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Cadott crowns two champions at State

Cadott crowns two champions at State Cadott crowns two champions at State
By Ginna Young

“What a great weekend for Cadott wrestling and the Cadott community,” said coach Josh Spaeth of the WIAA State Individual Wrestling Tournament Feb. 13. “For the second straight year, we were able to crown two individual State champions.

Returning champion Brayden Sonnentag, sophomore, repeated his State title, this time in the 120-pound weight class. Sonnentag started out the day in the quarterfinals, against Hutson Kane, from Crandon. Sonnentag got the win by technical fall, in 3:26.

He then faced off against Mason Welsh, Iowa-Grant-Highland, with a 12-0 major decision in the semifinals. Perfecting his season, Sonnentag then kept his undefeated 19-0 record, by winning over Manawa’s Colten Klemm in the championship match, with a 7-0 decision.

“He dominated his opponents this weekend,” said Spaeth. “Brayden is a very motivated individual, who sets high goals for himself. His success is a direct reflection of his hard work and dedication.”

Junior Gavin Tegels (220) also claimed his mark as State champion (Cadott’s 15th in their history), finishing his season almost perfect, with an 18-1 record. Tegels took out Dodgeland’s Louie White in the quarterfinals, with a 2:47 fall, then won by fall in the semifinals in 3:42, over David Gauderman, Wittenberg-Birnamwood.

It was on to the finals, where Tegels won with a 9-4 decision over Reedsville’s Cole Ebert.

“Gavin was eliminated in the Regional last season, and this impacted him deeply,” said Spaeth. “Like a true champion, Gavin set even higher goals and worked extremely hard in the off-season. He was determined to become a State champion and he did just that.”

Junior Nelson Wahl (160) and sophomore Tristan Drier (145) also made the trip to State, but while both wrestled two hard-fought matches, they fell short of landing on the podium.

Drier came into the quarterfinals after qualifying for the second straight year, after finishing sixth at State last year. In his first match, Drier faced off against Cael Erickson, Cedar Grove-Belgium, losing by a 10-2 major decision.

Drier tried to regain some ground and still make podium, but couldn’t pull off his consolation match against Aquinas’ Joseph Penchi, in a 10-4 decision.

“Tristan is a leader on our team,” said Spaeth. “I know he will bounce back and continue to work toward his goals of becoming a State champion.

Finishing out his high school wrestling career, Wahl joined a select group of Hornets wrestlers who qualified for three individual State tournaments. He first went up against Ryan Roy, Wabeno-Laona, in the quarterfinals, but couldn’t come up with the win, losing the match in a 6-3 decision.

Wahl tried to come back in the consolation round, but fell just shy to Mineral Point’s Bo Hanson, in a 10-7 decision.

“We are thankful to have Nelson in the line-up and having him lead our team into battle at team State,” said Spaeth.

The Hornets now look ahead to the competition at team State Feb. 20, with a trophy within Cadott’s grasp.

“I am extremely proud of all our wrestlers,” said Spaeth. “We are extremely excited to compete at team State this weekend. What an opportunity for our kids.”

[caption id="attachment_112139" align="alignnone" width="300"] Cadott sophomore Brayden Sonnentag (left) brought home the State championship in the 120-pound weight class Feb. 13, during individual competition. Sonnentag claimed his second straight State title, against Manawa’s Colten Klemm, in a 7-0 decision. Photo by Casey Krautkramer[/caption] [caption id="attachment_112140" align="alignnone" width="300"] Gavin Tegels, Cadott junior in the 220-pound weight class, locks up Reedsville’s Cole Ebert Feb. 13, as part of the individual State wrestling tournament. Tegels went on to win the match by a 9-4 decision, securing his first State championship. Photo by Casey Krautkramer[/caption]
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