With conference, regionals, sectionals, and state coming up I wanted to start a thread about your favorite state tournament memories. The most obvious one to me is "WILLIS, WILLIS, WILLIS" Davion Willis over Devin Peterson in 2010. I just rewatched that match on Badger State Wrestling (Thank you Shane!) and thought about the Kohl Center that night. There are so many great matches to think about over the years. What are some of your favorites?
p.s. Shane, do you have more years of State Finals that you could upload on Badger State Wrestling? I love watching old finals matches!
Being able to see the last 3 four timers Theilke, Donar and Lantz.
Watching Matt Hanutke become the first 4-time WIAA Champion! 8)
Besides being lucky enough to have my own son win a state title and jump in my arms afterwards these would be my seven most memorable moments in no real particular order....
The tribute to Cory Henry after his sudden death by the wrestlers on the podium
Georgeson vs. Dressel...tons of hype and a somehat huge upset although Cory was an excellent wrestler but was just under the radar
Tritz vs. Black....Tritz went for it and was exciting
Greunwald vs. Hall...Clash of the Titans
Hall losing to Hoffman...no one believed it would happen even though they tied days before
Willis vs. Peterson...loudest I've ever heard the Kohl Center
Kittleson throwing headgear into stands leading to penalty point and a state title for Everest
Craziness around the Travis Smith match
Brandon Garcia getting DQd with a slam in the finals when he was winning.
Also Peterson going for a cheap tilt and getting pinned his junior year. That was pretty crazy.
Seeing Tom Richie become Barron's first State Champ, while still recovering from spinal fusion surgery. The kid won all matches by fall or tech fall, plus went undefeated, despite still dealing with a lot of pain.
In 1982 I stood in line waiting to get into the field house. . .being a farm kid, I thought by chance someone missing some fingers could possibly be a farmer. So I said, "Hey you got someone down here." He said. . . yes my boy Jeff Williams from Phillips and he is going to be a state champion! I wished him well and told him I would watch for his boy. In the finals Jeff had a tough kid from East Troy that was thick built in stature. Didn't look like an easy match for Jeff. With the old man hollering and screaming, Jeff double hooked his opponents and lifted him slightly on his tip toes and threw him to the mat for a fall. The old man scream, "That's my boy. . .That's my boy." Jeff shook his coaches hands and made a beeline to the stands where he hugged his dad and celebrated together that special moment. FYI Many of you know that years later the old man's grandson won a state title too. ! :-)
has to be Askren's taken down over the one who said he was Un-takendownable...in the last few second to win the match after telling him he was going to do it...... :o
WR Martin Thunder also comes to mind...
Quote from: maggie on February 07, 2015, 09:23:05 AM
has to be Askren's taken down over the one who said he was Un-takendownable...in the last few second to win the match after telling him he was going to do it...... :o
Who did that? I don't remember anyone talking all that much junk besides Ben.
add them Crass Boy matches as well... ;)
Quote from: Fabulous Falcons on February 07, 2015, 09:00:32 AM
In 1982 I stood in line waiting to get into the field house. . .being a farm kid, I thought by chance someone missing some fingers could possibly be a farmer. So I said, "Hey you got someone down here." He said. . . yes my boy Jeff Williams from Phillips and he is going to be a state champion! I wished him well and told him I would watch for his boy. In the finals Jeff had a tough kid from East Troy that was thick built in stature. Didn't look like an easy match for Jeff. With the old man hollering and screaming, Jeff double hooked his opponents and lifted him slightly on his tip toes and threw him to the mat for a fall. The old man scream, "That's my boy. . .That's my boy." Jeff shook his coaches hands and made a beeline to the stands where he hugged his dad and celebrated together that special moment. FYI Many of you know that years later the old man's grandson won a state title too. ! :-)
Jeff Williams was a flat out animal, great guy but an animal on the mat!!
then you must have missed it Ghetto, if i'm not mistaken, it was a cyber war between the 2...and both did there fair share of talking Smack... ;) I do believe I recall Askern say something in the order of he was now upset at a response he got and said he wasn't going to pin him, he was just going to Embarrass him..and in the end...did..I guess he meant, Business... :)
For me it was definitely Tritz vs Black in 98 when Black was going for his 4th title! The Arena was buzzing.
Ghetto, I never talked any smack, what are you talking about ;)
Other favorite is the 2 or 3 quarterfinal upsets that happen every single year that no one can predict! You know they are gonna happen, but can't imagine where they are going to happen, then they always do!
Is there any possible way I could watch Tritz v Black? Anyone???
Depies from Random Lake getting medical forfeited by a clueless trainer in the early 90's
Leading my a wide margin with less than a minute left if I remember correctly
Quote from: heavy9278 on February 07, 2015, 06:46:20 PM
Depies from Random Lake getting medical forfeited by a clueless trainer in the early 90's
Leading my a wide margin with less than a minute left if I remember correctly
That happened? I wouldn't know I wasn't really around. I assume Depies wanted to keep wrestling but the trainer didn't let him?
Quote from: DarkKnight on February 07, 2015, 07:15:12 PM
Quote from: heavy9278 on February 07, 2015, 06:46:20 PM
Depies from Random Lake getting medical forfeited by a clueless trainer in the early 90's
Leading my a wide margin with less than a minute left if I remember correctly
That happened? I wouldn't know I wasn't really around. I assume Depies wanted to keep wrestling but the trainer didn't let him?
The trainer did one of those push down tests on his arms and ruled he didn't have enough strength or something to that affect to continue. He was livid, the whole Fieldhouse was going nuts. He got screwed
I seem to remember the Tomahawk kid wasn't to happy to have to stand on top of that podium
Tritz vs Black was amazing. Some others not mentioned that come to mind were Zip Spencer vs Phil Bird and the lateral after the whistle that made the crowd crazy, Venendal vs Kutz with Kutz getting an early headlock and Kutz coming back to win.
Quote from: heavy9278 on February 07, 2015, 08:12:23 PM
Quote from: DarkKnight on February 07, 2015, 07:15:12 PM
Quote from: heavy9278 on February 07, 2015, 06:46:20 PM
Depies from Random Lake getting medical forfeited by a clueless trainer in the early 90's
Leading my a wide margin with less than a minute left if I remember correctly
That happened? I wouldn't know I wasn't really around. I assume Depies wanted to keep wrestling but the trainer didn't let him?
The trainer did one of those push down tests on his arms and ruled he didn't have enough strength or something to that affect to continue. He was livid, the whole Fieldhouse was going nuts. He got screwed
I seem to remember the Tomahawk kid wasn't to happy to have to stand on top of that podium
Yes, the Tomahawk coach told me that the kid felt really bad about that situation, especially when he got the impression that the crowd was booing him on the podium. As I recall, the match was stopped several times, due to DePies being in tremendous pain from the shoulder and the trainer tested it repeatedly. It wasn't just a single occurrence. I believe he was also out of injury time at that point. What was so frustrating was that there was so little time left in the match and the kid was so far ahead. It was great to see him come back and win it the next year, after missing much of that season due to a football injury. Pretty determined and talented kid!
one of my favorite moments was when Tom brought me up a Huge Popcorn a few yrs back... :)
your memory is a bit off on the Askren thing Maggie. Ben and Spencer from Baraboo were the ones trading words on the internet and Ben smashed him. Ben beat our kid, Spencer Dominguez, by two in the quarters in a match I still say we got hosed on back points in. Spencer Dominguez wasn't a trash talker at all. He was the kid who would smash you and politely pick you up afterwards. ;D
couple of the best finals matches i have seen was joe budi and jody van laanen also max askren and trevor brandvold. i also second askren on the semi finals matches. it seems friday night is better than sat night. it kinda seems like in the semi finals everyone is going 110% but as soon as they get into the finals everyone wrestles really conservatively
I have been blessed to be part of the Tournament since 1976.
So many good times that I forgot some. My top 5.
1) Kelly and Mike with Cory's Warm-up Jacket.
2) Coaching a two time State Champion while running the Tournament. Thanks Kyle Reeve.
3) Coaching the others from Wisconsin Heights while working the Tournament. You all were chasing your Dream. You knew what I needed to do. You know that both of us gave everything. What a great experience.
4) Towel tapping in the State Finals in 1977. Didn't make it as a wrestler. Had the young man who beat me (Bob Dickman) win State. Changed my view of myself.
5) Having the MAN, and my High School Coach, who got me to see how important this sport was, Bernie Kane, and his family, be part of my team that makes this Tournament happen.
Sappy, I know but really. I just live for this Sport !
Thanks to all the fans and Family that experience the WIAA State Championships.
Also have had tons of friends and family that have experienced the thrill and the pain of the State Tournament. Lived through it with them all.
Quote from: Josh Crass on February 07, 2015, 05:38:50 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KE-D2S8xi6o
some of it
Another moment that changed our sport in Wisconsin. Kudos to both.
Quote from: woody53 on February 08, 2015, 11:56:42 AM
Quote from: Josh Crass on February 07, 2015, 05:38:50 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KE-D2S8xi6o
some of it
Another moment that changed our sport in Wisconsin. Kudos to both.
While the match was just another brick in the wall that eventually established Kevin's legacy within the state's wrestling lore, what I hope doesn't ever get lost when people relive that match is the fact that Tritz actually dropped a weight at the end of the season to get a chance at knocking off Black. Tritz was (easily?) on target to have won the title at 126 should he have chosen to stay at that weight, but he chose to take on a bigger challenge. Pretty incredible.
Quote from: npope on February 08, 2015, 12:34:52 PM
Quote from: woody53 on February 08, 2015, 11:56:42 AM
Quote from: Josh Crass on February 07, 2015, 05:38:50 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KE-D2S8xi6o
some of it
Another moment that changed our sport in Wisconsin. Kudos to both.
While the match was just another brick in the wall that eventually established Kevin's legacy within the state's wrestling lore, what I hope doesn't ever get lost when people relive that match is the fact that Tritz actually dropped a weight at the end of the season to get a chance at knocking off Black. Tritz was (easily?) on target to have won the title at 126 should he have chosen to stay at that weight, but he chose to take on a bigger challenge. Pretty incredible.
Yes, that is the reason that it was so much a part of the history of our Tournament. Both have gone on to do great things for our sport.
There's just too many that come to mind. Best match I've ever seen had go be Willis upsetting Peterson.
How about the year the Lampe duo made some noise, Alyssa just a few points away from a state championship and Anthony schooling one of the wunnicke brothers. Boy did he show up that night! !
Or Brandon Garcia dominating Weinke and gets called for the slam in the 3rd!!
York and The Ellsworth kid.. two studs going at it!!
Or dierenger losing to Zainer. This topic gets my mind racing and butterflies in my stomach! Is state almost here????
but my most fondness memory of the state tournament besides being a participant has to be attending and participate in the Badgers Thur morning practice before the tournament started, I'll never forget my head spinning and bouncing off the walls after going TD with Kemp and Jeidy for 6 minutes... :o
Quote from: benaskren on February 07, 2015, 05:01:59 PM
For me it was definitely Tritz vs Black in 98 when Black was going for his 4th title! The Arena was buzzing.
Ghetto, I never talked any smack, what are you talking about ;)
Other favorite is the 2 or 3 quarterfinal upsets that happen every single year that no one can predict! You know they are gonna happen, but can't imagine where they are going to happen, then they always do!
Tritz vs Black was definitely one of my favorites. 8)
Collin Baine over Izzy Balsiger!
This is one of our family's favorites. In the quarterfinals, we thought our wrestler, Matt Gaffney, was about to be pinned. Then, Matt said, "Screw you, gravity!"
He ended up winning it all that year.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sqYbOJCZHMs
Quote from: petertherooster on February 08, 2015, 07:29:57 PM
Collin Baine over Izzy Balsiger!
This was awesome! Also, Max Askren over Trevor Branvold 11-9 and Nick Hucke over Justin Pollack were crazy matches. Hucke and Pollack just kept putting each other on their back like crazy!
Miller vs Maye, that was a great match
Lukasko bumping up to beat stopplemoore.
That was cool and gutsy. Hall/Gruenwald was my favorite, though. I just loved the barn.
I remember that Gaffney match, too.
Big Oil's brothers pin was quite a feat...
Quote from: maggie on February 09, 2015, 07:00:15 AM
Big Oil's brothers pin was quite a feat...
Thanks Maggie, though not technically a pin. He won 13-9 after being down 8-1.
thats right...nice win regardless...
Hall/Riggs 1986 and be able to wrestle there and coach my 2 sons wrestling there.
Quote from: doublegotcha on February 09, 2015, 08:15:41 AM
Hall/Riggs 1986 and be able to wrestle there and coach my 2 sons wrestling there.
That has to be right up there!
Nothing better than getting the state champion hug. True dat!
Nelson tossing Nolan with a Lateral to get the W! :o
Lance Hanson pinning Scott Mckernan
Troy Doughman vs. Dan Hall
Derek Sikora beating 2 time champ Mike Myers
Also, Azarian tossing his headgear all the way to the head table was pretty memorable. That was a great match. Was it Reamer from DC Everest who beat him?
How about the time I smashed my mini van in the parking garage because I was so nervous? Wait. Thought this was "worst memories" thread...
Mack,thats definitely a memory,not sure if a good one or not though.Good luck to the boys at regionals.
My favorite memory is my son walking in the parade of champions and wrestling in the finals. He came up a little short of the win but a memory I will never forget!
Quote from: wrestle84 on February 09, 2015, 09:58:15 AM
Lance Hanson pinning Scott Mckernan
Troy Doughman vs. Dan Hall
Derek Sikora beating 2 time champ Mike Myers
That sucked when the newspapers called him "lucky." He wrestled for Luck High School, but that move was pure skill.
I would have to say, a great memory has to be spending the whole weekend at the tournament with Shawn (the Dude) Nickelson (RIP my friend) takes them all! The Littleguy can attest to that.... ;)
Quote from: Mack on February 09, 2015, 10:20:20 AM
How about the time I smashed my mini van in the parking garage because I was so nervous? Wait. Thought this was "worst memories" thread...
Yes, there are a few of those bad memories, too. One year, I had to coach at Sectionals and State as I hobbled around on crutches, due to a dislocated ankle. By the second day at State, I left the crutches back at the hotel. It was less trouble to ice down at the end of the day. The good news was that we had a medalist that year, in David Frandsen. He shocked a lot of people by dominating and eventually pinning an undefeated wrestler, first round.
Quote from: imnofish on February 09, 2015, 04:59:09 PM
Quote from: wrestle84 on February 09, 2015, 09:58:15 AM
Lance Hanson pinning Scott Mckernan
Troy Doughman vs. Dan Hall
Derek Sikora beating 2 time champ Mike Myers
That sucked when the newspapers called him "lucky." He wrestled for Luck High School, but that move was pure skill.
As I remember it, McKernan had Hanson in a cradle and pinned himself.
Quote from: wrestle84 on February 09, 2015, 05:09:28 PM
Quote from: imnofish on February 09, 2015, 04:59:09 PM
Quote from: wrestle84 on February 09, 2015, 09:58:15 AM
Lance Hanson pinning Scott Mckernan
Troy Doughman vs. Dan Hall
Derek Sikora beating 2 time champ Mike Myers
That sucked when the newspapers called him "lucky." He wrestled for Luck High School, but that move was pure skill.
As I remember it, McKernan had Hanson in a cradle and pinned himself.
Nope. Hanson hooked McKernan's leg with his inside foot and tipped him onto his shoulder blades. I recognized the technique, because I had successfully used it before. Later, I taught it to wrestlers that I coached, as part of our cradle defense arsenal. It's a last resort, but it can be effective, obviously. What a lot of people didn't know was that Hanson had knee surgery during the season and was still recovering. In fact, he barely got back on the mat in time for Regionals. I saw him dominate a tough tournament prior to the injury; what he showed at State was just a fraction of his full capabilities.
Quote from: warriordad on February 09, 2015, 12:17:29 PM
My favorite memory is my son walking in the parade of champions and wrestling in the finals. He came up a little short of the win but a memory I will never forget!
X 2 Same story for me :)
Quote from: maggie on February 07, 2015, 09:23:05 AM
has to be Askren's taken down over the one who said he was Un-takendownable...in the last few second to win the match after telling him he was going to do it...... :o
I think that was baraboos Trevor spencer and I believe askren proclaimed he would tech him without the aid of back points. He ended up turning him and came just short of a tf (21-8 I think) but he clearly outclassed spencer (a very good wrestler in his own right) and was well on his way to becoming one of the all-time greats.
I would add Martin thunder upsetting Tyler louden..electric match.
No Farmerbk, I was talking the 2000 Qt finals, he took down Dominguez in the last few seconds to win ...Dominguez was the returning state champion at the time....that was the match of the tournament ... ;)
That was the match of the tournament. Definitely the state finals in the quarters. Spencer ended up tech falling some poor soul from Rapids in the fifth place match in about a minute and a half. Spencer beat a freshman named Ross Needham in the first round. Little did we know that he'd make a name for himself later on.
Again though, Traenor Spencer was talking trash, not Spencer Dominguez. He was soft spoken and a great kid.
Few remember that Spencer Dominguez took Kevin Black down twice in the first period when Spencer was a freshman and Black a senior. Black ended up running that half to death and pinning Dominguez, but the place went a little nuts early. Spencer also tech falled Ben Askren when Askren was a freshman in a dual.
Quote from: farmerbk on February 09, 2015, 09:34:00 PM
I would add Martin thunder upsetting Tyler louden..electric match.
Martin's family was sitting right in front of us, nice people.
I remember the Lodi kid and veenedall in 93? with a very strange OT match. Lodi won but I think they changed the rules after that.
Mossel and Jenson in 01 came down to a penalty point also if my memory is correct.
I guess I remember the "highly" contested matches more.
Ellsworth kid over York in the semis was a match that was much waited for. I for one thought it was Yorks year but as some ones say, that is why they wrestle the matches.
Ryan from arrowhead, eating to be a HWT and putting on a double leg clinic until he simply ran into a kid that would not let him in on the double and lost the finals.
Quote from: maggie on February 09, 2015, 05:05:27 PM
I would have to say, a great memory has to be spending the whole weekend at the tournament with Shawn (the Dude) Nickelson (RIP my friend) takes them all! The Littleguy can attest to that.... ;)
Yes they were some good times!
Just thinking of the dude the other day, in how he "painted" the streets of Madison while we stayed together :o
Over the years I enjoy just catching up with the people that I only see once a year in Madison. Good times!
LG, good to hear from you! 8)
Nice to see your voice again, buddy.
Wish I could make the annual pilgrimage.
part of my retirement plan.
last man standing, last TD.... ;)
Who was the kid from Chippewa Falls that won state and as he walked off gave his headgear away to a youngster, who then later also became a state qualifier?
Joe Henning?
Yes , that's his name. Thank you.
Quote from: Street Glide on February 10, 2015, 10:25:42 AM
Who was the kid from Chippewa Falls that won state and as he walked off gave his headgear away to a youngster, who then later also became a state qualifier?
That is a cool story I have never heard. Who was the young kid?
Its not a favorite, but it stands out in my mind.....when the kid from Riverdale started whacking the other boy at the end of their state finals, and
the ref didn't even toss him ???
Scotty Schmitz coming from down 4 to half-nelson and roll-backwards his opponent for the pin in the 1980 or 81 finals. As I recall, his Dad Curley got after one of Scott's brothers- Mark I believe- to " get down there and tell him to get the $#@% going". ;D
Quote from: maggie on February 09, 2015, 10:00:33 PM
No Farmerbk, I was talking the 2000 Qt finals, he took down Dominguez in the last few seconds to win ...Dominguez was the returning state champion at the time....that was the match of the tournament ... ;)
Ok my mistake..I agree the finals wasn't the best match but you mashed the stories together because the smack talk was definitely between Trevor spencer and Ben askren. Traenor was Trevor's younger brother who won state as a senior coincidentally.
Trevor Spencer. That's right.
Also what's the story with Martin Thunder? I remember him winning it but if I also recall he was a guy who was on JV for most of HS and then went on to be state champ senior yr? I could be incorrect and have revisionist memory...
[/quote]
I was only in 8th grade so I don't know what thunders previous history was but he had a badass name and I think laudon (2 time defending champ) scored very late, perhaps controversially, and it went into OT and thunder took him down. But I could be misremembering if anyone knows for sure.
I have fond memories of the state tournament being held in the barn. I remember getting there early and going way up in the rafters looking down on all the matches. Finding the malted milk cups and how the lids flew through the air and could stick on a mat. Not that I did that personally. Then the next year discovering the lids had to be removed before you could leave with your product.
I have great memories of when there were no assigned seats in the upper section of the Kohl Center. Having to wait in line for like an hour in the freezing cold and then racing to get your favorite seat.
Then having to leave during the breaks to go to the university library and print off the brackets from the WIAA website.
But mostly I love the Semi final matches and bringing my dad to them because they are/were his favorite. Having to find a hotel room because of the snow storm and spending the night with my dad.
It's the people that I've met at the state tournaments that mean the most. It is the mom and dads and grandparents who are there for their first go around and are there to cheer on their kid. Talking to them outside the Kohl center as they nervously wait in line for their chance to see their child attempt to win a state championship.
I do miss seeing a school that would let out early and send three buses to the state tournament because one of their own actually made it to state. I don't see that anymore.
My favorite memories are meeting Dale and his young boys in the coffee shop as they dreamed of being participants one day in the state tournament.
When Willie would tell me he scored a booth for the state tournament and we could invite all of our wrestling buddies. We'd be right next to the arch rivals and watch them pull their hair out when one of "our boys" beat them.
Having Maggie drag in another friend into our already crammed booth. Fun times.
I loved helping Tom give play by play when no one offered live video feeds and trackwrestling wasn't birthed yet. Sore fingers and all it was fun.
I can also say not receiving my wiwrestling sweater was a low light, but I keep bringing it up.
When I have the booth and I sell my perpetual tickets to someone who really wants to watch their child participate has been great. Lots of cool stories there.
Having a press pass seat to take pictures of my brother as he wrestled in the finals was incredible.
Watching all of the festivities on State Street as students get to have fun and be the entertainment for me for the day. That's pretty amazing.
I do love the state tournament. I can't be at every match, but the people I meet are the best.
Pretty good stuff, Mark.
I only missed two days of school my entire HS career. Both were to go to see state. I never made; but I always admired the guys that did.
The walk of champions brings a weird feeling inside and I well up every time because I know how hard each of those kids worked to get there. I worked semi-hard in my high school wrestling career and never even got to wrestle in a regional.
Ultimate was my boy winning it. Nothing will match that unless he's on top of the podium at Nationals this year.
Everything else is just excitement but no emotional attachment.
Bob
My favorite memory is when Loudin Swain beat Brian Schutt on his vision quest
Quote from: bigdawg on February 10, 2015, 12:35:53 PM
My favorite memory is when Loudin Swain beat Brian Schutt on his vision quest
+++1
:o it happens every year!
There are so many memories for me. I've been to, I believe, 15 straight state tournaments and they are all incredible. I too remember having to run up the stairs to get the best general admission seats for the nose bleeds. One year I was on crutches and had to take the elevator to get up there and some security guard yelled at me for taking the elevator...while I was on crutches. Anyways back to the wrestling itself. I love seeing the kids that make it with 10-15 losses and seeing their dreams of wrestling at the state tournament come true. I never made it to the state tournament when I was in high school but it holds a lot of fond memories for me. Even now, the grand march gives me the chills!
Looking back at all of these past state tournaments and seeing all of the battles that happened is great. It's hard to believe it was 15 years ago when we were watching Luke Smith beat Collin Cudd or Ben Askren over Trevor Spenser. It's too bad the link below doesn't go farther back. I know River Valley may have more info than this but it is really fun to look back at all of this stuff. Man do I love wrestling!
http://www.wiaawi.org/Sports/Wrestling/StateResultsArchive.aspx
your memory must be slipping a tad mark, it was Old maggie boy that had a Box for 15 yrs before changing Ins Companies...and while attending his Cousin's box he never Dragged anyone anywhere that wan't invited.. ;) however, that box at the 50 Yd line he had is now back in the hands of it's rightful owner once again after a few contracts were signed... ;).... :)
you are probably right Maggie. If you say it wasnt' you I believe you. So you are saying you got the box back? I havent' seen an invite yet.
Quote from: imnofish on February 09, 2015, 05:28:42 PM
Quote from: wrestle84 on February 09, 2015, 05:09:28 PM
Quote from: imnofish on February 09, 2015, 04:59:09 PM
Quote from: wrestle84 on February 09, 2015, 09:58:15 AM
Lance Hanson pinning Scott Mckernan
Troy Doughman vs. Dan Hall
Derek Sikora beating 2 time champ Mike Myers
That sucked when the newspapers called him "lucky." He wrestled for Luck High School, but that move was pure skill.
As I remember it, McKernan had Hanson in a cradle and pinned himself.
Nope. Hanson hooked McKernan's leg with his inside foot and tipped him onto his shoulder blades. I recognized the technique, because I had successfully used it before. Later, I taught it to wrestlers that I coached, as part of our cradle defense arsenal. It's a last resort, but it can be effective, obviously. What a lot of people didn't know was that Hanson had knee surgery during the season and was still recovering. In fact, he barely got back on the mat in time for Regionals. I saw him dominate a tough tournament prior to the injury; what he showed at State was just a fraction of his full capabilities.
Yes, but you are also leaving out the part where McKernan was a defending champ and he was ahead by a significant margin in the 3 rd period (11-1, I believe...?) and with his team in need of the 2 extra team points, he went for that far-side cradle that Luck stopped.....
Pretty sure if the team race was not a factor, McKernan wouldn't have gone for that move....
well Luck certainly does have something to do with wrestling, I do know that and Whatever has a darn good memory... ;)
Mark, you know your always welcome...have a few things to sort out in the next 2 weeks...I'll keep ya informed or willie boy...but with my old buddy "The Dude" now gone we shouldn't have to worry about over crowdedness...as it always was in my hotel room at the Edgewater when ever I would arrive back at it in the morning... :o...talk about funny, The Dude would get himself lost in the crowd after the tournament almost every night down in state street and would get separated from the rest of us, but he was always there at the Hotel suite waiting for us when we can back in the morning...and almost all of the time he would have at least 10 people who we had no idea who they even were having a grand old time in our suite :D... Man i sure do miss that guy... :)
Tritz - Black? The hype far surpassed the match imo. Black had a TD 5 seconds in and it was pretty much over from there... 9-3 I believe, Tritz had nothing for him.
For some reason I always remembered when Jetton ran the steps and jumped into his dad's? arms. That toss and pin by the Stoughton wrestler over a returning champ from Portage? when Stoughton was a huge dog and I believe down in the match. Askren and Brandvold was a great match. Pretty much anything Shawn Ange. Willis v Peterson, what electricity in that place.
...a few years back......the snowball fight on state street......anyone there? my arm was sore for days.
Quote from: whatever on February 11, 2015, 12:31:50 PM
Quote from: imnofish on February 09, 2015, 05:28:42 PM
Quote from: wrestle84 on February 09, 2015, 05:09:28 PM
Quote from: imnofish on February 09, 2015, 04:59:09 PM
Quote from: wrestle84 on February 09, 2015, 09:58:15 AM
Lance Hanson pinning Scott Mckernan
Troy Doughman vs. Dan Hall
Derek Sikora beating 2 time champ Mike Myers
That sucked when the newspapers called him "lucky." He wrestled for Luck High School, but that move was pure skill.
As I remember it, McKernan had Hanson in a cradle and pinned himself.
Nope. Hanson hooked McKernan's leg with his inside foot and tipped him onto his shoulder blades. I recognized the technique, because I had successfully used it before. Later, I taught it to wrestlers that I coached, as part of our cradle defense arsenal. It's a last resort, but it can be effective, obviously. What a lot of people didn't know was that Hanson had knee surgery during the season and was still recovering. In fact, he barely got back on the mat in time for Regionals. I saw him dominate a tough tournament prior to the injury; what he showed at State was just a fraction of his full capabilities.
Yes, but you are also leaving out the part where McKernan was a defending champ and he was ahead by a significant margin in the 3 rd period (11-1, I believe...?) and with his team in need of the 2 extra team points, he went for that far-side cradle that Luck stopped.....
Pretty sure if the team race was not a factor, McKernan wouldn't have gone for that move....
I remember McKernan was ahead, but I don't recall it being by such a large margin. Of course, none of that matters, because he got caught in a crafty move. Both were great wrestlers, but one got his hand raised... which is par for the course. One of the great things about wrestling is that you always have a chance to win by fall. That makes it incredibly exciting, no?
My absolute favorite memories from State are the many times my boy and I took a "guys' road trip" to Mad Town and watched every single match. The last time we did this, about 15 years ago, he was in his early twenties. We had a blast. Now, work and fatherly duties (4 young kids) make it tough for him to go. His boys are just old enough to start getting interested, so next year we will probably take them to watch some local meets. Hopefully, they will someday get to watch State with their dad.
Quote from: bigdawg on February 10, 2015, 12:35:53 PM
My favorite memory is when Loudin Swain beat Brian Schutt on his vision quest
That was just during the year, I believe Schutt beats Swain in the quarters of the state series. Swain had serious women issues and couldnt hold his mud ;) ;) ;) Schutt makes him pay for his only loss in his high school career.
Quote from: littleguy301 on February 11, 2015, 11:12:58 PM
Quote from: bigdawg on February 10, 2015, 12:35:53 PM
My favorite memory is when Loudin Swain beat Brian Schutt on his vision quest
That was just during the year, I believe Schutt beats Swain in the quarters of the state series. Swain had serious women issues and couldnt hold his mud ;) ;) ;) Schutt makes him pay for his only loss in his high school career.
yeah, that wasn't state... the best part about Vision Quest was the coach, you know back when the style was to wear a polo shirt under your singlet. http://www.intermatwrestle.com/Files/image/articles/visionquestcoach.jpg
Quote from: imnofish on February 11, 2015, 11:08:35 PM
My absolute favorite memories from State are the many times my boy and I took a "guys' road trip" to Mad Town and watched every single match. The last time we did this, about 15 years ago, he was in his early twenties. We had a blast. Now, work and fatherly duties (4 young kids) make it tough for him to go. His boys are just old enough to start getting interested, so next year we will probably take them to watch some local meets. Hopefully, they will someday get to watch State with their dad.
Hopefully dad and granddad will get to watch the boys compete at state someday.
Quote from: wrestle84 on February 12, 2015, 07:42:44 AM
Quote from: imnofish on February 11, 2015, 11:08:35 PM
My absolute favorite memories from State are the many times my boy and I took a "guys' road trip" to Mad Town and watched every single match. The last time we did this, about 15 years ago, he was in his early twenties. We had a blast. Now, work and fatherly duties (4 young kids) make it tough for him to go. His boys are just old enough to start getting interested, so next year we will probably take them to watch some local meets. Hopefully, they will someday get to watch State with their dad.
Hopefully dad and granddad will get to watch the boys compete at state someday.
That is sweet, and I second that wish for Imnofish.
I know not many females post, so it's hard to relate. But, I also experience such great nostalgia this time of year. I remember getting yelled at by a guard for being in the wrong place when the State Tournament was at the field house. I was very pregnant, and thought the guard should surely be able to see I wasn't out to make trouble. :)
A few years later, I remember trying to coral my three little preschoolers by myself across the busy street towards the Kohl Center, during a snow storm. I remember thinking, "Is this a normal thing for a mom to do?" (Dad was always coaching).
Now those little preschoolers get to try to be participants in the big show they used to love watching when they were young. I heart wrestling.
Quote from: Mack on February 12, 2015, 08:54:53 AM
Quote from: wrestle84 on February 12, 2015, 07:42:44 AM
Quote from: imnofish on February 11, 2015, 11:08:35 PM
My absolute favorite memories from State are the many times my boy and I took a "guys' road trip" to Mad Town and watched every single match. The last time we did this, about 15 years ago, he was in his early twenties. We had a blast. Now, work and fatherly duties (4 young kids) make it tough for him to go. His boys are just old enough to start getting interested, so next year we will probably take them to watch some local meets. Hopefully, they will someday get to watch State with their dad.
Hopefully dad and granddad will get to watch the boys compete at state someday.
That is sweet, and I second that wish for Imnofish.
I know not many females post, so it's hard to relate. But, I also experience such great nostalgia this time of year. I remember getting yelled at by a guard for being in the wrong place when the State Tournament was at the field house. I was very pregnant, and thought the guard should surely be able to see I wasn't out to make trouble. :)
A few years later, I remember trying to coral my three little preschoolers by myself across the busy street towards the Kohl Center, during a snow storm. I remember thinking, "Is this a normal thing for a mom to do?" (Dad was always coaching).
Now those little preschoolers get to try to be participants in the big show they used to love watching when they were young. I heart wrestling.
Best of luck to your 3 boys! Thanks for the well-wishes, both of you! Having the privilege of watching our daughter become a Wisconsin State Champ in Track & Field was a tremendous experience for the whole family, including her grandparents. From that experience, I learned to appreciate the rare opportunity it represented for families of athletes in all sports. Her kids are both pretty good athletes, but old enough now to make it obvious that we will not be seeing them participate at State. That's okay, though, since we still have (and will) enjoyed watching them compete in their sports (basketball, volleyball, track, softball). The important thing is to be involved in supporting your children and grandchildren in the activities that are important to them. If any of our son's 4 children make it State in their respective sports, we will be there; but we will be there if they don't make it, too.
Quote from: imnofish on February 12, 2015, 10:46:47 AM
Quote from: Mack on February 12, 2015, 08:54:53 AM
Quote from: wrestle84 on February 12, 2015, 07:42:44 AM
Quote from: imnofish on February 11, 2015, 11:08:35 PM
My absolute favorite memories from State are the many times my boy and I took a "guys' road trip" to Mad Town and watched every single match. The last time we did this, about 15 years ago, he was in his early twenties. We had a blast. Now, work and fatherly duties (4 young kids) make it tough for him to go. His boys are just old enough to start getting interested, so next year we will probably take them to watch some local meets. Hopefully, they will someday get to watch State with their dad.
Hopefully dad and granddad will get to watch the boys compete at state someday.
That is sweet, and I second that wish for Imnofish.
I know not many females post, so it's hard to relate. But, I also experience such great nostalgia this time of year. I remember getting yelled at by a guard for being in the wrong place when the State Tournament was at the field house. I was very pregnant, and thought the guard should surely be able to see I wasn't out to make trouble. :)
A few years later, I remember trying to coral my three little preschoolers by myself across the busy street towards the Kohl Center, during a snow storm. I remember thinking, "Is this a normal thing for a mom to do?" (Dad was always coaching).
Now those little preschoolers get to try to be participants in the big show they used to love watching when they were young. I heart wrestling.
Best of luck to your 3 boys! Thanks for the well-wishes, both of you! Having the privilege of watching our daughter become a Wisconsin State Champ in Track & Field was a tremendous experience for the whole family, including her grandparents. From that experience, I learned to appreciate the rare opportunity it represented for families of athletes in all sports. Her kids are both pretty good athletes, but old enough now to make it obvious that we will not be seeing them participate at State. That's okay, though, since we still have (and will) enjoyed watching them compete in their sports (basketball, volleyball, track, softball). The important thing is to be involved in supporting your children and grandchildren in the activities that are important to them. If any of our son's 4 children make it State in their respective sports, we will be there; but we will be there if they don't make it, too.
Very well said. This sunday, I will be attending my soon to be step-grandson's 1st wrestling tournament.
5) qualifying twice as a competitor and eating a plumper(hot dog) with my coach after weigh ins
4) Coaching all my State qualifiers over the years
3) Being fortunate enough to coach 5 times on Saturday night, hopefully many more to come.
2) Coaching my schools first ever State wrestling champ
1) Watching my son walk out in the parade of champions on Saturday night, coaching him, and ultimately getting that champion, jump in your arms hug after he won it all............then to top it all off watching my old head coach, who I idolize, put the medal around his neck, shake his hand, then hand him his bracket!!!!
Quote from: wrestle84 on February 12, 2015, 07:42:44 AM
Quote from: imnofish on February 11, 2015, 11:08:35 PM
My absolute favorite memories from State are the many times my boy and I took a "guys' road trip" to Mad Town and watched every single match. The last time we did this, about 15 years ago, he was in his early twenties. We had a blast. Now, work and fatherly duties (4 young kids) make it tough for him to go. His boys are just old enough to start getting interested, so next year we will probably take them to watch some local meets. Hopefully, they will someday get to watch State with their dad.
Hopefully dad and granddad will get to watch the boys compete at state someday.
+1
I would have to say the fondest memory I've had is actually missing the state finals in 2009, my son was born that night :o
Quote from: imnofish on February 12, 2015, 10:46:47 AM
Quote from: Mack on February 12, 2015, 08:54:53 AM
Quote from: wrestle84 on February 12, 2015, 07:42:44 AM
Quote from: imnofish on February 11, 2015, 11:08:35 PM
My absolute favorite memories from State are the many times my boy and I took a "guys' road trip" to Mad Town and watched every single match. The last time we did this, about 15 years ago, he was in his early twenties. We had a blast. Now, work and fatherly duties (4 young kids) make it tough for him to go. His boys are just old enough to start getting interested, so next year we will probably take them to watch some local meets. Hopefully, they will someday get to watch State with their dad.
Hopefully dad and granddad will get to watch the boys compete at state someday.
That is sweet, and I second that wish for Imnofish.
I know not many females post, so it's hard to relate. But, I also experience such great nostalgia this time of year. I remember getting yelled at by a guard for being in the wrong place when the State Tournament was at the field house. I was very pregnant, and thought the guard should surely be able to see I wasn't out to make trouble. :)
A few years later, I remember trying to coral my three little preschoolers by myself across the busy street towards the Kohl Center, during a snow storm. I remember thinking, "Is this a normal thing for a mom to do?" (Dad was always coaching).
Now those little preschoolers get to try to be participants in the big show they used to love watching when they were young. I heart wrestling.
Best of luck to your 3 boys! Thanks for the well-wishes, both of you! Having the privilege of watching our daughter become a Wisconsin State Champ in Track & Field was a tremendous experience for the whole family, including her grandparents. From that experience, I learned to appreciate the rare opportunity it represented for families of athletes in all sports. Her kids are both pretty good athletes, but old enough now to make it obvious that we will not be seeing them participate at State. That's okay, though, since we still have (and will) enjoyed watching them compete in their sports (basketball, volleyball, track, softball). The important thing is to be involved in supporting your children and grandchildren in the activities that are important to them. If any of our son's 4 children make it State in their respective sports, we will be there; but we will be there if they don't make it, too.
...nail on the head. You hit it. The State Tournament = happy family memories when kids know their family is there to cheer them on towards the wrestler's dreams. Or, to encourage their wrestler when he falls short.
I imagine the memories are not as happy if kids think their family's happiness depends on their child's performance.
Winning my title in the Barn
Watching Rein vs Lechnir in the 1976 finals 1-0 in overtime
Quote from: Spartan on February 12, 2015, 11:29:08 AM
Winning my title in the Barn
Watching Rein vs Lechnir in the 1976 finals 1-0 in overtime
I believe Rein won 1-0 in
regulation in 1976 against Lechnir (Mosinee). In 1975, Rein won in
OT (6-1) over Stolzman (Sheb. South).
Not my fondest memory but most important was in 1978 .i learned an extremely valuable lesson. I was in eighth grade and at my first state tourney.there were sme returning state champs that yr. that everyone said where unbeatable. Two of them lost in incredible matches, Kassera of river falls lost to Velasquez of Racine and Dickman of stoughton lost to enderby of preble. It taught me that records, rankings and past achievements mean nothing. It's all about you, what you have done to prepare and rising to the moment
Dickman did not loose to Enderby of Preble in 1978. Sorry I was down on the floor as a Mat runner for that. Dickman lost to Robert Morales in the semis. Enderby won in 1982. Was that against Bob's brother Tom?
Quote from: farmerbk on February 10, 2015, 11:28:55 AM
Also what's the story with Martin Thunder? I remember him winning it but if I also recall he was a guy who was on JV for most of HS and then went on to be state champ senior yr? I could be incorrect and have revisionist memory...
I was only in 8th grade so I don't know what thunders previous history was but he had a badass name and I think laudon (2 time defending champ) scored very late, perhaps controversially, and it went into OT and thunder took him down. But I could be misremembering if anyone knows for sure.
[/quote]
I remember it as Thunder was behind with 3 seconds to go in regulation and the ref dinged the other wrestler for stalling to take it into overtime. However, with age, I may be wrong.
Sorry woody had the wrong guy but the lesson was the same. It was 78
Quote from: wrestle84 on February 12, 2015, 10:52:14 AM
Quote from: imnofish on February 12, 2015, 10:46:47 AM
Quote from: Mack on February 12, 2015, 08:54:53 AM
Quote from: wrestle84 on February 12, 2015, 07:42:44 AM
Quote from: imnofish on February 11, 2015, 11:08:35 PM
My absolute favorite memories from State are the many times my boy and I took a "guys' road trip" to Mad Town and watched every single match. The last time we did this, about 15 years ago, he was in his early twenties. We had a blast. Now, work and fatherly duties (4 young kids) make it tough for him to go. His boys are just old enough to start getting interested, so next year we will probably take them to watch some local meets. Hopefully, they will someday get to watch State with their dad.
Hopefully dad and granddad will get to watch the boys compete at state someday.
That is sweet, and I second that wish for Imnofish.
I know not many females post, so it's hard to relate. But, I also experience such great nostalgia this time of year. I remember getting yelled at by a guard for being in the wrong place when the State Tournament was at the field house. I was very pregnant, and thought the guard should surely be able to see I wasn't out to make trouble. :)
A few years later, I remember trying to coral my three little preschoolers by myself across the busy street towards the Kohl Center, during a snow storm. I remember thinking, "Is this a normal thing for a mom to do?" (Dad was always coaching).
Now those little preschoolers get to try to be participants in the big show they used to love watching when they were young. I heart wrestling.
Best of luck to your 3 boys! Thanks for the well-wishes, both of you! Having the privilege of watching our daughter become a Wisconsin State Champ in Track & Field was a tremendous experience for the whole family, including her grandparents. From that experience, I learned to appreciate the rare opportunity it represented for families of athletes in all sports. Her kids are both pretty good athletes, but old enough now to make it obvious that we will not be seeing them participate at State. That's okay, though, since we still have (and will) enjoyed watching them compete in their sports (basketball, volleyball, track, softball). The important thing is to be involved in supporting your children and grandchildren in the activities that are important to them. If any of our son's 4 children make it State in their respective sports, we will be there; but we will be there if they don't make it, too.
Very well said. This sunday, I will be attending my soon to be step-grandson's 1st wrestling tournament.
Awesome! Hope you all have a great day!
Quote from: Jimmy on February 12, 2015, 06:58:53 PM
Sorry woody had the wrong guy but the lesson was the same. It was 78
No problem Man. 77 and 78 for me were a defining time for me also. Especially at 105 and 112. Lesson I understand totally.
Woody is correct, as it was the same yr the then young Bob Cullen from Milton beat Kassera at the them very prestige Badger state tournament... ;)
So many over the years, but one a little more recent was the scramble between Gennrich and Raflik in the final seconds. It looked like Raflik was going to squeak one out, but Gennrich ended up on top in the end.
Quote from: herewego on February 13, 2015, 10:51:47 AM
So many over the years, but one a little more recent was the scramble between Gennrich and Raflik in the final seconds. It looked like Raflik was going to squeak one out, but Gennrich ended up on top in the end.
That was incredible. The place went nuts.
Quote from: Tews19 on February 12, 2015, 07:29:46 PM
Quote from: some help on February 12, 2015, 06:08:55 PM
Quote from: farmerbk on February 10, 2015, 11:28:55 AM
Also what's the story with Martin Thunder? I remember him winning it but if I also recall he was a guy who was on JV for most of HS and then went on to be state champ senior yr? I could be incorrect and have revisionist memory...
I was only in 8th grade so I don't know what thunders previous history was but he had a badass name and I think laudon (2 time defending champ) scored very late, perhaps controversially, and it went into OT and thunder took him down. But I could be misremembering if anyone knows for sure.
I remember it as Thunder was behind with 3 seconds to go in regulation and the ref dinged the other wrestler for stalling to take it into overtime. However, with age, I may be wrong.
Didn't the other wrestler not show up for the podium?
[/quote]
I actually found an article (albeit written by a Rapids guy) that claimed laudon was lucky to make it to OT because he got a favorable stalling point awarded to him to tie it up FWIW. It also said in the article that laudon beat thunder at the bi-state that year, his only loss.
So many good memories, and so little time. This year brings the wife and I to our 45th consecutive individual state wrestling tournament. Very special memories include watching Nekoosa's very first state champion, Mike Webb. Nekoosa's bringing 4 wrestlers to the finals in 95, everyone of our state champs over the years, having two sons wrestling in 92, 13 trips within the family with grandbabies on the way. Tritz and Black is on everybody's list, Askren destroying Spencer, Torkleson Vs Dexter a quarterfinal match and so many more. The team state was also very special in 1995, when Rapids took D1, Nekoosa took D2, and Athens with Budda took D3. If I have misspelled anyone's name I apologize. See you all at the Kohl Center in a few weeks, got to go and get my ankles taped for regionals tomorrow.
One of my favorites. 1983 my good friend took state at HWT in class C. Also my first trip to watch. Another was when Cory Howdowanic from Cornell beat Mudlaff, Random Lake in the finals. That kid had a mission and trained his butt off just for that match.
Being a Div 1 state semi finalist in the Barn and the Kohl Center.
Andy Reget's 1:11 second pin of #1 Terrance Meeks.
Any match of Erick Swick,
45 years in a row is awesome! Pretty cool having Nekoosa and Wis Rapids both win state titles being they are just a few miles apart.
Street Glide...
http://chippewa.com/heart-of-a-champion/article_ca3a53f7-e205-5ded-bf1f-f26fd0499187.html
Quote from: HMsDad on February 16, 2015, 02:55:37 PM
Street Glide...
http://chippewa.com/heart-of-a-champion/article_ca3a53f7-e205-5ded-bf1f-f26fd0499187.html
This is really cool.
Quote from: HMsDad on February 16, 2015, 02:55:37 PM
Street Glide...
http://chippewa.com/heart-of-a-champion/article_ca3a53f7-e205-5ded-bf1f-f26fd0499187.html
Thanks for finding that. Much appreciated.
Thanks for posting HMsDad, really great.
http://youtu.be/9KuaQOTN95c (http://youtu.be/9KuaQOTN95c)
This is my favorite memory so I decided to upload to YouTube from my 04-05 PdC wrestling highlight dvd. Hard to believe that this was ten years ago already.
Quote from: DKelly28 on February 16, 2015, 06:46:36 PM
http://youtu.be/9KuaQOTN95c (http://youtu.be/9KuaQOTN95c)
This is my favorite memory so I decided to upload to YouTube from my 04-05 PdC wrestling highlight dvd. Hard to believe that this was ten years ago already.
Thanks for sharing. He's a great guy.
1. 2009 Division 2 125 pound State Championship Match
2. 2006 Division 2 103 pound State Championship Match
3. 2009 Division 2 140 pound State Championship Match
4. 2006 Division 2 112 pound State Championship Match (the match that never was, but I swore I watched it)
Good match.....thanks
One of my favorite memories took place about 10 years ago. I pulled my jacket over my head after leaving a burger place downtown just before finals. My cell phone fell out of my pocket and a young man came RUNNING after me saying, "Sir, you dropped your phone."
I have so many! It is awesome to get to know so many awesome kids that wrestle not he floor every year. Having them stop by my seats to chat and the coaches doing the same, is just awesome to me. Seeing my kids working the floor and hoping to wrestle there someday. It is hard for me to not wish for State to be here already, at this time of the year.
Quote from: chucko on February 16, 2015, 08:37:34 PM
One of my favorite memories took place about 10 years ago. I pulled my jacket over my head after leaving a burger place downtown just before finals. My cell phone fell out of my pocket and a young man came RUNNING after me saying, "Sir, you dropped your phone."
Where did this take place at and what did the young man look like?
I left the burger joint and was walking back. I passed the Nitty Gritty when I realized my phone was gone. The young man caught up with me somewhere in between. It was a dark red flip phone. Good young man!...Maybe towards the entrance to the Kohl Center.
Quote from: chucko on February 16, 2015, 09:14:04 PM
I left the burger joint and was walking back. I passed the Nitty Gritty when I realized my phone was gone. The young man caught up with me somewhere in between. It was a dark red flip phone. Good young man!
Funny as this sounds, I think that was me! Ha I totally forgot about that until your previous post and then you saying you passed the Nitty Gritty when you realized it was gone cemented it for me as I remember now running on Frances St. south towards the Kohl Center with a red flip phone. If I'm remembering correctly, I was walking around downtown during the break before finals and saw the phone fall out, grabbed it and then ran to return it. I guess I blocked it out after watching Mike Lenzendorf win his state championship that night haha. I think I was wearing a maroon letterwinner's jacket, glasses and possibly a white St. Louis Cardinals baseball hat (or a maroon Prairie du Chien baseball hat).
You are a great human being!... I thank you for being so honest. When I think of wrestling, I think of these types of situations...good people doing the right thing. (Edit...)I went back and re-read your posts. It most likely WAS you! You were just a young whipper-snapper! I thank you! I will pay it forward!....
Quote from: chucko on February 16, 2015, 09:40:01 PM
You are a great human being!... Wether or not it was you...however this was before the finals. Either way, I thank you for being so honest. When I think of wrestling, I think of these types of situations...good people doing the right thing.
It is definitely possible that I am mixing this up with something else but I'm almost 100% positive that it was me. I would have been 17 and a high school senior at the time (February 2005) so I was certainly a young man, I was in the general vicinity at the same time and I always try to do the right thing so the pieces definitely fit together. I was just glad to help return the phone. It was a very exciting weekend.
Here is a medium quality screen shot of me taken from my copy of the 04-05 pdc wrestling highlight dvd. from a few weeks prior at the SWAL Conference Tournament in Mineral Point. I'm wearing a white St. Louis baseball cap and a maroon Prairie Wrestling sweatshirt in the left-hand corner https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/p180x540/1620963_10101752712432298_1041494236_n.jpg?oh=887321e56b3527c8c11e6aa996fd8957&oe=558F9F8E&__gda__=1431226340_88b13e9e6e37e7cce13f6c9f5ce69f76 (https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/p180x540/1620963_10101752712432298_1041494236_n.jpg?oh=887321e56b3527c8c11e6aa996fd8957&oe=558F9F8E&__gda__=1431226340_88b13e9e6e37e7cce13f6c9f5ce69f76)
DKelly28... Thank you again! My wife would have killed me if I lost that phone...I saw Mike L. win that night. The match with Poehls should have been the finals! Thanks again!
Quote from: chucko on February 16, 2015, 10:07:04 PM
DKelly28... Thank you again! My wife would have killed me if I lost that phone...I saw Mike L. win that night. The match with Poehls should have been the finals! Thanks again!
I was just glad I was able to catch it as it happened and was able to catch up to give it to you. I always try to pay it forward. You're right about that semifinal match between Mike and Joe Poehls of Medford, that was a heck of a match, 2 OTs but Chuck Madden of Abby-Colby also wrestled a great match in the finals against Mike that went 2 OTs as well. Very, very strong 275 pound class in D2 that year.
Although i have a pretty limited sample size of watching the state tournament (only been watching since 2010), some of my favorite memories were in the 2012 state tournament watching some of my teammates & best friends wrestle (Wausau West).
106: It was really cool watching Bee Lor make the state tournament and win some matches, especially after starting wrestling as a freshman, and nearly quitting freshman year. I believe he went 2-2 and fell short in the blood round to Leon who he had some battles with throughout his career.
126: I loved watching Joe Umlauf upset Justin Scherkenbach from Muskego in the semi finals. They had wrestled at the Marty Loy finals earlier in the year and Scherkenbach won pretty handily, and in the first period he took Joe down with relative ease and I remember thinking to myself "Oh boy, Joe is gonna have a tough one here." but he gutted it out and came back tough to win in the OT Rideouts with a cradle and 2 NF. I remember i was going nuts.
120: Also watching Colin Baine upset Izzy Balsiger in the state finals was a pretty amazing experience. I certainly had Izzy as the favorite, since he had handily defeated Colin 13-6 a week earlier, but Colin wrestled an awesome match and pulled out the win in a crazy SV scramble where I thought Izzy had him dead to rights.
1979 126 lb state final match between Jay Kidd (Lakeland) and Rucinski (DC Everest) back when there was only 1 division and a 32 man bracket.
The match went into overtime and Kidd won on a referee's decision.
Rucinski had beaten Kidd sophomore year to go to state and Kidd beat him 5 or 6 times since.
Not sure if this is a single moment but getting to meet some of the posters at state and then actually seeing and talking to them the next year and the years after.
Now I can say that I may have some friends though it is only once a year but I know each year I will get to see some of the great people of this forum and talk wrestling!!!!!!!
Back in 1983, my father was still coaching wrestling in Illinois. They finish their season a week ahead of Wisconsin, so he met me at the "old barn" in Madison and watched the Wisconsin State Tournament with me that year.
Brett farve, I believe they used a twenty four man bracket not thirty two. Eight sectional champs had first round free pass
Too many to mention. Reading this thread made me realize I have forgotten more than I remember. I have been attending the tournament for close to 40 years. It is a reunion of family and friends and I look forward to it every year. It is an incredible event inside and outside of the Kohl Center. It is the most attended WI state tournament, and it isn't close. Whenever the topic comes up, I tell anyone who will listen, if you have any interest in high school athletics, go to the state wrestling finals at least one time. Your emotions will run the gamut.
Nolan shea and kyle hinners winning it all in the same year.. miltons first time... also hangin out with uncle maggie downtown haha my alltime favorite is watching a good friend Ian Johnson win it all
Quote from: Brett Favre on February 16, 2015, 11:10:46 PM
1979 126 lb state final match between Jay Kidd (Lakeland) and Rucinski (DC Everest) back when there was only 1 division and a 32 man bracket.
The match went into overtime and Kidd won on a referee's decision.
Rucinski had beaten Kidd sophomore year to go to state and Kidd beat him 5 or 6 times since.
24-man bracket: http://www.rvwrestlingalum.com/Programs/1979_files/126.pdf (http://www.rvwrestlingalum.com/Programs/1979_files/126.pdf)
Quote from: Manty77 on February 17, 2015, 01:09:47 PM
Quote from: Brett Favre on February 16, 2015, 11:10:46 PM
1979 126 lb state final match between Jay Kidd (Lakeland) and Rucinski (DC Everest) back when there was only 1 division and a 32 man bracket.
The match went into overtime and Kidd won on a referee's decision.
Rucinski had beaten Kidd sophomore year to go to state and Kidd beat him 5 or 6 times since.
24-man bracket: http://www.rvwrestlingalum.com/Programs/1979_files/126.pdf (http://www.rvwrestlingalum.com/Programs/1979_files/126.pdf)
Wow, quite a few guys on that bracket that I know. Forgot what a unique bracket that was. Thanks for the link Manty.
Quote from: woody53 on February 17, 2015, 01:31:38 PM
Quote from: Manty77 on February 17, 2015, 01:09:47 PM
Quote from: Brett Favre on February 16, 2015, 11:10:46 PM
1979 126 lb state final match between Jay Kidd (Lakeland) and Rucinski (DC Everest) back when there was only 1 division and a 32 man bracket.
The match went into overtime and Kidd won on a referee's decision.
Rucinski had beaten Kidd sophomore year to go to state and Kidd beat him 5 or 6 times since.
24-man bracket: http://www.rvwrestlingalum.com/Programs/1979_files/126.pdf (http://www.rvwrestlingalum.com/Programs/1979_files/126.pdf)
Wow, quite a few guys on that bracket that I know. Forgot what a unique bracket that was. Thanks for the link Manty.
you're welcome. Here's the main URL in case anyone wants to go through other brackets: http://www.rvwrestlingalum.com/RV_Wrestling/Past_State_Programs.html
It is pretty cool to see so many names of people I know.
Quote from: miltonfan#1 on February 17, 2015, 11:32:55 AM
Nolan shea and kyle hinners winning it all in the same year.. miltons first time... also hangin out with uncle maggie downtown haha my alltime favorite is watching a good friend Ian Johnson win it all
I'm glad you brought that up. One of my favorite memories was watching the firefighters stand matside for Ian. Then he went to be with them after the match. That was great. To see that brotherhood of firefighters stand beside Ian was incredible.
Quote from: MarkK on February 17, 2015, 04:19:08 PM
Quote from: miltonfan#1 on February 17, 2015, 11:32:55 AM
Nolan shea and kyle hinners winning it all in the same year.. miltons first time... also hangin out with uncle maggie downtown haha my alltime favorite is watching a good friend Ian Johnson win it all
I'm glad you brought that up. One of my favorite memories was watching the firefighters stand matside for Ian. Then he went to be with them after the match. That was great. To see that brotherhood of firefighters stand beside Ian was incredible.
What's the firefighter connection?
Quote from: npope on February 17, 2015, 07:13:08 PM
Quote from: MarkK on February 17, 2015, 04:19:08 PM
Quote from: miltonfan#1 on February 17, 2015, 11:32:55 AM
Nolan shea and kyle hinners winning it all in the same year.. miltons first time... also hangin out with uncle maggie downtown haha my alltime favorite is watching a good friend Ian Johnson win it all
I'm glad you brought that up. One of my favorite memories was watching the firefighters stand matside for Ian. Then he went to be with them after the match. That was great. To see that brotherhood of firefighters stand beside Ian was incredible.
What's the firefighter connection?
From what I remember, Ian's father was a Madison Fire Fighter. Ian lost his parents in a car accident. The members of the Station, and all of the Madison Fire Department, came to the Kohl Center to support Ian. Another behind the scene moment that I won't forget.
My favorite State Tournament memory is the whole experience of the 3 nights of wrestling. State is what every wrestler dreams about and once a year we see wrestlers dreams come true. Thursday night gets the excitement started. Friday morning you get to see some stud wrestlers and Friday Night (semifinals) is a great atmosphere. Watching Wrestlers dreams come true in making the finals. Friday night is great, but its not the best night. Saturday morning you get to watch some great matches, but that's not why we come to Madison, We come for Championship Saturday, the best night of the year. There's a ton of anticipation at the Hotel before getting to the Kohl Center. Once you find your seat and watch the highlight video trying to spot your teams wrestlers on the video. Then, the lights get turned off. All I feel, goosebumps, up and down my spine. The spotlights are all around and the walk of champs begins. I could only image what it would be like if I made it to the finals. The Walk of the Champs is the greatest moment in sports. I wish all sports fans could witness the moment, cause its unbelievable.
ps. Running down state street, in a singlet at midnight Saturday night (Wrightstown and Reedsville tradition) was an experience. Its a interesting tradition and it freezing cold.
Quote from: woody53 on February 17, 2015, 07:23:30 PM
Quote from: npope on February 17, 2015, 07:13:08 PM
Quote from: MarkK on February 17, 2015, 04:19:08 PM
Quote from: miltonfan#1 on February 17, 2015, 11:32:55 AM
Nolan shea and kyle hinners winning it all in the same year.. miltons first time... also hangin out with uncle maggie downtown haha my alltime favorite is watching a good friend Ian Johnson win it all
I'm glad you brought that up. One of my favorite memories was watching the firefighters stand matside for Ian. Then he went to be with them after the match. That was great. To see that brotherhood of firefighters stand beside Ian was incredible.
yes that is right i believe they were taking Ian out east for a wrestling tournament. all three were in the car. if i have something wrong im sorry it was an awesome moment
What's the firefighter connection?
From what I remember, Ian's father was a Madison Fire Fighter. Ian lost his parents in a car accident. The members of the Station, and all of the Madison Fire Department, came to the Kohl Center to support Ian. Another behind the scene moment that I won't forget.
Quote from: OldAbes72 on February 10, 2015, 11:09:56 AM
Quote from: Street Glide on February 10, 2015, 10:25:42 AM
Who was the kid from Chippewa Falls that won state and as he walked off gave his headgear away to a youngster, who then later also became a state qualifier?
That is a cool story I have never heard. Who was the young kid?
http://chippewa.com/heart-of-a-champion/article_ca3a53f7-e205-5ded-bf1f-f26fd0499187.html
That was after the finals match where Joe Henning won wearing a Stoughton singlet as he was told his was too low cut and he'd be disqualified if he couldn't find a different one to wear in 5 minutes.
That was amazing to see. I have never seen anything like it since. But I haven't seen everything.
Coaching Spencer Dominguez to a state title.
Our first state qualifier at WFB having to stop at a gas station on the way to weigh ins to buy two huge Gatorades because he needed to pound liquids to get to 163.1 so he could wrestle 189 at state. Then watching him do the potty dance in the weigh in line while they waited to walk in.
Sending four kids to state when the most in school history was two.
Meeting LG for the first time when we had only talked on the forum. What an awesome guy. I enjoy seeing him every year at state. This year we have no bet, so we'll have to just buy our own ice cream.
Rashadeem Gray vs. the kid from Horlick in the first round a few years ago, going to OT (and losing) to a kid who throttled us during the year by major.
Every year, sitting in that D1 area at state, seeing all the coaches and wrestlers sit in anticipation.
The walk of champions always brings a tear to my eye.
I am going to have to read this thread from start to finish...I have many.
Big Brother Logan walking between the mats after winning a match, followed by little brother Kasey, who was a towel tapper, with the name "Einerson" on the towel tapper's back. Kasey was, I believe, in 8th grade. Logan walked like he always walked, almost always in a pseudo wrestling stance...and, Kasey was bouncing.
Thanks for making this memory possible Woody, it is 1 of many.
I just looked back in the old state tournament brackets,found my dads 1963 112lbs bracket,he took 3rd,they were lazy back then couldnt even right in the names after the 1st rd back then.lol
Quote from: schneider on February 17, 2015, 09:55:10 PM
Quote from: OldAbes72 on February 10, 2015, 11:09:56 AM
Quote from: Street Glide on February 10, 2015, 10:25:42 AM
Who was the kid from Chippewa Falls that won state and as he walked off gave his headgear away to a youngster, who then later also became a state qualifier?
That is a cool story I have never heard. Who was the young kid?
http://chippewa.com/heart-of-a-champion/article_ca3a53f7-e205-5ded-bf1f-f26fd0499187.html
That was after the finals match where Joe Henning won wearing a Stoughton singlet as he was told his was too low cut and he'd be disqualified if he couldn't find a different one to wear in 5 minutes.
The young boy is Charlie Wanty of Waupaca who ended up winning a state title his Jr year I believe. Great story!!!
WOW, what a great wrestling story, with a great ending...
Zack Anglin making the semis is going to be on my list for many years to come. Let's see if he can keep it rolling!
Quote from: CrossAnkle on February 18, 2015, 09:52:35 AM
Quote from: schneider on February 17, 2015, 09:55:10 PM
Quote from: OldAbes72 on February 10, 2015, 11:09:56 AM
Quote from: Street Glide on February 10, 2015, 10:25:42 AM
Who was the kid from Chippewa Falls that won state and as he walked off gave his headgear away to a youngster, who then later also became a state qualifier?
That is a cool story I have never heard. Who was the young kid?
http://chippewa.com/heart-of-a-champion/article_ca3a53f7-e205-5ded-bf1f-f26fd0499187.html
That was after the finals match where Joe Henning won wearing a Stoughton singlet as he was told his was too low cut and he'd be disqualified if he couldn't find a different one to wear in 5 minutes.
The young boy is Charlie Wanty of Waupaca who ended up winning a state title his Jr year I believe. Great story!!!
I'll have to ask Charlie about that. I see him often enough
Quote from: wrestlingislife_189 on February 27, 2015, 12:24:28 PM
Zack Anglin making the semis is going to be on my list for many years to come. Let's see if he can keep it rolling!
The kid is amazing! I'm pulling for him.
Kelly Bires, Mauston, and Mike Rohowitz, River Valley, standing and holding the warmup of Corey Henry, Viroqua, over the the top of the podium. Bires was ranked #1, Henry #2, and Rohowitz #3, going into the same regional at Mauston. Bires and Henry advanced out of the regional, but Corey was killed in a tragic car accident the next day. Mike took Corey's spot and finished 2nd behind Bires at sectional. Bires won state and Rohowitz finished 3rd I believe. They planned the tribute all along and seeing 16,000 people stand and chear for what seemed like an eternity, gives me goosebumps to this day. Proudest coaching moment I think I could ever have. I recall the WIAA telling me that they shouldn't do it. I grinned and said good luck stopping them. I appreciated how they waited until all awards were handed out and then stepped up as to not take anything away from anyone. The bond between Mauston and Viroqua will never end after that day.
I think every year we can appreciate all of the hard work that these athletes put in. Watching these kids grow up every year is tremendous. I feel that sometimes we forget that these are high school kids that will go on to much bigger and better things after wrestling (because of the lessons that they learned while wrestling). My favorite state memories are all of those incredible stories that we see at state each year because of hard work and all of the stories yet to come.
Quote from: millert on March 02, 2015, 09:34:01 PM
Kelly Bires, Mauston, and Mike Rohowitz, River Valley, standing and holding the warmup of Corey Henry, Viroqua, over the the top of the podium. Bires was ranked #1, Henry #2, and Rohowitz #3, going into the same regional at Mauston. Bires and Henry advanced out of the regional, but Corey was killed in a tragic car accident the next day. Mike took Corey's spot and finished 2nd behind Bires at sectional. Bires won state and Rohowitz finished 3rd I believe. They planned the tribute all along and seeing 16,000 people stand and chear for what seemed like an eternity, gives me goosebumps to this day. Proudest coaching moment I think I could ever have. I recall the WIAA telling me that they shouldn't do it. I grinned and said good luck stopping them. I appreciated how they waited until all awards were handed out and then stepped up as to not take anything away from anyone. The bond between Mauston and Viroqua will never end after that day.
Go back to page two on this thread and it is my #1 also. Thanks for explaining the full story Tom.
Quote from: millert on March 02, 2015, 09:34:01 PM
Kelly Bires, Mauston, and Mike Rohowitz, River Valley, standing and holding the warmup of Corey Henry, Viroqua, over the the top of the podium. Bires was ranked #1, Henry #2, and Rohowitz #3, going into the same regional at Mauston. Bires and Henry advanced out of the regional, but Corey was killed in a tragic car accident the next day. Mike took Corey's spot and finished 2nd behind Bires at sectional. Bires won state and Rohowitz finished 3rd I believe. They planned the tribute all along and seeing 16,000 people stand and chear for what seemed like an eternity, gives me goosebumps to this day. Proudest coaching moment I think I could ever have. I recall the WIAA telling me that they shouldn't do it. I grinned and said good luck stopping them. I appreciated how they waited until all awards were handed out and then stepped up as to not take anything away from anyone. The bond between Mauston and Viroqua will never end after that day.
While I wasn't present for the actual event, having heard about it over the years, I have to say that it also stands out as perhaps the most poignant event that may have ever happened at the state meet (and there are many of them). The event transcends wrestling, the state meet, even time. The sport and the meet presented those young men with an opportunity to make a statement that was so much larger than "just" an athletic event. It is reflective of all that can be good about the sport and human nature. So much empathy and perspective exemplified by a couple of kids who were wise beyond their years. It was a good lesson for all of us to see.
Having our head coach tell my son and a couple friends 6 years ago while watching the video on Championship Saturday as a 4th grader "This is your wrestling goal, to make Saturday night under the lights at Madison, everything else is just a step to get you to this goal"......then having your son and one of his friends pull it off their freshman year.
On a side note, the fine young man who he was watching in the finals that year came back to be a volunteer coach this year and was on a chair matside during the matches, funny how things happen.