For the first time since 2012, Coleman will have three wrestlers in the Division 3 State Finals. Koltyn Gryzbowski 106, Caleb Gross 113, and Donovan Salewiski all qualified for the finals with wins on Friday. The night started well with Gryzbowski and Gross winning back to back, setting the stage for a big Saturday night for Coleman.
“It was exciting to get our first two through on Friday” said Coleman Coach Kevin Casper.
The two winning was more than just a celebration for teammates, it was a celebration for family, as Gryzbowski and Gross are cousins, and part of a line of success in Coleman.
“Their Grandpa Jerry won a State Championship for Coleman in the 1960’s, the boy’s mothers are sisters, so it truly will be a family tonight.”
Gryzbowski beat Weyauwega-Fremont’s Cian Fischer by tech fall 19-4, avenging a loss that he suffered on Saturday in Sectionals. Gross earned a pin win on Saturday to secure the trip to the finals while Salewski earned a 4-2 win to close the night at 285.
Shiocton returns to the finals with Sammy Van Straten. The Junior will complete his best finish at State after earning a third period pin win in the 138 pound Semifinals. Van Straten had to work hard just to get to the Semifinals on Friday after he won his quarterfinal in overtime. Van Straten looks to become the schools first State Champion since Jay Surprise in 1991.
For second straight year, Wittenberg-Birnamwood will have a Peplinski in the State Finals. Senior Alex Peplinski earned a pin win in the Semifinals to secure a spot in the Parade of Champions and the finals. Peplinski followed the footsteps of his older brother August who qualified for the finals in 2016, but lost. That was also when the Chargers were wrestling in Division 2. Peplinski looks to bring a Championship, after it was last done in 2014 when Braxton Potrykus won a State Title.
Division 3 State Finals Match-Ups
106-Kolytn Gryzbowski-Coleman (40-3) So. vs Manny Drexler-Stratford (41-3) So.
113-Lucas Schevikhoven-Shoreland Lutheran (41-1) Jr. vs Caleb Gross-Coleman (38-3) So.
120-AJ Schoenfuss-Stratford (34-5) Jr. vs Sawyer Sarbacker-Iowa-Grant/Highland (45-1) Sr.
126-Trevor Wanek-Fennimore (38-10) So. vs Max Dascher-Cochrane Fountain City (35-3) So.
132-Tate Murty-Cochrane-Fountain City (35-1) Jr. vs Cal Hansen-Deerfield (46-1) Sr.
138-Jeremey Schoenherr-Stratford (16-0) Jr. vs Sammy VanStraten-Shiocton (40-3) Jr.
145-Justin Tollefson-Fennimore (44-6) Sr. vs Austin Engel-Athens (35-5) Sr.
152-James Pfeiffer-Cadott (39-4) So. vs Mason Kauffman-Stratford (31-0) Sr.
160-Brock Schlough-Boyceville (42-1) So. vs Brandon Roen-Riverdale (21-2) Sr.
170-Brady Peat-Iowa-Grant/Highland (42-6) vs Helton Vandenbush (45-1) Sr.
182-James Palmer-Boyceville Sr. (43-1) vs Alex Peplinski-Wittenberg-Birnamwood (44-4) Sr.
195-Garrett Joles-Boyceville (43-1) Jr. vs Troy Jandrin-Southern Door (41-4) Sr.
220-Noah Wieczorek-Clear Lake (41-4) Jr. vs Karmen Bornback-Stratford (38-1) Sr.
285-Tyson Sommer-Athens (42-4) Jr. vs Donovan Salewski-Coleman (38-6) Sr.
Photo Above:
Shiocton’s Sammy Van Straten get hugs from his coaches after punching a ticket to the Finals.