By Nick Beversdorf
Reporter
Merrill wrestlers Devon Shultz (120, 39-7 Jr.) and Tanner Pettit (152, 37-6 Sr.) both fell short of placing at the WIAA Individual Wrestling Championship today.
Tanner lost his first round match against Shane Gantz of Waukesha West by a 5-1 decision.
“Tanner started to close the gap,” comments Coach Brian Suchoki. “But he wasn’t quite able to close it quick enough before the match was over. Nonetheless, I feel good about how he has wrestled.”
Devon fared a little better, beating Tyler Hansen of Kenosha Bradford/Reuther by a 13-3 major decision, but then losing to Eric Wunsch of Menomonee Falls by a 5-4 decision in the quarter finals. Devon then lost to Logan Bellow of Pulaski by a pin at 3:36, preventing him from placing 3rd or lower.
“Devon won his first game by a major decision, and started real strong in the second game,” adds Suchoki. “Halfway through the game though he lost momentum. In his third game he played well but was eventually pinned. However, Devon is still a Junior and plans to work very hard for state next year.”
Suchoki reflects on the great group of seniors that are leaving and also on the season as a whole.
“They are a great group of kids,” says Suchoki. “It was a great first season for me to work with these kids and coach them to state. I hope to do the same thing next season.”