend matches featuring high-ranked wrestlers or teams, knowing that they are likely to witness competitive and exciting matches.

But there’s always a critic…

However, some criticisms of rankings include their subjectivity, potential to create pressure for wrestlers and teams to perform, and limited sample size. Let’s dive into each of these topics:

Accuracy:

There are valid concerns about the accuracy of rankings and how they can be subjective. Ranking systems are often created by individuals or organizations with their own biases and preferences, and these factors can influence the rankings. Additionally, rankings can be affected by a variety of factors that may be difficult to quantify or compare, such as injuries, strength of schedule, and recent performance.

Rankings systems often rely on limited data and may not take into account all relevant factors. For example, a wrestler who performs well in one tournament may be ranked highly, but if they do not perform as well in other tournaments, their ranking may not accurately reflect their overall ability.

To address these concerns, the WI Grappler ranking system attempt to be as objective as possible by using a variety of statistical measures, such as win-loss records, head-to-head results, and strength of schedule, to rank wrestlers. We also incorporate input from coaches, experts, and other stakeholders to ensure that the rankings are as accurate and unbiased as possible. We also provide all of the data behind these decisions by showing you the exact wins and losses we took into account in the process. It’s our method of being transparent and clear about our thought process, which we are always open to discussing. That’s precisely why we have the “Who Beat Who” portion of our website.

Pressure:

Rankings can put a significant amount of pressure on wrestlers and teams to perform at a high level, which can lead to burnout or injury. Athletes may feel like they constantly have to live up to their rankings and may push themselves too hard, leading to physical or mental exhaustion. Injuries may also occur when wrestlers push themselves too hard to maintain their rankings or improve their positions.

Additionally, the pressure of rankings can impact team dynamics. When only a few individuals are ranked, other team members may feel neglected or less valued, leading to feelings of resentment or frustration. This can create a negative team atmosphere and lead to decreased motivation and performance.

To manage the potential negative impacts of rankings, wrestlers and teams should focus on maintaining a healthy balance between striving for excellence and taking care of their physical and mental health. It’s essential to listen to their bodies, rest when necessary, and practice good self-care to avoid burnout or injury. Teams can also work to foster a positive team environment that values all team members, regardless of their rankings, to maintain team motivation and morale.

Limited Sample Size:

Rankings are sometimes based on a limited sample size of a wrestler or team’s performance, and therefore may not fully capture their potential. Rankings typically rely on past performances and do not account for factors such as injuries, changes in training or technique, or other external factors that may affect a wrestler or team’s performance. Additionally, rankings only reflect performance up to a certain point, and a wrestler or team may continue to improve and achieve greater success beyond their current ranking. Therefore, while rankings can provide valuable information and recognition, they should not be seen as the definitive measure of a wrestler or team’s abilities.

At the end of the day, rankings will always be somewhat subjective and open to interpretation. It is important for wrestlers and coaches to view rankings as just one tool among many for assessing a wrestler’s performance and potential. Ultimately, a wrestler’s success on the mat will depend on their own hard work, skill, and determination, rather than their ranking.

Don’t like how Wisconsin Grappler has you ranked? Prove us wrong on the mat.

June 2, 2024August 31, 2024

2023-24 College Signings

Wisconsin has a rich wrestling tradition with many talented high school wrestlers who have gone on to successful college careers. Every year, numerous high school seniors make the decision to continue their wrestling journey at the next level, competing for colleges and universities across the country. Here’s a rundown of the Wisconsin high school seniors who have committed to wrestling at the college level, showcasing their talent and potential to continue the Badger State’s proud wrestling legacy.

At the moment, we’re aware of 117 total commits! As always, if I missed anyone, please bring it my attention.

NCAA Division 1 (23)

Connor O’Donnell- South Milwaukee- Brown University
Stone Pomeroy- Random Lake- Kent State University
Lucas Peters- Kaukauna- Indiana University
Cole Mirasola- West Bend West- Penn State University
Connor Mirasola- West Bend West- Penn State University
Tyson Peach- Milton- South Dakota State University
Brayten Casey- Menominee- University of Minnesota
Charlie Millard- Homestead- University of Minnesota
Dawson Johnson- Cumberland- University of Minnesota
Koy Hopke- Amery- University of Minnesota
Silas Dailey- Plymouth- University of Minnesota
Wyatt DuChateau- Arrowhead- University of Minnesota
Aeoden Sinclair- Milton- University of Missouri
Jake Stoffel- Appleton North- University of Missouri
Ian Smith- Northwestern- University of Northern Illinois
Grant Stromberg- Mukwonago- University of Northern Iowa
Xander Kuokkanen- Waukesha West- University Of Pennsylvania
Easton Copper- D.C. Everest- University of Tennessee-Chattanoga
David Malin- Aquinas- University of Wisconsin
Elliott Biba- Iowa Grant/ Highland- University of Wisconsin
Reid Spurley- Dodgeville- University of Wisconsin
Wyatt Ingham- Amery- University of Wisconsin
Wyatt Skebba- Hortonville- (Central Michigan) University of Wisconsin

NCAA Division 2 (18)

Owen Wasley- St. Croix Central- Augustana University
Talan Pichler- Baraboo- Gannon University
Brody Hart- Winneconne- St. Cloud State University
Mason Carpenter- Lourdes Academy- St. Cloud State University
Brayden Sonnentag- Cadott/University of Wyoming- University of Minnesota-Mankato
Cody Kwak- Menomonie/St John’s(Football)- University of Minnesota-Mankato
Colton Hush- Baldwin-Woodville- University of Minnesota-Mankato
Jake Fitzpatrick- Aquinas- University of Minnesota-Mankato
Jesus Gonzalez- Reedsburg- University of Minnesota-Mankato
Raife Smart- Stratford/Upper Iowa University- University of Mount Olive
Christian (CJ) Schuh- Monroe- University of Wisconsin- Parkside
Dajun Johnson- Whitefish Bay/University of Northern Iowa- University of Wisconsin- Parkside
Damiano Cappellini- Madison West- University of Wisconsin- Parkside
Drew Dolphin- Kenosha Christian Life- University of Wisconsin- Parkside
Henry Niebauer- Hortonville- University of Wisconsin- Parkside
Jacob Durocher- Wrightstown- University of Wisconsin- Parkside
Joel Sullivan- Wilmot Union- University of Wisconsin- Parkside
Tanner Halopka- Abbotsford/Colby- University of Wisconsin- ParksideN

NAIA (2)

Jackson Shramek- Blair-Taylor- University of the Cumberlands (KY)
Jaden Kondor – Sparta- Waldorf College

NCAA Division 3 (34)

Cole Sarbacker- Stoughton- Augsburg University
Ethan Aird- Darlington/Black Hawk- Augsburg University
Ethan Winkleman- Hudson- Augsburg University
Jacob Benfield-Mishicot- Luther College
Jackson Hughes- Onalaska/ Luther- MSOE (Milwaukee School Of Engineering)
Toren Vandenbush- Random Lake- MSOE (Milwaukee School Of Engineering)
Evan Gratz- Fennimore- North Central College
Ramon Gulmatico- Arrowhead- United States Coast Guard Academy
Ian Crapp- Fennimore- Wartburg University
Dylan Muehlenberg- Sun Prairie- University of Wisconsin- Eau Claire
Drake Gosda- Mauston- University of Wisconsin- Eau Claire
Mason Seidl- Marshfield- University of Wisconsin- Eau Claire
Charlie Meudt- Dodgeville- University of Wisconsin- La Crosse
Marcus McIntyre- Brodhead/Juda- University of Wisconsin- La Crosse
Mason Mau- Belleville/Mont./New Gl- University of Wisconsin- La Crosse
Noah Moltzan- Hudson- University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
Preston Kratochvil- Holmen- University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
Teague Holzer- St. Croix Central- University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
Wyatt Magolski- New London- University of WIsconsin- La Crosse
Brody Toledo- Burlinton- University of Wisconsin- Oshkosh
Garth Martell- Oshkosh West- University of Wisconsin- Oshkosh
Jack Nichols- Wisconsin Dells- University of Wisconsin- Oshkosh
Leonard Chosa- Lakeland Union- University of Wisconsin- Oshkosh
Logan Harel- Cadott (Itasca CC transfer)- University of Wisconsin- Oshkosh
Roman Martell- Oshkosh West- University of Wisconsin- Oshkosh
Ryan Bergman- Watertown- University of Wisconsin- Oshkosh
Nick Ersland- Wisconsin Dells- University of Wisconsin- Platteville
Zack Ries- Beloit Turner- University of Wisconsin- Platteville
Cole Steffen- St. Croix Falls- University of Wisconsin- Stevens Point
Oscar Estrada- Manitowoc Lincoln- University of Wisconsin- Stevens Point
Brian Whipple- Mukwonago- University of Wisconsin- Whitewater
Kaden Lofy- Delivan-Darien- University of Wisconsin- Whitewater
Logan Kawa- Medford- University of Wisconsin- Whitewater
Patrick Moore- Freedom- University of Wisconsin- Whitewater

Junior College (6)

Isaiah Horan- Sun Prairie East/West- Bismarck State College
William Penn- Ellsworth- Iowa Lake Community College
Kellen Kelly- St. Croix Falls- Itasca Community College
Kody Fleck- St. Croix Falls- Itasca Community College
Tyler Sunday- Clear Lake- Itasca Community College
Mason Romanelli- Mauston- NIACC (North Iowa Area Community College)

Girls (20)

Sophia Bassino- Sun Prairie- Northern Michigan University
Rachel Schauer- Fennimore- Wartburg College
Aliana Rauter- Milwaukee Ronald Reagan- University of WIsconsin- Oshkosh
Alivia Davey- Berlin- University of WIsconsin- Oshkosh
Ella Creightion- Badger- University of Wisconsin- Oshkosh
Emma Hady- Richland Center- University of Wisconsin- Oshkosh
Gracyn Heine- Fort Atkinson- University of Wisconsin- Oshkosh
Katelyn Richter- Princeton- University of Wisconsin- Oshkosh
Mya Delleree- Ozaukee- University of Wisconsin- Oshkosh
Paige Haaf- St. Croix Falls- University of Wisconsin- Oshkosh
Savannah Danielson- Wausau West- University of Wisconsin- Oshkosh
TaHonesty Donnell- Milwaukee Ronald Reagan- University of Wisconsin- Oshkosh
Trinity Steele- Boscobel/Wauzeka-Steuben- University of Wisconsin- Oshkosh
Allison Hunter- Merrill- University of Wisconsin- Stevens Point
Amelia Adams- La Crosse Logan/ Central- Unversity of Wisconsin- Stevens Point
Kara Kuge- Lomira- University of Wisconsin- Stevens Point
Maddie Hall- Holmen- University of Wisconsin- Stevens Point
Margaret Gillmore- Westosha Central- University of Wisconsin- Stevens Point
Marna Andre- Pulaski- University of Wisconsin- Stevens Point
Savanna Millermon- Glenwood City- University of Wisconsin- Stevens Point

Going for other Sports: (14)

Chase Matthias- Two Rivers- Bemidji State University (Football)
Taylor Joseph- Johnson Creek- (Baseball)
Braden Albee- Regis/Altoona- Carroll University (Football)
Jenna Lawrence- River Falls- Odessa College
Brock Arndt- Appleton North- Ohio University (Football)
Steven Henry- West Bend East- Southwest Minnesota State University (Football)
Mason Lane – University of Wisconsin- Madison – (Football)
Ben Ott- Nicolet- University of Wisconsin- La Crosse (Football)
Brady Lehnerr- Aquinas- University of Wisconsin- La Crosse (Football)
Thomas Perra- New Berlin West/Eisenhower- University of Wisconsin- Oshkosh (Football)
Bennett Weidman- Wisconsin Rapids- University of Wisconsin-Platteville (Soccer)
Trevor Firari- Waterloo- University of Wisconsin- Platteville (Football)
Bradey Gottwald- Hayward/Northwood – University of Wisconsin- Stevens Point (Football)
Justin Klinkner- Two Rivers- University of Wisconsin- Whitewater (Football)

May 3, 2024August 11, 2024

Staying on the Mat: How to Keep Your Off-Season Wrestling Motivation Strong!

“We often hear the phrase, “Champions are made in the off-season,” but don’t always see the hard work and dedication that backs it.”

Wrestlers are known for their unwavering work ethic. The grueling training sessions from top-notch wrestlers have become the stuff of legend themselves. The most successful wrestlers outwork their opponents not only on the mat but also in the weight room and their daily lives. This has been the norm for decades. Wrestlers are a unique breed and the great ones approach off-season training with a serious dedication that sets them apart from other athletes.

Many wrestlers find themselves in the off-season wondering how to stay motivated and continue improving. The off-season presents a unique challenge for wrestlers, as they are no longer competing in matches or tournaments, and may struggle to stay focused on their training. However, with the right mindset and approach, the off-season can be a time of great growth and development.

Let’s take a look at some helpful tips and strategies to keep wrestlers motivated during the off-season and keep them on track to achieve their goals.

Why It Matters

I’m sure a few folks are reading this saying “Off Season?! Bullshit— there is no off-season!!” But let’s be honest—even the toughest wrestlers need a break sometimes! It is incredibly important to rest and recharge.

But, also—the off-season is also a crucial time for wrestlers to work on their skills, build their strength, and stay motivated for the next season. So even though it might seem obvious, it’s worth reminding ourselves that the off-season does matter if we want to keep improving and dominating on the mat.

Additionally, staying motivated during the off-season can help wrestlers maintain their focus, discipline, and commitment to the sport, which can carry over into other areas of their life as well. By staying motivated and dedicated to their training, wrestlers can continue to grow and develop as athletes and individuals, both on and off the mat.

Tips for Staying Motivated

Set Short and Long Term Goals

When your next competition is months away, you may struggle to find the same motivation as when your next match is more imminent. But setting S.M.A.R.T. Goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) is as important for the off-season as it is for the competition season.

To set effective goals, it’s important to take a personal inventory of where you’re at in your wrestling journey – both in terms of your current skills and where you hope to be in the future. By setting specific, measurable goals that involve incremental improvements, like increasing your squat weight or improving your speed, you can stay focused on the process and make steady gains over time.

Strike a balance between short-term and long-term objectives. Short-term goals can help keep you motivated and focused on making progress in the near future while long-term goals can give you a bigger picture of where you want to be down the line.

Switch Things Up

While it’s important to stick with a pre-planned workout program to stay consistent and on-track, incorporating new exercises and movements can help prevent your team from hitting a performance plateau. For example, you might try incorporating workouts that target under-worked muscle groups, such as the rotator cuff or the lower back, to help balance out your strength and prevent injuries. Additionally, incorporating yoga or pilates-based workouts can be a great way to improve your flexibility and core strength, which are essential for success on the wrestling mat.

By switching up your workouts and incorporating new movements, you can keep things interesting and challenging during the off-season, and help maintain your enthusiasm and motivation. Just be sure to consult with a coach or trainer to ensure that your new workouts are safe and effective, and to adjust your training program as needed to stay on-track towards your goals.

Become a Student of the Sport

One of the easiest things to do is watch some high-level wrestling. And hey, I’m not just talking about any old wrestling – I’m talking about the best of the best. Lucky for you, YouTube is loaded with thousands of NCAA and international freestyle matches, all available for free.But don’t just mindlessly stare at the screen like a zombie. Pay attention to the techniques these champs are using. Look at how they’re setting up their shots, how they’re defending against their opponent’s moves, and all the other small tricks they’re using on the mat. You might even pick up some sneaky moves to add to your arsenal.If you can get your hands on videos of your matches, take some time to watch them. Watching videos of yourself competing can be super helpful. You might notice things that you didn’t even realize were a problem. And if you’re not convinced yet, just remember that even the big-shot athletes do it. Olympic gold medalist and four-time NCAA champion Kyle Dake is known for his meticulous study of his matches and opponents.

Fuel your Body

In the off-season, wrestlers can finally indulge in their true passion: eating something other than salad and grilled chicken. No more cutting weight, no more obsessing over calories – it’s time to let loose and enjoy some pizza…but don’t let things spiral out of control.

Off-season nutrition is a critical part of a wrestler’s overall training regimen. It’s important to maintain a healthy, balanced diet to ensure that the body has the necessary nutrients to recover and rebuild muscles.

Protein is essential for building and repairing muscle tissue, and wrestlers need to consume enough of it to support their training regimen. Good sources of protein include lean meats, fish, eggs, beans, and dairy products. Athletes should aim to consume protein at every meal, and may also benefit from consuming a protein shake or bar after a workout to aid in muscle recovery.

Another important aspect is hydration. During the off-season, athletes may have more flexibility in their schedules and can take the time to ensure they are consuming enough water throughout the day. It’s important to avoid sugary drinks and sodas, as these can dehydrate the body and contribute to weight gain.

Strength starts with sleep

Being a student-athlete is tough, especially when you’re a wrestler. Juggling academic demands with training and competition can lead to burnout and exhaustion. It’s not uncommon to struggle with performing at the level you want, whether physically or mentally. But the solution may not be to add more things to your already-packed schedule. Instead, it may involve taking some things off, like making sure you get regular high-quality sleep.

Quality sleep is essential for both physical and mental well-being. During deep sleep, processes happen that contribute to repairing and rebuilding the mind and body. Growth hormones released during sleep help with muscle rebuilding and recovery, while the brain can recharge. This mental rest is critical, especially for heavy workouts like snatches, cleans, and squats. A well-rested brain is better able to pay attention to detail, which is crucial not only on competition day but also when working through form corrections and complex movements.

Despite the evidence that sleep is necessary for peak performance, carving out eight hours of sleep in a packed schedule can be challenging. Establishing a bedtime routine, regulating caffeine intake, ending screen time half an hour before bed, and getting your environment right can all help improve sleep quality. Sleep should be viewed as an extension of your training regimen. By making sure you get high-quality sleep, you can set yourself up for success both on and off the mat.

Train With Different Partners

During the off-season, it’s a great idea to explore and train in different wrestling rooms with new people. You can be amazed at how much you can improve just by being in a different environment. Discover the best wrestling rooms in your area, and try to spend some time there drilling with their top wrestlers. Wrestling with new people will challenge you and push you out of your comfort zone, and you might discover some weaknesses you never knew existed.

Wrestling with new partners is also a great way to expand your network in the wrestling community. By visiting different wrestling rooms, you have the opportunity to meet new people and build relationships that could last a lifetime. These connections could lead to future training opportunities and could benefit your broader personal growth. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone!

Staying Focused

Staying motivated in the off-season can be a real challenge for wrestlers. After the intensity of the competitive season, it’s easy to feel burnt out or lose motivation. Additionally, injuries sustained during the season can make it difficult to stay on track with training and make it harder to find the motivation to continue pushing forward. Wrestlers need to acknowledge these challenges and be proactive about overcoming them.

One way to avoid burnout is to take breaks when needed. It’s important to rest and recover to come back stronger and more motivated. Seeking support from coaches or teammates can also be helpful. Surrounding yourself with people who understand the challenges of wrestling and can provide encouragement can make a big difference.

Finally, adjusting goals as necessary can help maintain motivation. Sometimes it’s necessary to shift focus and adjust goals to better align with current circumstances or changing priorities. By taking a flexible approach and being willing to adapt, wrestlers can stay motivated and continue to make progress in the off-season.

Finally, don’t forget to wrestle!

If you want to up your game in wrestling, there’s one exercise that reigns supreme: wrestling itself. I mean, hitting the gym is great and all, but it just can’t compare to the benefits you’ll gain from practicing your moves and perfecting your technique on the mat. Of course, that doesn’t mean that strength and conditioning should be tossed aside completely. Building up your strength and endurance can be a real game-changer for your overall performance. Just remember, wrestling should always remain a priority in your off-season regimen.

November 22, 2023November 22, 2025

Thanksgiving Eating Tips for Wrestlers and Families

Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and food. But for wrestlers, it can also be a time for temptation. With all the delicious food on the table, it can be hard to resist overindulging. But if you want to stay on track with your training and weight goals, there are a few things you can do.

Here are some tips for wrestlers to enjoy Thanksgiving without sacrificing their fitness:

Eat breakfast and lunch as usual. Don’t skip meals on Thanksgiving Day. This will only make you hungrier later in the day, and more likely to overeat. Eat a healthy breakfast and lunch to keep your blood sugar levels stable and your hunger at bay.
Choose healthy appetizers. When it comes to appetizers, choose vegetables and dip over higher-calorie options like cheese and crackers. You could also consider eating some low-calorie, high-volume foods before your Thanksgiving meal. This will help you feel fuller and less likely to overeat. Good options include vegetables, fruits, and yogurt.
Eat slowly and savor your food. Don’t rush your Thanksgiving meal. Take your time and enjoy each bite. This will help you feel fuller and more satisfied.
Use a smaller plate. When you use a smaller plate, you’re less likely to overeat. It’s a simple trick, but it can make a big difference.
Focus on lean protein and vegetables. When you’re filling your plate, focus on lean protein sources like turkey and fish, and plenty of vegetables. These foods are low in calories and high in nutrients.
Avoid sugary drinks. Sugary drinks are high in calories and low in nutrients. Instead, drink water, unsweetened tea, or coffee. Instea, drink plenty of water throughout the day. This will help you stay hydrated and feel full.
Be mindful of your portion sizes. It’s okay to indulge in your favorite Thanksgiving dishes, but be mindful of your portion sizes. Don’t take second helpings unless you’re really hungry.
Get up and move around. After dinner, get up and move around. This will help you burn off some calories and prevent you from feeling sluggish. Go for a walk, play a game with your family, or help clean up.
Don’t beat yourself up if you slip up. Everyone slips up from time to time. If you overeat on Thanksgiving, don’t beat yourself up about it. Just get back on track with your training and nutrition plan the next day.

Remember, Thanksgiving is a holiday. Enjoy yourself and don’t stress too much about your diet. But by following these tips, you can minimize the damage and stay on track with your fitness goals.

As the Class of 2025 graduation approaches, a notable group of Wisconsin high school seniors have made their commitments to wrestle at colleges and universities nationwide. At the moment, we're aware of 104 commits!