Central wrestling reflects on season
By Willis Patenaude, Times-Register
The Central wrestling season came to an abrupt end when none of the athletes qualified for the district tournament, but that does not diminish what the program accomplished throughout the season.
It was a season coach Joe Koehn summarized as “wonderful,” noting the hard work and dedication put forth by most of the wrestlers. Despite some bumps and bruises and struggles, the Warriors developed into a “tough program” that emphasizes a “team first mentality” and places a high importance on working hard, regardless of circumstances.
As Koehn said, “Wrestling is a take all, give nothing kind of sport and we need to take everything. It’s a dog eat dog sport and we’re battling out there. There is no room for giving up because it’s a tough sport.”
It was those aspects that allowed the team to exceed some expectations, especially in terms of growing as a family, remaining positive and having fun. Koehn noted how the wrestlers put in work in the weight room and cheered each other on during matches. They were team first, individuals second.
But with everything, some goals go un-achieved, and Koehn was forthcoming with those. While most of the wrestlers had individual winning records, which is a sign the program is trending in a positive direction, the Warriors failed to win as many duals as last season.
Koehn put the blame mostly on wrestlers being sick or injured, and on areas where improvement is still needed, such as the “bottom game.” However, he also mentioned the improvement in the neutral and top game.
“We were much more confident on our feet and were constantly scoring points…Instead of just getting the fall right away, we were sharpening our skills and scoring points,” he added.
On an individual level, Nick Deitchler finished 32-13, while leading the team in takedowns (57), escapes (15), total match points (196) and pins (22), and tied for the most tech falls (1) and major decisions (3). Deitchler also came within six pins of making the record board with 22 pins this season. The record, which is 28, is held by Zach Wilker and has stood since 2004.
Daniel Royer went 23-12 and tied for most on the team in reversals (12) and most near fall two-point (9), and had the fastest pin (11 seconds).
Nate Shirbroun, who received third team all conference at 182 pounds, finished the season 15-10 and led the team in penalty points received (5) and also tied for the most tech falls (1).
Sam Fettkether, whose season was cut short by injury, finished 2-9.
One highlight of the boy’s season was Sean Wilwert finishing 31-12. He was tied for most on the team in reversals (12) and decisions (5), but more notably, won his 100th match. Wilwert ended his wrestling career with 104 wins and 95 losses.
When it comes to the girls side, the Warriors set school records and earned their first state place winner in school history in Reese Berns. Berns, the breakout wrestler of the season, finished seventh at girls state, broke four school records and tied one. While going 35-16, she led the team in takedowns (37), reversals (10), near fall two points (5), near fall three points (6), total match points (138), pins (18) and decisions (3). In the process, she broke school records for most total match points in a season, most two-point near falls in a season, most three-point near falls in a season and most reversals in a season. Berns tied the record for most decisions in a season.
Berns’ teammates also added to the record books and the program’s overall success, as senior Brandy Beatty broke three school records, including most career two-point near falls (7), three-point near falls (8) and career reversals (12). During the season Beatty finished 28-11 and led the team in penalty points received (6).
Tori Sylvester tied two school records for most major decisions in a season (2) and for most escapes (14). Sylvester went 18-16, while leading the team in escapes (14) and major decisions (2), and tied for the fastest pin at 20 seconds.
Kimberly Suhr was 14-19, and the school record for most escapes in a season (14) and led the team in escapes with 14. She had the other 20-second pin.
Rebecca Suhr, who battled injuries during the season, finished 15-16.
Koehn noted Sylvester’s improvement, R. Suhr’s willingness to battle and be a team leader despite the injuries and K. Suhr’s growth.
With the recent sanctioning of girls wrestling, there are heightened expectations for the program, especially related to Berns.
When asked specifically about those expectations and whether or not they’ll be raised for Berns, Koehn replied, “Absolutely, but we know we have things we need to fix in order to get better for next year. And that all starts with improving the team. We get a solid team with the same mindset and goals. We will be tough. We can’t be selfish and only do things to get ourselves better, we have to have the team first in mind because once you have the passion to try and pick somebody else up, then it is easy to get momentum in duals and tournaments and such.”
That team mindset will continue next season without two seniors, Beatty and Wilwert, who Koehn said will be missed dearly.
“Sean has been with this program for 13 years. Not many kids can say that and I am very proud of how he developed. Brandy was only with us for a short time, but always worked hard for us in the room and on the mat,” he added. “They were great leaders in the room for us but did a good job getting the underclassmen ready to fill in.”
A solid core will also return, and combined with a youth movement of potential wrestlers, including Braxton Bormann, Collin Jaster, Max Fettkether, Garett Burns and Mayleigh Medberry, Koehn believes the team is poised for greater things.
“There is a reason the windshield is much bigger than the rearview mirror,” he said.
