Below are the state wrestling results from this past weekend. Unfortunately we didn't get the results we had hoped for. Neither Griffin nor Grant were able to get a first round win to advance into their brackets. Griffin was close on some takedowns but Miess proved to be a good scrambler and solid defensively. Grant opened up the match giving up a takedown and nearfall to find himself down 5-0 in the first minute of the match. After earning an escape he continued to battle back and tie the match 7-7 with 30 seconds remaining. Looking to win, Grant awarded Heiden an escape but he could not get the needed takedown ending the match 7-8.
Each season the State Tournament brings a mix of emotions. Both Griffin and Grant are juniors and at first it seems easy to say they have next year to look forward to. Unfortunately, as we know, that isn't always the case. Griffin had his illness, and Grant an injury that put both their seasons in jeopardy this year. It is also easy to say "next year" if you don't know the amount of work both wrestlers put into being the best they can be "this year". I know how hard they have worked. It's also easy to brush off the losses if you've never had high goals. I know both of their goals and how badly they both wanted to do better.
After a time I'm hoping both will appreciate the opportunity they have in front of them. The opportunity to work hard, to improve, to lead their team and to achieve their goals. Win or lose, I appreciate having such fine young men to coach and mentor.
Thank you to all of the wrestlers, wrestling fans, parents and supporters for making it a great season.
Coach Englebert
Picture courtesy of Southern Door Wrestling Club
2020 WIAA Individual State Results for Southern Door
D3-126
Griffin Slezewski (33-16) place is unknown and scored 0.0 team points.
Champ. Round 1 - Ashton Miess (Riverdale) 26-8 won by major decision over Griffin Slezewski (Southern Door) 33-16 (MD 10-2)
D3-152
Grant Englebert (37-8) place is unknown and scored 0.0 team points.
Champ. Round 1 - Jacob Heiden (Stratford) 41-11 won by decision over Grant Englebert (Southern Door) 37-8 (Dec 8-7)
