Post date: Dec 18, 2013 3:58:46 PM
Athletes challenge each other for Varsity spot
by Samantah Nash, staff
Each year the wrestling team does not have a traditional Thanksgiving feast ,due to their first big challenge, wrestle-offs. The boys of the mat maintained a weight for one of the following weight classes for the big day;106, 113, 120, 126, 132, 138, 145, 152, 160, 170, 182, 220 and 285.
“Wrestle-offs have always taken place to determine the Varsity and Junior Varsity teams,” said Coach Steve Keszler. The boys in the same weight class partake in a wrestling match to determine who is better to represent the team on Varsity. At SBHS, wrestling is a big deal and there’s pressure to work hard for a spot.
“You have to go big or go home,” Tanner Brengle (10) said.”There’s a lot of solid wrestling that goes on.”
“There’s going to be a lot of good matches, because no one’s spot is given to them, you have to work for a Varsity spot,” said John Wilson (11).
Community members are encouraged to come watch the wrestlers, but during wrestle-offs, yelling and cheering, that is seen at normal tournaments and duals, is not allowed. Due to the fact that this event includes all Sturgis wrestlers, and cheering would show favoritism. It’s a highly anticipated event for the wrestling fans and wrestlers alike.
“ I’m excited for them because it’s a chance to prove what you’re made of, and at the end of the day, it’s pretty fun,” said Cullen Olson (9).
The wrestle-offs ended with these results: at 106 is Bailey Brengle(8), 113 Brody Jorensen (12), 120 Ryan Willey (11), 126 Zane Joens (11), 132 Tanner Brengle (10), 138 Jesse Skidmore (11), 145 Tyler Pickett (12), 152 Caleb Karrels (11), 160 Nathan Werdel (11), 170 Tate McVay (12), 182 Ethan Bennett (12), 220 Payson Dirk (10), and wrestling heavy weight is John Wilson (11).
Throughout the season, there is a chance to wrestle off again for the varsity spot before state wrestling in February.