I know this thread comes up quite often around this time. Who were some of the great Wisconsin wrestlers to never win that elusive state title? A few that come to mind mind are Ben Provisor (currently ranked #2 at 80kg in Greco. Ben was an Olympian in the last Olympics as well. Another recent name that comes to my mind is Malachi Root. Our state tournament has to be one of the toughest around! Can't wait for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday!!
Well, this is gonna get a lot of hits, so before it gets going let me say that if you are going to be putting names like Malachi Root up there along side the likes of John Peterson and Russ Hellickson then you are going to really devalue the significance of any such list. No specific disrespect to the young Mr. Root, but you gotta keep this list pretty elite because its going to get long enough with just those kinds of guys.
But I would encourage all who are inclined to put my name on the list if so moved ;)
I don't mean to suggest that I should be on the list but rather, I am qualified since I never could win it. Meant as a joke that doesn't seem too funny, in hind sight
I don't think Laurent Soucie ever won state. Brute!
Proviser is a good choice, though.
I take no offense to Root. He was about the strongest little guy out there.
Jim Bavers III also comes to mind. Qualified his Freshman year on through and never won it.
to me, Mineral Points Joe Terrill hands down has to be, i believe he was beat in Sec as a FR, to the eventual State champion (Anderson-Riverdale), then lost to Angie (Athens) in the finals of his SO, and JR years and to Lowney (Manawa) his SR year in the finals....wow, what a tough road ha?...and had to beat a few undefeated wrestlers in each yr to get to the finals... :o
I'll throw out Pat Christenson. I sat behind him at the last Badgers dual and he told me he never won a state title, yet went on to become a National college champ for the Badgers in '76. http://www.wiwrestling.com/college/uw/WisconsinWrestlingUWRecordsb.pdf (http://www.wiwrestling.com/college/uw/WisconsinWrestlingUWRecordsb.pdf)
oh gosh, how could I almost forget . . . Alyssa Lampe
Nick Ziegler and Jake Madigan, Lodi. Kalvin York, Sugar River. Zac Bartlett, Nekoosa. Just a few that come to mind.
Quote from: npope on February 24, 2015, 05:42:52 AM
Well, this is gonna get a lot of hits, so before it gets going let me say that if you are going to be putting names like Malachi Root up there along side the likes of John Peterson and Russ Hellickson then you are going to really devalue the significance of any such list. No specific disrespect to the young Mr. Root, but you gotta keep this list pretty elite because its going to get long enough with just those kinds of guys.
But I would encourage all who are inclined to put my name on the list if so moved ;)
I don't see why putting Malachi Root up there would in any shape make this list devalued. Sure your going to hear about guys that were in the Olympics. I think those "best" that never won were awesome in their own right so why not put them on this forum because for some reason they dont get to be in any record books and I think that is the reason for this thread, lets give those guys some respect also.
Best to never win state... because they are very good at Greco?
Isn't state folkstyle? So shouldn't it be best folkstyle wrestler to never win state?
Shouldn't be based on what they did in HS not what they did years after?
Root was what a 3 time finalist and beat the eventual state champion 3 years IN A ROW just a week before. He lost about 5 matches in his career, 3 of those being in the state final, 2 of those to a person he beat the week before. In modern times... 1990 and up I think he is the best.
Provisor was a good folkstyle wrestler but far from elite, not like he crushed people for 4 years but just came up a match short 2-3 times. Provisor is a great Greco wrestler, if that qualifies him to be the best HS folkstyle wrestler to never win state.... I guess.
Without looking I would guess Root had the highest career win %
I would guess he is also the only person to beat that year champ 3 years in a row only a week earlier.
He is probably also the only one to go 2-3-2-2 or better.
Garret whitehead.. nick conklin
Forgot to add colin cudd...
Russ Hellickson won state in 1966 at 180 pounds.
I always have to throw in Dale Hall when this topic comes up.
Not saying he is the best but Cullen Morrisey was a good one. 3x runner up to Grant Sutter and senior year fell to Zach Zainer
Brandon Garcia of Cedar Grove-Belgium was a 3X runner up. His Sr year he got DQ on a slam call.
Brady Webb from Spring Valley and Evan Peissig was very good too I was told! Saw Brady wrestle but not Evan.
Quote from: jaguarwrestler on February 24, 2015, 07:25:01 AM
Best to never win state... because they are very good at Greco?
Isn't state folkstyle? So shouldn't it be best folkstyle wrestler to never win state?
Shouldn't be based on what they did in HS not what they did years after?
Root was what a 3 time finalist and beat the eventual state champion 3 years IN A ROW just a week before. He lost about 5 matches in his career, 3 of those being in the state final, 2 of those to a person he beat the week before. In modern times... 1990 and up I think he is the best.
Provisor was a good folkstyle wrestler but far from elite, not like he crushed people for 4 years but just came up a match short 2-3 times. Provisor is a great Greco wrestler, if that qualifies him to be the best HS folkstyle wrestler to never win state.... I guess.
Without looking I would guess Root had the highest career win %
I would guess he is also the only person to beat that year champ 3 years in a row only a week earlier.
He is probably also the only one to go 2-3-2-2 or better.
I agree, it is the best high school wrestler not to win, not the best career after high school.
Quote from: wrestling135 on February 24, 2015, 09:26:03 AM
Not saying he is the best but Cullen Morrisey was a good one. 3x runner up to Grant Sutter and senior year fell to Zach Zainer
+1
Collin Cudd's got to be close to the top, if not on top of the list. 2,DNQ,2,2. Went onto to be a 4 time NCAA qualifier. When he graduated from the U of W he was on a short list of (4) time qualifiers that were seniors that year. Simmons, Escobado, etc.
Cullan Morrissey Oconto Falls I believe he was a 3X finalist and took 3rd as a Jr.
Quote from: wrestle84 on February 24, 2015, 09:57:04 AM
Quote from: jaguarwrestler on February 24, 2015, 07:25:01 AM
Best to never win state... because they are very good at Greco?
Isn't state folkstyle? So shouldn't it be best folkstyle wrestler to never win state?
Shouldn't be based on what they did in HS not what they did years after?
Root was what a 3 time finalist and beat the eventual state champion 3 years IN A ROW just a week before. He lost about 5 matches in his career, 3 of those being in the state final, 2 of those to a person he beat the week before. In modern times... 1990 and up I think he is the best.
Provisor was a good folkstyle wrestler but far from elite, not like he crushed people for 4 years but just came up a match short 2-3 times. Provisor is a great Greco wrestler, if that qualifies him to be the best HS folkstyle wrestler to never win state.... I guess.
Without looking I would guess Root had the highest career win %
I would guess he is also the only person to beat that year champ 3 years in a row only a week earlier.
He is probably also the only one to go 2-3-2-2 or better.
I agree, it is the best high school wrestler not to win, not the best career after high school.
The original poster asked "Who were some of the great Wisconsin wrestlers to never win that elusive state title?". He did not specify "the best high school wrestler not to win, not the best career after high school."
Quote from: Manty77 on February 24, 2015, 10:18:55 AM
Quote from: wrestle84 on February 24, 2015, 09:57:04 AM
Quote from: jaguarwrestler on February 24, 2015, 07:25:01 AM
Best to never win state... because they are very good at Greco?
Isn't state folkstyle? So shouldn't it be best folkstyle wrestler to never win state?
Shouldn't be based on what they did in HS not what they did years after?
Root was what a 3 time finalist and beat the eventual state champion 3 years IN A ROW just a week before. He lost about 5 matches in his career, 3 of those being in the state final, 2 of those to a person he beat the week before. In modern times... 1990 and up I think he is the best.
Provisor was a good folkstyle wrestler but far from elite, not like he crushed people for 4 years but just came up a match short 2-3 times. Provisor is a great Greco wrestler, if that qualifies him to be the best HS folkstyle wrestler to never win state.... I guess.
Without looking I would guess Root had the highest career win %
I would guess he is also the only person to beat that year champ 3 years in a row only a week earlier.
He is probably also the only one to go 2-3-2-2 or better.
I agree, it is the best high school wrestler not to win, not the best career after high school.
The original poster asked "Who were some of the great Wisconsin wrestlers to never win that elusive state title?". He did not specify "the best high school wrestler not to win, not the best career after high school."
Someone that went 5-3-DNP-3 is on the same list as someone that went 2-3-2-2 because one had success after HS in a different style of wrestling? I guess without any criteria being laid out then anything is possible. I guess that is like saying Emmit Smith is the best college RB of all time because he set all time record for yards and won multiple titles with the Cowboys.
I'd have to go with Brandon Garcia. 3x finalist. He had to be the closest - on his way to an easy victory in the finals senior year before the DQ for a slam.
I'm also wondering back in the day with the old qualifying rules at sectionals when wrestlers lost a first round match and then were done with no chance of a wrestleback period.
Quote from: jaguarwrestler on February 24, 2015, 07:25:01 AM
Best to never win state... because they are very good at Greco?
Isn't state folkstyle? So shouldn't it be best folkstyle wrestler to never win state?
Shouldn't be based on what they did in HS not what they did years after?
Root was what a 3 time finalist and beat the eventual state champion 3 years IN A ROW just a week before. He lost about 5 matches in his career, 3 of those being in the state final, 2 of those to a person he beat the week before. In modern times... 1990 and up I think he is the best.
Provisor was a good folkstyle wrestler but far from elite, not like he crushed people for 4 years but just came up a match short 2-3 times. Provisor is a great Greco wrestler, if that qualifies him to be the best HS folkstyle wrestler to never win state.... I guess.
Without looking I would guess Root had the highest career win %
I would guess he is also the only person to beat that year champ 3 years in a row only a week earlier.
He is probably also the only one to go 2-3-2-2 or better.
Morrisey 175-7 .961
Root 175-8 .956
Jack Reinwand.
Derek Olson has to be considered. Hurt his senior year. 4th as a freshman and 2nd his sophomore and junior years.
Actually, Provisor DID crush just about everyone his senior year ( 2009) and was the prohibitive favorite to win the 170 lb weight class.
Unfortunately for Ben, he clammed up in his match vs Kessler from Elkhorn in the semis and lost by a point or two. Kessler did hit a super nice far knee
block for the winning TD.
Then, Kessler didn't score an offensive point in the finals and lost.
Quote from: jaguarwrestler on February 24, 2015, 07:25:01 AM
Best to never win state... because they are very good at Greco?
Isn't state folkstyle? So shouldn't it be best folkstyle wrestler to never win state?
Shouldn't be based on what they did in HS not what they did years after?
Root was what a 3 time finalist and beat the eventual state champion 3 years IN A ROW just a week before. He lost about 5 matches in his career, 3 of those being in the state final, 2 of those to a person he beat the week before. In modern times... 1990 and up I think he is the best.
Provisor was a good folkstyle wrestler but far from elite, not like he crushed people for 4 years but just came up a match short 2-3 times. Provisor is a great Greco wrestler, if that qualifies him to be the best HS folkstyle wrestler to never win state.... I guess.
Without looking I would guess Root had the highest career win %
I would guess he is also the only person to beat that year champ 3 years in a row only a week earlier.
He is probably also the only one to go 2-3-2-2 or better.
Anybody know where I can find the HS career records of people? I saw Gundrum is at 186 (with no State Title)....
Collin Cudd will always get my vote on this one.
Every time this thread comes up and I always come up with the same person. Craig Klawitter of Pardeveille 1994 thru 1997. He lost to the eventual state champion every year at state. He took 3,3,3,2 at state. Their senior year he beat Scott Hady of North Crawford at a tournament earlier in the season and then lost to him in the state finals. That was Hady's fourth state title that year. I think Klawitter only lost 5 matches in all of high school. That is one tough kid to never win a state title.
This would be for just high school wrestling not after. After high school wrestling it is a no brainer that it is the Peterson brothers. A gold and silver Olympic medal for each brother will probably never be toped by anybody that didn't win a state title but went on to have the success that they had after high school.
Quote from: harley on February 24, 2015, 11:33:06 AM
Quote from: jaguarwrestler on February 24, 2015, 07:25:01 AM
Best to never win state... because they are very good at Greco?
Isn't state folkstyle? So shouldn't it be best folkstyle wrestler to never win state?
Shouldn't be based on what they did in HS not what they did years after?
Root was what a 3 time finalist and beat the eventual state champion 3 years IN A ROW just a week before. He lost about 5 matches in his career, 3 of those being in the state final, 2 of those to a person he beat the week before. In modern times... 1990 and up I think he is the best.
Provisor was a good folkstyle wrestler but far from elite, not like he crushed people for 4 years but just came up a match short 2-3 times. Provisor is a great Greco wrestler, if that qualifies him to be the best HS folkstyle wrestler to never win state.... I guess.
Without looking I would guess Root had the highest career win %
I would guess he is also the only person to beat that year champ 3 years in a row only a week earlier.
He is probably also the only one to go 2-3-2-2 or better.
Morrisey 175-7 .961
Root 175-8 .956
might I ask you where you found that info? I used track but you have more matches for both than I do and I used 4 years worth of WIAA State brackets. I know CM might have had a few more matches for Team State but where do you get more for MR? I have him at 171-7 and one of those is an Inj Def in a match he was in no danger of losing in the KK duals.
Quote from: OneEyedFatMan on February 24, 2015, 11:58:01 AM
Actually, Provisor DID crush just about everyone his senior year ( 2009) and was the prohibitive favorite to win the 170 lb weight class.
Unfortunately for Ben, he clammed up in his match vs Kessler from Elkhorn in the semis and lost by a point or two. Kessler did hit a super nice far knee
block for the winning TD.
Then, Kessler didn't score an offensive point in the finals and lost.
Quote from: jaguarwrestler on February 24, 2015, 07:25:01 AM
Best to never win state... because they are very good at Greco?
Isn't state folkstyle? So shouldn't it be best folkstyle wrestler to never win state?
Shouldn't be based on what they did in HS not what they did years after?
Root was what a 3 time finalist and beat the eventual state champion 3 years IN A ROW just a week before. He lost about 5 matches in his career, 3 of those being in the state final, 2 of those to a person he beat the week before. In modern times... 1990 and up I think he is the best.
Provisor was a good folkstyle wrestler but far from elite, not like he crushed people for 4 years but just came up a match short 2-3 times. Provisor is a great Greco wrestler, if that qualifies him to be the best HS folkstyle wrestler to never win state.... I guess.
Without looking I would guess Root had the highest career win %
I would guess he is also the only person to beat that year champ 3 years in a row only a week earlier.
He is probably also the only one to go 2-3-2-2 or better.
well, I did mention crushing people for 4 years not 1... imo can't be on the best to never win if you never made a final... just me.
Rick Gruber from Campbellsport (one of my all-time favorite Wisconsin wrestlers) slender and lightening quick. . . lost two state championships to Chuck Curwick of Waunakee in 1979 – 112, and 1980 Division B – 119. Many people that never saw him wrestle have no idea just how good he was. . .would loved to have seen him face Jens Lantz from Ellsworth.
Quote from: maggie on February 24, 2015, 06:31:12 AM
to me, Mineral Points Joe Terrill hands down has to be, i believe he was beat in Sec as a FR, to the eventual State champion (Anderson-Riverdale), then lost to Angie (Athens) in the finals of his SO, and JR years and to Lowney (Manawa) his SR year in the finals....wow, what a tough road ha?...and had to beat a few undefeated wrestlers in each yr to get to the finals... :o
I go with Terrill for 2 reasons. 1) The elevated weight class makes the task more difficult, and 2) the quality of wrestlers that he lost two. Six state titles between Ange and Lowney (people in Manawa and Athens would both say it should be 8), and Division 1 scholarship opportunities across the country.
One that should have had another shot, 2x state finalist Eric Schmid from Verona. Crappy way to end an outstanding career for the young man.
Quote from: jaguarwrestler on February 24, 2015, 12:11:20 PM
Quote from: harley on February 24, 2015, 11:33:06 AM
Quote from: jaguarwrestler on February 24, 2015, 07:25:01 AM
Best to never win state... because they are very good at Greco?
Isn't state folkstyle? So shouldn't it be best folkstyle wrestler to never win state?
Shouldn't be based on what they did in HS not what they did years after?
Root was what a 3 time finalist and beat the eventual state champion 3 years IN A ROW just a week before. He lost about 5 matches in his career, 3 of those being in the state final, 2 of those to a person he beat the week before. In modern times... 1990 and up I think he is the best.
Provisor was a good folkstyle wrestler but far from elite, not like he crushed people for 4 years but just came up a match short 2-3 times. Provisor is a great Greco wrestler, if that qualifies him to be the best HS folkstyle wrestler to never win state.... I guess.
Without looking I would guess Root had the highest career win %
I would guess he is also the only person to beat that year champ 3 years in a row only a week earlier.
He is probably also the only one to go 2-3-2-2 or better.
Morrisey 175-7 .961
Root 175-8 .956
might I ask you where you found that info? I used track but you have more matches for both than I do and I used 4 years worth of WIAA State brackets. I know CM might have had a few more matches for Team State but where do you get more for MR? I have him at 171-7 and one of those is an Inj Def in a match he was in no danger of losing in the KK duals.
http://prebleathletics.com/wrestling/history.html
Scroll down to individual accomplishments
Quote from: harley on February 24, 2015, 01:15:45 PM
Quote from: jaguarwrestler on February 24, 2015, 12:11:20 PM
Quote from: harley on February 24, 2015, 11:33:06 AM
Quote from: jaguarwrestler on February 24, 2015, 07:25:01 AM
Best to never win state... because they are very good at Greco?
Isn't state folkstyle? So shouldn't it be best folkstyle wrestler to never win state?
Shouldn't be based on what they did in HS not what they did years after?
Root was what a 3 time finalist and beat the eventual state champion 3 years IN A ROW just a week before. He lost about 5 matches in his career, 3 of those being in the state final, 2 of those to a person he beat the week before. In modern times... 1990 and up I think he is the best.
Provisor was a good folkstyle wrestler but far from elite, not like he crushed people for 4 years but just came up a match short 2-3 times. Provisor is a great Greco wrestler, if that qualifies him to be the best HS folkstyle wrestler to never win state.... I guess.
Without looking I would guess Root had the highest career win %
I would guess he is also the only person to beat that year champ 3 years in a row only a week earlier.
He is probably also the only one to go 2-3-2-2 or better.
Morrisey 175-7 .961
Root 175-8 .956
might I ask you where you found that info? I used track but you have more matches for both than I do and I used 4 years worth of WIAA State brackets. I know CM might have had a few more matches for Team State but where do you get more for MR? I have him at 171-7 and one of those is an Inj Def in a match he was in no danger of losing in the KK duals.
http://prebleathletics.com/wrestling/history.html
Scroll down to individual accomplishments
interesting, I added up the 4 years at state and I came out with 171-7, so not sure where they get the extra 5 matches from if Track is correct. Anywho, I would say MR and CM are pretty much 1a and 1b on the list of best to never win. Win % almost identical, placement identical, number of matches almost identical, only real difference I see is that Root beat the champ 3 years a week before state.
Jon Lantz Ellsworth, and Fester Frandsen Ellsworth. There sons did help pick up the slack though. 😄😄😄😄
I have to weigh in with a couple of guys. Pat Christenson because he was my middle/high school teammate and his accomplishments speak for themseves. And, Malcolm Briggs lost to Joe Budi in the only division I final that featured 2 undefeated wrestlers. That year he beat the division III state champion, and beat the division I 3rd place finisher twice (once by fall in the state tournament). The 3rd place wrestler then won the state tournament the following year.
Quote from: Street Glide on February 24, 2015, 02:01:18 PM
Jon Lantz Ellsworth, and Fester Frandsen Ellsworth. There sons did help pick up the slack though. 😄😄😄😄
I didn't know Jon wrestled.
Quote from: nutman on February 24, 2015, 11:20:59 AM
I'm also wondering back in the day with the old qualifying rules at sectionals when wrestlers lost a first round match and then were done with no chance of a wrestleback period.
Good question. I always chuckle when I see these kinds of threads because it's usually the younger guys who post, and have no appreciation for history. It seems to me they overrate the more recent wrestlers and completely discount the older wrestlers, mainly because the older guys were before their time. Yeah, so maybe I'm getting old . . . . just get off my lawn damnit!!!
Well, anyway, I took a quick look at some old programs and the 1st one I looked at was from 1967. I saw a kid named Kevin Campbell from Baraboo at 95 lbs. He was 25-3 and finished 5/6. They didn't wrestle the 5th/6th place match back then. I have no idea who this kid is and I've never heard of him.
Bear in mind that this was back when there was only 1 division in the entire state, and only 16 kids made it to state.
The next year, in 1968, Campbel finished 28-1, and DNP at state because the kid that beat him lost his next match, and Campbell didn't get a wrestleback. The kid that beat Campbell took 3rd through wrestlebacks.
The next year, in 1969, Cambpell moved up to 103 lbs and once again finished with 1 loss, 27-1 and DNP at state because he did not get a wrestleback.
And then finally in 1970 he finished 29-1 and took 2nd at state. The kid that he lost to was Frank Valasquez who was in the middle of winning 3 titles in a row.
So here is a kid that made it to state all 4 years back in an era when most schools didn't let FR wrestle varsity, when there was only 1 division, only 12 weight classes, finished 5th-6th, DNP, DNP, and 2nd with an overall record of 109-6.
And if I hadn't taken a look at the programs I'm sure no one would have mentioned this guy. Even though he is the only one I looked at, it makes me wonder just how many more of these exceptional wrestlers there were, that no one recalls?
Quote from: fireman on February 24, 2015, 12:26:28 PM
One that should have had another shot, 2x state finalist Eric Schmid from Verona. Crappy way to end an outstanding career for the young man.
+1 for this one. He had a good chance to win it this year. Also one of my favorite wrestlers to watch. On the bright side he still has four more years of wrestling to go.
Quote from: fastnfurious on February 24, 2015, 04:35:22 PM
Quote from: fireman on February 24, 2015, 12:26:28 PM
One that should have had another shot, 2x state finalist Eric Schmid from Verona. Crappy way to end an outstanding career for the young man.
+1 for this one. He had a good chance to win it this year. Also one of my favorite wrestlers to watch. On the bright side he still has four more years of wrestling to go.
Oh? Is he wrestling in college? I thought he was gonna play football somewhere?
Mike Athey from Bay Port should be on this list. '98-00. 3rd at 152 as a sophomore (lost to SC Ryan Lewis in Semi). 5th at 160 as a junior (lost to SC Matt Neumeuller first round - no wrestle back to third at that time. 2nd at 160 as a senior (lost to SC Chris BorchardT). He was 108-12 in higher weight classes and lost to the SC at state every year. Also, I believe he was winning in each of those three matches at state he lost, but it has been a few years and the details might be incorrect on that. Also, likely would have at least qualified as a freshman, but Wrestled JV as a freshman because he was behind 3x SC Jay Van Laanen and SC Travis Athey (brother).
Quote from: Quack on February 24, 2015, 05:11:55 PM
Quote from: fastnfurious on February 24, 2015, 04:35:22 PM
Quote from: fireman on February 24, 2015, 12:26:28 PM
One that should have had another shot, 2x state finalist Eric Schmid from Verona. Crappy way to end an outstanding career for the young man.
+1 for this one. He had a good chance to win it this year. Also one of my favorite wrestlers to watch. On the bright side he still has four more years of wrestling to go.
Oh? Is he wrestling in college? I thought he was gonna play football somewhere?
He tweeted that he is going to wrestle for the Badgers next year. He wasn't listed as one of the kids that signed a letter of intent, so maybe he'll be a preferred walkon?
Quote from: Manty77 on February 24, 2015, 05:25:21 PM
Quote from: Quack on February 24, 2015, 05:11:55 PM
Quote from: fastnfurious on February 24, 2015, 04:35:22 PM
Quote from: fireman on February 24, 2015, 12:26:28 PM
One that should have had another shot, 2x state finalist Eric Schmid from Verona. Crappy way to end an outstanding career for the young man.
+1 for this one. He had a good chance to win it this year. Also one of my favorite wrestlers to watch. On the bright side he still has four more years of wrestling to go.
Oh? Is he wrestling in college? I thought he was gonna play football somewhere?
He tweeted that he is going to wrestle for the Badgers next year. He wasn't listed as one of the kids that signed a letter of intent, so maybe he'll be a preferred walkon?
I believe that is correct.
CC Rider (Collin Cudd) gets my vote as well. Love that guy.
Quote from: hammen on February 24, 2015, 07:30:31 PM
CC Rider (Collin Cudd) gets my vote as well. Love that guy.
His brother Logan came darn close to a state title and just came up a little bit short too. I remember him beating that tough Muskego kid in the semis (not going to try to spell his name correctly) in a really exciting match. Just couldn't get away on bottom at the end of his finals match and got called for stalling (which I thought was an unnecessary call, but I'm not a ref!) Too bad. Great kid.
I would have to say Troy Freeman from Nekoosa, such a talent but always found himself in a loaded bracket.
Jarod Donar- Cuba City, Cal Jensen- River Valley, Brad Moore- Lancaster.
Quote from: bud on February 24, 2015, 08:27:04 PM
I would have to say Troy Freeman from Nekoosa, such a talent but always found himself in a loaded bracket.
Your right bud completley. To say Troy's bracket was loaded year after year is an understatement! No double digit loses in any of those brackets.lol
Justin tritz wasn't too bad, but really hasn't done anything for wrestling since ;D. Freeman and Justin coach together now.
Anthony Lampe
Quote from: Manty77 on February 24, 2015, 04:14:21 PM
Quote from: nutman on February 24, 2015, 11:20:59 AM
I'm also wondering back in the day with the old qualifying rules at sectionals when wrestlers lost a first round match and then were done with no chance of a wrestleback period.
Good question. I always chuckle when I see these kinds of threads because it's usually the younger guys who post, and have no appreciation for history. It seems to me they overrate the more recent wrestlers and completely discount the older wrestlers, mainly because the older guys were before their time. Yeah, so maybe I'm getting old . . . . just get off my lawn damnit!!!
Well, anyway, I took a quick look at some old programs and the 1st one I looked at was from 1967. I saw a kid named Kevin Campbell from Baraboo at 95 lbs. He was 25-3 and finished 5/6. They didn't wrestle the 5th/6th place match back then. I have no idea who this kid is and I've never heard of him.
Bear in mind that this was back when there was only 1 division in the entire state, and only 16 kids made it to state.
The next year, in 1968, Campbel finished 28-1, and DNP at state because the kid that beat him lost his next match, and Campbell didn't get a wrestleback. The kid that beat Campbell took 3rd through wrestlebacks.
The next year, in 1969, Cambpell moved up to 103 lbs and once again finished with 1 loss, 27-1 and DNP at state because he did not get a wrestleback.
And then finally in 1970 he finished 29-1 and took 2nd at state. The kid that he lost to was Frank Valasquez who was in the middle of winning 3 titles in a row.
So here is a kid that made it to state all 4 years back in an era when most schools didn't let FR wrestle varsity, when there was only 1 division, only 12 weight classes, finished 5th-6th, DNP, DNP, and 2nd with an overall record of 109-6.
And if I hadn't taken a look at the programs I'm sure no one would have mentioned this guy. Even though he is the only one I looked at, it makes me wonder just how many more of these exceptional wrestlers there were, that no one recalls?
All I can say is we need to find this guy. One of my new heros. Only eight years older than me.
Quote from: ankle pick on February 24, 2015, 08:43:40 PM
Jarod Donar- Cuba City, Cal Jensen- River Valley, Brad Moore- Lancaster.
Cal was a 2x champ... I would vote for Tom Luther R. Valley
Scott Hilton of Clear Lake, back in the early 70's was undeated for 4 years going into state and lost 5 matches at state. He placed 4th as a junior? and every other year lost a match with no wrestle back.
He went on to a long career of reffing in the north west part of the state.
How about that for some history?
Was there a kid from up north that was a 3 time finalist in the late 80's that was just a beast but never won it? It was a lighter weight but I remember as a youth he was one tough wrestlers that his style just wasnt the in thing in Madison at that time.
Colin Cudd was pretty darn good never to win a title. Boy I remember hearing about those sectionals and regionals up there with Luke Smith, Colin Cudd and the Crasses. I think those names would meet a few times a year in conference and tournaments.
Quote from: hammer on February 24, 2015, 10:38:51 PM
Was there a kid from up north that was a 3 time finalist in the late 80's that was just a beast but never won it? It was a lighter weight but I remember as a youth he was one tough wrestlers that his style just wasnt the in thing in Madison at that time.
Colin Cudd was pretty darn good never to win a title. Boy I remember hearing about those sectionals and regionals up there with Luke Smith, Colin Cudd and the Crasses. I think those names would meet a few times a year in conference and tournaments.
Not sure but the only name I can remember from the up north area at that time that was a 3X finalist was Rob Trunkel but he won it in 87 at 105. So he did win it one year.
Quote from: littleguy301 on February 24, 2015, 10:45:33 PM
Quote from: hammer on February 24, 2015, 10:38:51 PM
Was there a kid from up north that was a 3 time finalist in the late 80's that was just a beast but never won it? It was a lighter weight but I remember as a youth he was one tough wrestlers that his style just wasnt the in thing in Madison at that time.
Colin Cudd was pretty darn good never to win a title. Boy I remember hearing about those sectionals and regionals up there with Luke Smith, Colin Cudd and the Crasses. I think those names would meet a few times a year in conference and tournaments.
Not sure but the only name I can remember from the up north area at that time that was a 3X finalist was Rob Trunkel but he won it in 87 at 105. So he did win it one year.
That would be the one. Thanks for helping me on that memory.
Quote from: Street Glide on February 24, 2015, 02:01:18 PM
Jon Lantz Ellsworth, and Fester Frandsen Ellsworth. There sons did help pick up the slack though. 😄😄😄😄
Glad you didnt mention conference on that, you might have gotten someone a little riled up ;)
actually I would have loved to see both those 2 parents in the day match up with their sons in their day. That would have been fun.
Side Note: I would guess that it has happened at some time in their respective houses but not on the match. Gosh someone has to have a Hot Tub Time Machine out there ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Quote from: littleguy301 on February 24, 2015, 10:51:22 PM
Quote from: Street Glide on February 24, 2015, 02:01:18 PM
Jon Lantz Ellsworth, and Fester Frandsen Ellsworth. There sons did help pick up the slack though. 😄😄😄😄
Glad you didnt mention conference on that, you might have gotten someone a little riled up ;)
actually I would have loved to see both those 2 parents in the day match up with their sons in their day. That would have been fun.
Side Note: I would guess that it has happened at some time in their respective houses but not on the match. Gosh someone has to have a Hot Tub Time Machine out there ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Absolutely no question about it, the sons easily tech them. I've discussed this many times with them and of course they disagree. Festers reasoning is "we had stuff too".
Quote from: littleguy301 on February 24, 2015, 10:31:57 PM
Scott Hilton of Clear Lake, back in the early 70's was undeated for 4 years going into state and lost 5 matches at state. He placed 4th as a junior? and every other year lost a match with no wrestle back.
He went on to a long career of reffing in the north west part of the state.
How about that for some history?
Just who I was thinking about! Took 4th his senior year. I was working the tourney that year and talked to him before the final match and he was just so pleased and grateful to be able to place after 3 years of getting to state and not placing.
Others that come to mind: John Peterson.....3rd in Sectional and Pat Christianson who was the same; Ben Peterson who was second in state and Pat Kapla from Pulaski went to state as Fresh and Soph, was injured in Sectionals(which he won) this junior year and was ranked #1 and did not go to state and took 3rd his senior year. Tal Coppenger of Rhinelanderwho went to State as Soph and was ranked #1 in state as Senior and was a pinning machine, was upset and did not place. Another Rhinelander kid, Kevin Wilmont was #1 ranked as Senior having gone down state the previous 2 years, was upset in semis of Sectional by guy whom he had beaten badly; he walked on to UW and was Big10 champ and place 4th in NCAAs in 1997.
Shawn Smith Chippewa Falls 4x qualifier. Took 2,DNP,3rd and 5th with a career record according to the old programs of 135-11.
Nazar.
Quote from: littleguy301 on February 24, 2015, 10:31:57 PM
Scott Hilton of Clear Lake, back in the early 70's was undeated for 4 years going into state and lost 5 matches at state. He placed 4th as a junior? and every other year lost a match with no wrestle back.
He went on to a long career of reffing in the north west part of the state.
How about that for some history?
Yes...Thanks...I now feel like the train wreck I was after wrestling Mr. Hilton my freshman year..
Quote from: littleguy301 on February 24, 2015, 10:31:57 PM
Scott Hilton of Clear Lake, back in the early 70's was undeated for 4 years going into state and lost 5 matches at state. He placed 4th as a junior? and every other year lost a match with no wrestle back.
He went on to a long career of reffing in the north west part of the state.
How about that for some history?
Scott was certainly something special in high school - really unusual to get to state four times back in the single-class day. That said, while the legend is that he was undefeated all four years, he actually had a loss and two ties prior to state his freshman year at 105 (http://www.rvwrestlingalum.com/Programs/1971_files/105%20lbs.jpg). Still, awfully impressive career.
Quote from: Fabulous Falcons on February 24, 2015, 12:17:39 PM
Rick Gruber from Campbellsport (one of my all-time favorite Wisconsin wrestlers) slender and lightening quick. . . lost two state championships to Chuck Curwick of Waunakee in 1979 – 112, and 1980 Division B – 119. Many people that never saw him wrestle have no idea just how good he was. . .would loved to have seen him face Jens Lantz from Ellsworth.
I've seen most of the wrestlers in this thread wrestle and I'm still not convinced. . . perhaps Coach Mark Peterson from Campbellsport can put some video into this thread of Rick. Coach Peterson was the assistant coach when Rick wrestled in high schoool. Interesting note, Rick had a pre-wrestling ritual in which he made the sign of the cross and slapped the mat before he would begin to wrestle in the first period.
http://www.uwoshkoshtitans.com/sports/wrest/2011-12/releases/alltime
Former UW-Oshkosh standout Rick Gruber has been named one of the 26 members on the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) All-Time Wrestling Team.
Gruber (Campbellsport • Campbellsport High School) won 91 percent of his matches during a UW-Oshkosh career that spanned from 1981-84. While posting four NCAA Division III All-America finishes, Gruber led UW-Oshkosh to its lone WIAC title in 1982. Gruber compiled a 131-13 career record and won at least 32 matches every season. He placed fourth at the NCAA Division III Championship in 1981, second in 1982, third in 1983 and fifth in 1984.
Gruber posted a 32-3 record in 1981 and captured the first of four straight WIAC championships at 118 pounds. In 1982, Gruber won 32 consecutive matches en route to a 32-1 record. Gruber then compiled records of 33-3 in 1983 and 34-6 in 1984.
http://www.wwca.org/page/show/1507251-gerald-a-marking
Campbellsport's most recognized wrestler in college was Rick Gruber, who was University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh's first 4 time All-American.
http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1499&dat=19830217&id=XGgaAAAAIBAJ&sjid=4ykEAAAAIBAJ&pg=5423,4006750
and Rick Gruber, a junior from Campbellsport, won at 118 for the third straight year and could join Whitewater's Tim Carmin and the only four-time WSUC champion next year.
Quote from: npope on February 25, 2015, 01:34:47 PM
Quote from: littleguy301 on February 24, 2015, 10:31:57 PM
Scott Hilton of Clear Lake, back in the early 70's was undeated for 4 years going into state and lost 5 matches at state. He placed 4th as a junior? and every other year lost a match with no wrestle back.
He went on to a long career of reffing in the north west part of the state.
How about that for some history?
Scott was certainly something special in high school - really unusual to get to state four times back in the single-class day. That said, while the legend is that he was undefeated all four years, he actually had a loss and two ties prior to state his freshman year at 105 (http://www.rvwrestlingalum.com/Programs/1971_files/105%20lbs.jpg). Still, awfully impressive career.
how does Herb Cruz get to 28 and 0 when he came into state with a 23-0 record. I see he wrestled 4 matches at state but...........
Quote from: ankle pick on February 24, 2015, 08:43:40 PM
Jarod Donar- Cuba City, Cal Jensen- River Valley, Brad Moore- Lancaster.
This post confuses me...
Matt Pope, Racine Park/Horlick. 142-10. DNP, 3rd, 3rd, 5th. Lost to Kevin Black 2x in the semi's sophomore and junior years, and lost to Cudd in the quarters senior year.
Anyone ever hear of Fred McGaver. Successful college wrestler, Olympic alternate to Bruce Baumgartner (one of the all-time greatest US wrestlers) Fred is one of a few people to ever beat Bruce.
Quote from: veto on February 25, 2015, 02:45:34 PM
Anyone ever hear of Fred McGaver. Successful college wrestler, Olympic alternate to Bruce Baumgartner (one of the all-time greatest US wrestlers) Fred is one of a few people to ever beat Bruce.
Yes, he comes to the Badger Steak Fry fundraiser every year. Nice guy with GREAT stories.
Quote from: crossface21 on February 25, 2015, 02:37:57 PM
Matt Pope, Racine Park/Horlick. 142-10. DNP, 3rd, 3rd, 5th. Lost to Kevin Black 2x in the semi's sophomore and junior years, and lost to Cudd in the quarters senior year.
There's a reason to hate River Falls.
Quote from: Dale Einerson on February 25, 2015, 09:26:54 AM
Nazar.
Buen pick, bud. I still love to watch his stuff. Amazing wrestler.
Quote from: npope on February 25, 2015, 03:26:38 PM
Quote from: crossface21 on February 25, 2015, 02:37:57 PM
Matt Pope, Racine Park/Horlick. 142-10. DNP, 3rd, 3rd, 5th. Lost to Kevin Black 2x in the semi's sophomore and junior years, and lost to Cudd in the quarters senior year.
There's a reason to hate River Falls.
I didn't wanna say it ;D
Woody and Shane Sparks, I always hear people people say they are the "Best", and I don't think either one has won a state title.
Quote from: Quack on February 25, 2015, 08:01:59 PM
Woody and Shane Sparks, I always hear people people say they are the "Best", and I don't think either one has won a state title.
I thought I heard Shane boast about winning the Ripon youth tournament. ..infact he might have been a three time champ.
Anthony Lampe
Quote from: HMsDad on February 25, 2015, 09:06:52 AM
Shawn Smith Chippewa Falls 4x qualifier. Took 2,DNP,3rd and 5th with a career record according to the old programs of 135-11.
how could i forget this one. lost to shane kohl by 1 point as a senior. shawn was really good.
Quote from: scfcat on February 25, 2015, 08:18:21 PM
Anthony Lampe
As far as I'm concerned he DID win a state title.
Quote from: imnofish on February 25, 2015, 09:51:46 PM
Quote from: scfcat on February 25, 2015, 08:18:21 PM
Anthony Lampe
As far as I'm concerned he DID win a state title.
As far as I'm concerned, when you commit a wiaa violation, such as a battery, you shouldn't be allowed to compete. The wiaa got that one right. He should not have been allowed to compete.
Quote from: jw52 on February 25, 2015, 10:02:00 PM
Quote from: imnofish on February 25, 2015, 09:51:46 PM
Quote from: scfcat on February 25, 2015, 08:18:21 PM
Anthony Lampe
As far as I'm concerned he DID win a state title.
As far as I'm concerned, when you commit a wiaa violation, such as a battery, you shouldn't be allowed to compete. The wiaa got that one right. He should not have been allowed to compete.
Did D. Peterson have to sit in jail a couple days for what he did before his senior season... they never stripped his title.
Not trying to start an argument. Just saying the kid won the tournament. No point in arguing the legal details, especially at this point.
1973 - Ron Jeidy
Quote from: futurerichguy on February 25, 2015, 06:11:34 PM
Justin Scherkenbach, 2nd, 4th and 3rd. His loss in the semis to Joe Umlauf his Senior year usually comes up as one of the bigger upsets at the state tourney.
I'll hand it to Joe, though. Wow! Just wow.
Scherk sure had the skills, strength and tough.
I'd go with Brian Colburn La Crosse Central-2,2,3rd his Sr year and was supposed to wrestle Swick in the finals, but was upset in the semi's. He was one of the most exciting wrestlers to watch along with Cal Jensen in my opinion.
Ooo. Forgot all about him. He was a cat.
Quote from: jw52 on February 25, 2015, 10:02:00 PM
Quote from: imnofish on February 25, 2015, 09:51:46 PM
Quote from: scfcat on February 25, 2015, 08:18:21 PM
Anthony Lampe
As far as I'm concerned he DID win a state title.
As far as I'm concerned, when you commit a wiaa violation, such as a battery, you shouldn't be allowed to compete. The wiaa got that one right. He should not have been allowed to compete.
If my memory is correct Anthony was cleared of all charges.
I believe you are correct. Hang the innocent.
Yea... I was shaking my head at that one... a sibling thing.
Lampe was a good one.
Quote from: bigG on February 26, 2015, 11:05:03 AM
I believe you are correct. Hang the innocent.
BigG, he was convicted of Battery, a class misdemeanor with a potential penalty of $10,000 and 9 month in jail and Disorderly Conduct a class B miss. with a penalty of 1000 bucks and 90 days in jail. He plead no contest to both, was found guilty of both and was fined. The WIAA got it right IMO.
well, we don't have to rehash it I suppose.. it was what it was..
Now back to the topic, I believe most of the wrestlers have been mentioned... who has time to make a list???
Quote from: TLV on February 26, 2015, 07:54:17 PM
Quote from: bigG on February 26, 2015, 11:05:03 AM
I believe you are correct. Hang the innocent.
BigG, he was convicted of Battery, a class misdemeanor with a potential penalty of $10,000 and 9 month in jail and Disorderly Conduct a class B miss. with a penalty of 1000 bucks and 90 days in jail. He plead no contest to both, was found guilty of both and was fined. The WIAA got it right IMO.
Was he convicted before the suspension. Would it not be unconstitutional to do such a thing, if he were not yet convicted?
I thought he was cleared. My mistake.
I wonder how many other sports get this in-depth about the best athlete that wasn't quite the best.
Who are some of the best wrestlers to never even make the wiaa state tourney?
Brian Colburn - Lax Central
Shawn Smith - Chippewa Falls
Russ Keuhn - Holmen
Tom Campbell - Holmen
Nick Ammerman - Holmen
So many great wrestlers didn't win that title but were just as good if not better than ones that did.
So many guys had great year and went to state and perhaps placed .....and then the next they were sick....or injured....or had a bad match at the wrong time. I remember kid from Janesville Parker who had placed 4th at state his junior year. Got his knee twisted up in finals of regionals to a guy he could handle easy and defaulted.....end of career. Kevin Wilmot who I Mentioned before, went down state twice and senior year he and the guy in the weight class above hiim were both ranked #1 in the state. Kevin has bad match in semis of Sectionals against a kid he had previously hammered and doesn't go to state. His training partner does go to state and wins it.
Has Jeff Gregorich been mentioned( Waunakee, 1979)? A serious stud, undefeated coming in...only to lose by a slam first round.
Went on to wrestle for Indiana State, then the Badgers.
Quote from: OneEyedFatMan on March 05, 2015, 08:36:44 AM
Has Jeff Gregorich been mentioned( Waunakee, 1979)? A serious stud, undefeated coming in...only to lose by a slam first round.
Went on to wrestle for Indiana State, then the Badgers.
That was an interesting one - Gregorich was a stud, for sure. My wrestler was the one that got slammed in that match. The slam was accidental, but a slam, nonetheless.
The trainer wouldn't let our kid continue so our head coach had to make a call as to whether we default (and let Gregorich move on) or accept the win by DQ. In that moment, we couldn't know whether our kid was going to be able to wrestle in the next round and the slam occurred so early in the match we really couldn't know whether our kid had a chance at picking Gregorich off, i.e., whether Gregorich was simply so dominant that the writing would have been on the wall. So, in that moment, we felt we owed it to our kid to accept the win by DQ and see what happened once we were off the mat - which ended up as a forfeit in the next round (subsequent assessment by trainers kept our kid out of the next match).
So, both Gregorich and our kid were out. Had we known, we likely would have let Gregorich slide by, by not accepting the DQ win. Sad circumstance. But to be sure, Gregorich was a good one - shame it ended like that for him.
Ill stick to my pick of Mineral Points Joe T, just by looking at who he wrestled in tho's finals and lost too.. and what they accomplished afterwards...
Gabe Paulson SR year, I think 2012 record of 43-0. Ranked #2 popped his miniscus stretching out2 days before sectional. Some consolidation his brother Bennett picked a championship this year.
Rich Tomaszewski from Weyauwega-Fremont was the winningest wrestler in WI history when he graduated. Back when it was all one division he was 120-9, 4x State qualifier(5th,3rd,3rd). Won a few National titles as well, went on to wrestle for UW.
Luke Harness-Winneconne. 176-14 record. 5,3,2 placing at state. Only 2 losses jr and sr year coming in state semis and state finals. Just a physical wrestler. Awesome to watch
Quote from: Flatbottom on March 06, 2015, 06:34:06 AM
Luke Harness-Winneconne. 176-14 record. 5,3,2 placing at state. Only 2 losses jr and sr year coming in state semis and state finals. Just a physical wrestler. Awesome to watch
+1 right here. He just bossed people around I loved his physicality
Quote from: fireman on February 24, 2015, 12:26:28 PM
One that should have had another shot, 2x state finalist Eric Schmid from Verona. Crappy way to end an outstanding career for the young man.
What happen to him?
Quote from: whiteghost on March 06, 2015, 01:24:33 PM
Quote from: fireman on February 24, 2015, 12:26:28 PM
One that should have had another shot, 2x state finalist Eric Schmid from Verona. Crappy way to end an outstanding career for the young man.
What happen to him?
failed skin test at Regionals
Just remembered a good one. Rick Cywinski, DCE, mid 80's.
Quote from: Dale on March 19, 2015, 02:30:28 PM
Just remembered a good one. Rick Cywinski, DCE, mid 80's.
+1
Quote from: Manty77 on March 06, 2015, 01:38:15 PM
Quote from: whiteghost on March 06, 2015, 01:24:33 PM
Quote from: fireman on February 24, 2015, 12:26:28 PM
One that should have had another shot, 2x state finalist Eric Schmid from Verona. Crappy way to end an outstanding career for the young man.
What happen to him?
failed skin test at Regionals
Not sure what that means.......an infection or at least a rash? I was looking forward to seeing him again this year and was also wondering what happened. Horrible way to end a career.
Woe. You guys are pulling obvious choices out of the woodwork.
I always wish I'd seen Laurent Soucie in HS. I know I have; just can't remember exactly.
Quote from: TLV on March 24, 2015, 04:52:14 PM
Quote from: Manty77 on March 06, 2015, 01:38:15 PM
Quote from: whiteghost on March 06, 2015, 01:24:33 PM
Quote from: fireman on February 24, 2015, 12:26:28 PM
One that should have had another shot, 2x state finalist Eric Schmid from Verona. Crappy way to end an outstanding career for the young man.
What happen to him?
failed skin test at Regionals
Ringworm on scalp.
Not sure what that means.......an infection or at least a rash? I was looking forward to seeing him again this year and was also wondering what happened. Horrible way to end a career.
Goiter?
Quote from: Street Glide on March 05, 2015, 01:53:23 PM
Gabe Paulson SR year, I think 2012 record of 43-0. Ranked #2 popped his miniscus stretching out2 days before sectional. Some consolidation his brother Bennett picked a championship this year.
Good choice, he was having an outstanding year to say the least!
How about FESTER? not that he set the world on fire in high school ( a 4th place finish one year) but he went on to some legendary folklore in these parts with his tenacious wrestling during his college years. Or maybe it was his off the mat tenacious way he attacked life ;D ;D ;D ;) ;) ;) ;)
Uncle Fester was a legend both on and off the mat in College. and at MNBadgers wedding.
my loss at mnbadgers wedding is still giving me nightmares....
Someone had to win that night, it was one heck of a competition
Well, if that's your criteria, then I choose John Peterson!
Actually, Mike Terry from Sun Prairie was pretty good...just had a bad semi match. He ended up as an easy 2 time AA for UW.
Quote from: maggie on March 05, 2015, 09:07:20 AM
Ill stick to my pick of Mineral Points Joe T, just by looking at who he wrestled in tho's finals and lost too.. and what they accomplished afterwards...
Being a little biased, I will throw out a couple West De Pere wrestlers (I know, I know not a huge wrestling tradition at West De Pere, but we have had a couple)...Tony Kazik, Alex Puckhaber, and Mark Puckhaber.
Mark Hemauer- Sun Prairie
Fritz Lehrke was almost impossible to beat at that time. 2-1 I think it was.