Sonnentag’s lifelong dream comes to fruition

Celebrating his fourth straight State championship, Cadott’s Brayden Sonnentag held up four fingers to the crowd of Hornets fans who traveled to the title match Feb. 25. Sonnentag became just the 23rd wrestler in the state, to accomplish the feat. Photo by Matt Frey

By Ginna Young

The name Sonnentag is synonymous with wrestling and winning on the mat, known not just in Cadott, but throughout the state. After the WIAA State Individual Tournament Feb. 23-25, that name carries even more weight.

Competing in the 132-pound Division 3 weight class, Cadott senior Brayden Sonnentag did something no Hornet has ever done and that only 22 other grapplers in the state have ever accomplished. He became a four-time State wrestling champion, with a 1-0 decision win over Ian Crapp, of Fennimore, in the title bout.

“I’ve been dreaming about that since I’ve been five years old,” said Sonnentag. “It’s definitely special.”

Although Sonnentag says he didn’t compete at the level he normally holds himself to, because he was nervous, with everything on the line (which isn’t usually a factor for the stellar athlete), in the end, the match still went his way.

“I was able to get through it,” he said. For the athletes who will follow him – or anyone who wants to succeed in what they are passionate about – Sonnentag encourages them to put a plan in place and follow through to make it happen, with hard work and believing in yourself.

“Set that goal and hold yourself to a high standard,” he said. “Don’t sell yourself short. Dream big.”

As for Sonnentag, he now embarks onto his college wrestling career, as a Cowboy at the University of Wyoming, where he looks to set more records and make his name known nationally.

“On to bigger and better things,” said Sonnentag.

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="241"] John Burns (left) was on-hand, traveling from his home in La Crosse, to greet new four-time champion Brayden Sonnentag Feb. 26, during Cadott’s welcome home celebration at Halfway Hall. Burns previously held the record for State wrestling championships at Cadott, with three titles, but wanted to congratulate his younger counterpart. Submitted Photo[/caption]