NGL takes 4th at Northern Badger Classic

The Neillsville/Greenwood/Loyal (NGL) wrestling team finished fourth in Division 2 at the 2022 Northern Badger Wrestling Classic held in River Falls Dec. 29-30. The Warriors finished with 171 points and had seven wrestlers place in the top 12 of their respective weight classes.

The team was led by senior Gunner Hoffmann, who placed first in the 285-pound class. Hoffmann won his championship match by pinning Brandon Sommers from Phillips in 3 minutes and 35 seconds. Hoffmann had four other pins during the tournament on the way to his second- career Northern Badger championship. Hoffmann’s record for the season is now 150. During the tournament, Hoffmann also recorded his 100th career win for NGL.

Other wrestlers placing for NGL included sophomore Hudzon Sebesta-Opelt who earned third place at 145 pounds. Sebesta-Opelt now has a season record of 16-5.

Senior Derek Zschernitz won fifth place in the 132-pound class. Zschernitz is now 13-4 on the season.

Senior Carter Schoengarth finished seventh in the 182-pound class. Schoengarth’s season record is now 13-8.

Senior Dan Polzin earned 10th place at 195 pounds. Polzin’s season record now stands at 13-8.

Junior Dane Luchterhand won 11th place in the 170-pound class. His season record is now 14-7.

Freshman Jake Luchterhand finished 12th in the 160-pound class. Luchterhand’s season record is now 10-13.

Also participating in the tournament for NGL were Rogan Ashbeck at 138 pounds, Gavyn McFarlane at 152 pounds and Braxton Kauth in the 220-pound class.

Gunner Hoffman (center) stands atop the podium following his win at the Northern Badger Wrestling Classic on Dec. 30. Hoffman placed first in the 285-pound class after winning his final match in less than four minutes.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO