Hortonville is hoping strength is in numbers. For the first time in School history, the Polar Bears have three wrestlers competing in the State Finals.
Sophomore Eric Barnett was able to keep his perfect record in tact and set the tone by winning the first semifinal match of the night. Barnett beat Zeke Smith of Sauk Prairie by pin. The two wrestled last year in Madison, but it was in the Team State Quarterfinals. Barnett took a big lead and closed out the win with a third period pin.
“It is fun getting after it and getting everyone hyped up” said Eric Barnett. “I did what I had to do and that is that I guess.”
One guy that Barnett was able to hype up with his older brother Senior Jacob Barnett who said he had to respond.
“I knew he made it and it kind of took the nerves away, I was so happy for him.”
Barnett beat Caleb Zibell in a rematch of the Oshkosh on the Water Finals, which Barnett won in December.
“I was nervous going into it” Barnett said. “I beat him before and I knew I could do it again.”
Senior Elliot Luker was able to make it a trio in the finals with a win. Luker said watching and winning made it a dream come true.
“Winning by yourself is fun, but winning as team is better” said Elliot Luker. Luker beat Jesse Fryda of Hamilton 3-0. After setting his goals high for the season, one goal was being able to march in the Parade of Champions.
“I remember being here as a little kid and looking down at those guys in the parade and I thought they were superheros, so it is amazing.”
The Fox Valley Association will be well represented on Saturday with Keaton Kluever of Kaukauna getting the chance to wrestle in the finals after a :27 second pin win in the Semifinals.
Division 1 Finals Matches
106-Eric Barnett-Hortonville (44-0) So. vs Hunter Lewis-Stoughton (50-3) So.
113-Brady Koontz-Stevens Point (36-0) Sr. vs Dalton Shea-Milton (43-7) Sr.
120-Tristian Jenny-Stoughton (41-8) Sr. vs Keegan O’Toole-Arrowhead (39-4) Fr.
126-Benji Peak-Elkhorn Area (44-2) Jr. vs Jacob Barnett-Hortonville (43-3) Sr.
132-Veliko Kochiu-Oak Creek (30-1) Jr. vs Brandon Klein-Stoughton (52-3) Sr.
138-Kevin Meicher-Middleton (46-4) So. vs Drew Scharenbrock (47-2) Jr.
145-Jaden Van Mannen-La Crosse Central (48-0) Sr. vs Garrett Model-Stoughton (46-5) Sr.
152-Peyton Mocco-West Allis Nathan Hale (45-3) Jr. vs Shane Gantz-Waukesha West (41-1) Sr.
160-Tyler Dow-Stoughton (51-2) Jr. vs Elliott Luker-Hortonville (41-2) Sr.
170-Jose Acosta-Manitowoc Lincoln (47-1) vs Parker Keckeisen-Nicolet (45-1) So.
182-Jackson Hemauer-DeForest (47-1) vs Billy Pitzner-Milton (47-4) Sr.
195-Jacob Raschka-Pewaukee (51-2) vs Dalton Hahn-Reedsburg Area (48-1) Sr.
220-Cole Godbout-Hudson (37-4) vs Aric Bohn-Mukwonago (39-7) Jr.
285-Keaton Kluever-Kaukauna (46-3) Jr. vs Blaze Beltran-Pewaukee (51-1) Sr.