Greg Bates, Leader Correspondent
Troy Ostrowski didn’t mince words about how he was feeling. The Wittenberg-Birnamwood High School wrestling coach summed up his team’s WIAA Division 2 sectional in Oconto Falls in five words: “It’s been a rough day.”
With nine wrestlers competing in Saturday’s sectional, the Chargers were only able to send August Peplinski to state. Peplinski stayed undefeated by winning at 195 pounds in dominating fashion.
Ostrowski was hoping to send more than one wrestler to Madison.
“There’s never for sures at this sectional,” Ostrowski said. “We were hoping one for sure and maybe five.”
Wittenberg-Birnamwood could have had 10 guys at sectionals, but Alex Peplinski broke his leg at regionals last weekend despite placing second at 170.
“The bad luck started there, and then today we just didn’t have the greatest day,” Ostrowski said. “We had kids that battled, but it just didn’t go our way in a lot of matches.”
Placing on the day for Wittenberg-Birnamwood were Devin Paszek (120), fourth, and Griffin Magee (152), fourth.
August Peplinski will get a shot at his first state title. The senior has been on the podium all three years of his high school career, placing sixth as a freshman, fourth as a sophomore and second last year.
“He’s looking good,” Ostrowski said. “He’s on a mission. He’s got a goal in mind, and I think everybody knows what that is. Hopefully he can keep it rolling for next weekend.”