By Jared Schmeltzer
Reporter
On March 23 and 24, six youth Merrill wrestlers traveled to Madison to compete in the state tournament. Four of the six were able to place and all six wrestlers were able to win a match.
Merrill’s varsity head coach Brian Suchocki said, “It was a great tournament for Merrill wrestling. We had four wrestlers place and all six state qualifiers won at least one match.”
This was the first state appearance for Jayden Graap and Noah Klug, “This was Jayden’s and Noah’s first experience at state,” Coach Suchocki said. “Both of them came up short of making the podium but they gained valuable experience and were able to win matches at state. This will motivate each of them for years to come.”
Sisters Allison and Madlyn Hunter both placed at state. “Allison lost her first match so she had to rattle off three straight victories to get on the awards stand. Allison has put a lot of time into wrestling so it is good to see her make the podium,” Coach Suchocki said. “Madlyn was able to join her sister as a state place finisher. It was fun to watch her compete. The great part about Madlyn is she has a positive attitude no matter the situation.”
Carson Brooks was one of two Merrill wrestlers to take second place at state.
“This is Carson’s highest place finish at state,” Coach Suchocki said. “Carson wrestled very well and put himself in position to be successful in all matches. Even in the finals where Carson came up short, he showed determination and gave himself a chance to win.”
Ryder Depies was the other Merrill wrestler to finish in second place.
“Ryder was very dominate all the way to the finals,” Coach Suchocki said. “In the finals Ryder just came up short. The good thing is Ryder will come back more determined. Ryder has high expectations of himself and he is willing to work at it so it happens.”
Coach Suchocki added, “Overall the state tournament was a good for us. The hard work all the kids put in showed. I would like to also thank all the wrestlers, parents and coaches that came back to help train the state qualifiers this past week.”