Leader Staff
The Wittenberg-Birnamwood High School wrestling team took home a Division 2 team sectional championship Tuesday, defeating host Freedom 35-33.
In Division 3 action, Menominee Indian fell to Crandon.
Witt-Birn wrestlers earning pins were Bobby Uttecht (132), over Dustin Jensen in 3 minutes, 56 seconds, Griffin Magee (152), over Tanner Borckman in 2:38, and John White Wing (285) over Matt Evers in 1:12.
Braxton Potrykus (160) added a 23-8 technical fall over Adam Vosters. Hunter Kreger (182) won a 3-1 decision over Jake VanGrinsven. August Peplinski (195) beat Evan Philibeck 5-0. Stetson Potrykus (106) beat Mitch Garvey 9-7. Ben Vosters (113) beat Mason Manteuffel 10-4.
The Chargers opened the sectional with a 36-32 win over Two Rivers. Witt-Birn wrestlers earning pins were White Wing, over Kyle Behrandt in 3:11; Nick Stringfellow (220), over Dakotah Hurda in 1:18; and Kreger (170) in 31 seconds.
August Peplinski (182) beat Bobby Geiger 5-3 in overtime. Alex Peplinski (160) won a 11-2 major decision over Cody Rebarchek. Braxton Potrykus (152) won a technical fall over Tyler Kust. Uttecht (132) won a 5-3 decision over Cody Yauch.
Witt-Birn will face Pewaukee in the first round of the state tourney at 10 a.m. March 8 at the University of Wisconsin Fieldhouse in Madison.
Division 3
Menominee Indian, competing in the Division 3 sectional in Manawa, lost to Crandon 47-30 in a semifinal match.
The Eagles recorded four pins: Kyle Winker (126), over Brandon Torgenson in 50 seconds; Blake Stoehr (120), over Mike Huml in 18 seconds; Vel Hawkins (106), over Tanner Morris in 3:17; and Keenan Richmond (220), over Chase Dewing in 38 seconds.
Menominee Indian also earned a forfeit at 152, but gave up five pins, a technical fall, two decisions and two forfeits.
“It could have went the other way,” Menominee Indian coach Kirk Bahr said. “The guys did well.”
Crandon lost to Coleman 54-27 in the sectional final.