Merrill vs. Lakeland
On Tuesday Jan. 27, 2026, the Merrill High School Boys Varsity Wrestling Team hosted Lakeland for their fifth dual of the Conference season. It was also Senior Night for Merrill, and Merrill celebrated it with a win, moving their Conference record to 5-0.
“We had to reschedule our dual, and we were trying to figure out an alternative location, so we thought we would give the auditorium a try,” said Merrill Boys Varsity Wrestling Head Coach Brian Suchocki. “It was a unique experience that made it a little extra special for our Seniors.”
“Seniors wrestling their final home matches were: Dusty Schmirler, Brett Suchocki, Ryan Coates, Hunter Opper, Preston Schuelke, Noah Klug, and Josh Gustum. We also had Ben Gruett and Mason Bloch,” he said. “That is quite a group of Seniors, and they will be missed.”
“For the match, Broc Suchocki started us out with a technical fall,” Coach Suchocki said. “Brett, Remington Skic, Hunter, Noah, Josh, and Dusty all had pins. Marvin Downs and Easton Simon each collected forfeits for us.”
Merrill vs. Medford and Cornell/Gillman/Lake Holcombe
On Thursday, Jan. 29, the Merrill Boys headed to Medford High School for two match-ups.
Next round it was Merrill against Medford where Merrill again took the win.
Merrill wins GNC Conference Tournament, Opper named Conference Wrestler of the Year
On Saturday, Feb. 7, Merrill again traveled to Medford, but this time it was to compete in the Great Northern Conference (GNC) Tournament, and it was an exciting day for Merrill, with the Bluejays emerging as Conference Champions. “The last time Merrill won a Conference title was back in 2015 in the Wisconsin Valley Conference (WVC),” Coach Suchocki said. “For us, this was a goal that we set as a team back at the beginning of the season. Once again our Seniors led the charge with the underclassmen doing their part, as well.”
“We had nine wrestlers in the finals, and six of them became Conference Champs,” he said. “Dusty, Broc, Brett, Remington, Hunter, and Noah won individual Conference titles.”
“Second Team All-Conference were Will Miemitz, Trenton Klimek, and Josh Gustum. Bennett Jacobson was Honorable Mention, taking third place, Marvin Downs placed fourth, and Easton Simon took sixth,” Coach Suchocki said. “All 12 Merrill wrestlers contributed to the team score. “
“Hunter led the way, pinning all his opponents and being named the Wrestler of the Year in the Conference. It was a well-deserved award for Hunter,” he said. “He has accomplished so much this season. He dominated every Conference opponent.”
Dusty also pinned both his opponents on his way to the Championship. Dusty came out to compete and really got after it. He is wrestling well at the right time, a great accomplishment as a Senior,” Coach Suchocki said.
“Broc pinned all three opponents. I’ve noticed that Broc has picked up his sense of urgency. Broc had one of the weight classes where every team had a wrestler. Broc looks to be at full strength and is putting things together nicely.”
“Brett also had a weight class where every team entered a wrestler,” Coach Suchocki said. “He was physical and dominant in every match, getting two pins and a technical fall. It’s great to see him be a Conference Champion his Senior year.”
“Remington was able to get a pin and two technical falls. This is his third Conference title. He has earned two in the WVC and now one in the GNC. He is very aggressive and has a great motor.”
“Noah was the final Champion, beating a very solid wrestler in the finals,” Coach Suchocki said. “Noah put in some good work with his takedowns pushing the pace. His physical and consistent style helps in big matches.”
“Josh has been battling for us all season, and he did it again on Saturday. Unfortunately, he did not get the win in the finals. He always gets out there and gives his best. You can’t ask for more than that,” he said.
“Trenton was able to get in the Varsity line-up at Conference and came away with second place,” Coach Suchocki said. “That was a great achievement. He looked really good and won a very exciting match to get in the finals with a last-second takedown.”
“Will similarly was able to make the finals, holding on to keep the victory,” he said. “Will had a great week of practice, and it showed.”
“Bennett took third, pinning the number 1 seed in the third-place match. This was also a great opportunity for him to get in the line-up.”
Individual wrestling results:
113 - Dustin Schmirler (2-0) - first (22 pts)
126 - Broc Suchocki (3-0) - first (26 pts)
132 - Brett Suchocki (3-0) - first (25.5 pts)
138 - Marvin Downs (0-2) - fourth (7 pts)
144 - Easton Simon (0-3) - sixth (3 pts)
150 - Remington Skic (3-0) - first (25 pts)
157 - William Miemietz (1-1) - second (14 pts)
165 - Bennett Jacobson (1-1) - third (11 pts)
175 - Hunter Opper (3-0) - first (26 pts)
190 - Noah Klug (2-0) - first (20 pts)
215 - Trenton Klimek (2-1) - second (18 pts)
285 - Joshua Gustum (2-1) - second (20 pts)
Conference Tournament Results
1. Merrill - 217.5
2. Antigo - 173
3. Tomahawk - 171.5
4. Lakeland - 123.5
5. Rhinelander - 88.5
6. Medford - 82.5
7. Mosinee - 78.5
While awards were being handed out at the Conference Tournament, Merrill Boys Varsity Wrestling Coach Brian Suchocki was named a GNC Coach of the Year.
“It’s good to get recognized,” Coach Suchocki said, “but it’s really an award of the team and all the assistant coaches that put in countless hours.”
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