The Stevens Point Area Senior High School (SPASH) wrestling team (8-2 overall, 3-2 in the Wisconsin Valley Conference) defeated Wausau West, 36-25, on Thursday, Jan. 10. SPASH is currently ranked seventh in the state in Division 1.
"We started the meet off with three straight pins and that gave us the momentum to carry on throughout the meet. It was, as usual, a typical valley meet in what is undoubtedly the premier wrestling conference in the state this year," said SPASH coach Gee Pope. "Wausau West is an outstanding team. In a meet like this every point in every match is critical."
Jake Calhoun (119 pounds), Steve Bachinski (125), Adam Kurzynski (130), Nate Kurszewki (140) and Kevin Duda (145) all won by pin for the Panthers. "Steve Bachinski came up with a big win over a very strong wrestler (Chris Ellenbecker) at 125," Gee Pope said.
Brandon Raikowski (112) and Grey Pope (171) won by decision. Grey Pope is currently undefeated this year with a record of 18-0.
"Justin Cieslewicz (275) clinched the match for us even though he lost his match. He knew that if he was pinned we could lose the meet. He hustled throughout the match and really sacrificed himself for the team win," Gee Pope said.