Wrestling: Banker, Bergsbaken take first as Bonduel claims second at classic

Shawano’s Kohn, Clintonville’s Young also take first
By: 
Morgan Rode
Sports Editor

SHAWANO — Bonduel had four wrestlers reach first-place matches on its way to a second-place finish as a team at the 2019 Shawano Holiday Classic on Saturday.

Juniors Kaden Bergsbaken and Isaac Banker won the 170 and 195 weight classes, respectively, to lead the Bears.

Shawano took third as a team, with junior Nick Kohn winning the 285 weight class.

Clintonville/Marion also had a first-place finisher, as freshman Caden Young came out on top of the 152 weight class.

Banker had a memorable day on the mat on his way to first place. He pinned all four of his opponents on the day, taking less than three minutes for each fall.

“It’s huge. It helps me know that I can go out there and compete with anyone and beat anybody if I put my mind to it,” said Banker on what his top finish does for his confidence.

Banker’s pin of Shiocton’s Jaden Dorn at the 1:57 mark of the first-place match was also the junior’s 100th career win.

“It meant a lot to me, being in Shawano, not too far from home,” said Banker of the milestone win. “A lot of fans friends, family and a whole bunch of support here to help me along the way.”

After earning a bye, Bergsbaken earned a pair of quick pins to advance to the first-place match. The senior earned a 9-4 decision win over Shiocton’s Hunter Schuh to take first.

“A lot of my accomplishments come through my teammates. I think this is a really great year for us — we got a big team with a lot of juniors. We’re really just a good family, so I’m thankful for them and my coahes,” said Bergsbaken. “I’m hoping I can keep pushing and improving this year and then dominate my senior year.”

Junior Max Sokolski and senior Tristan Tomashek were the other two Bears to wrestle in first-place matches at their respective weight classes.

Sokolski lost a 12-4 major decision to Marshfield’s Ryan Dolezal in the 145 title match, while Tomashek lost a 6-2 decision to Oconto’s Isaac Diaz.

Freshman Tyson Bogacz (120) and juniors Luis Lagunes (126) and Jayson Toellner (132) all took third for the Bears after posting 4-1 records on the day.

Freshmen Cooper Salerno (113) and Donavon Vigue (152) and seniors Moises Lagunes (160) and Alex Garside (220) all took took fourth for Bonduel.

After Kohn received a bye, he pinned all three of his opponents on his way to the 285 title. He pinned Marinette’s Darik McMahon at the 4:33 mark of the first-place match.

“I just had it in my mind that I knew I could win and just kind of kicked it into overdrive,” said Kohn on how he worked his way through his bracket.

Shawano had two other wrestlers make it to first-place matches.

Junior Gage Timm came in second in the 160 class after a tough 6-4 decision loss to Antigo’s Joshua Huess in the first-place match. Timm finished the day with two wins by fall, a technical fall win and a decision win.

Senior Keith Tourtillott took second at 220 pounds after being pinned by Antigo’s Nick Roller in the title match. Tourtillott opened his day with a decision win before a bye, forfeit win and victory by fall.

Sophomores Noah Jones (138) and Jackson Smits (220) and senior Ben Carroll (152) all came in third for the Hawks after losing just once on the day.

Junior Reef Anthony (145) came in fourth, while juniors Wyatt Brandt (126), Colten Herm (145) and Trace Yeager (195), sophomore Andrew Popp (170) and senior Austin Schmidt (220) all placed fifth.

Clintonville’s Young continued the strong start to his freshman year with an impressive showing in the 152 weight class. After a bye, he earned a technical fall win before picking up a pin to advance to the first-place match.

The freshman trailed 3-1 heading to the third period of the title match, but got a point for an escape before picking up another point on a stalling penalty to tie it.

In overtime, Young fell behind after allowing an escape, but the freshman was able to escape in the next overtime session before getting a takedown and a two more points on a near fall to win 8-4 over Marshfield’s Garrett Willuweit.

“I just kept my trust in myself,” said Young on how he came out on top of his bracket. “I go to a club every day in the summer, or almost every day, so I just believe in my skills and ability.”

sports@newmedia-wi.com