State Preview:  Anything can happen

(2/24/03)

             Sectionals are over and it's time for "state tournament".  State tournament always brings a lot of hype this time of the 
year.    Talk of upsets, exciting match-ups, and predictions are just few of the discussions that will abound this week.  
Wrestlers will have a chance to make a name for themselves, many will fall.  Some may argue it will be hard to top last 
years state tournament.  There is no such thing as a sub par state tournament.  I have never been to a state tournament 
short on excitement.  There is no such thing.  

               If this will be your first time attending the state tournament, you will not be disappointed.  Every round offers 
many exciting matches and showcases the states best wrestlers.  Be sure you arrive early for the "finals".  There is 
nothing, in any sport or state tournament, that comes close to the suspense you will experience in the minutes leading 
up to the "finals".   Whether the wave, the chants, or watching security guards chasing after beach balls, it will be 
an unforgettable experience.  

               42 state champs are going to be crowned this weekend in Madison.  Many of you will make predictions.  
You will find my personal predictions below.  I did not necessarily pick who I thought was the "best" wrestler, because 
there are always upsets.  As you may notice, I didn’t pick one freshman to win a state title.  I leave you with this:  
If your not going to state, you don’t know what you’re missing.

Division 1
103-Craig Becker, Hartford, So
112-David Quinlan, Appleton North, Sr
119-Josh Crass, Medford, Jr
125-Jordan Crass, Medford, Jr
130-Josh Wagner, Milton, Sr
135-Tony Mosel, Chippewa Falls, Sr
140-Jeff Canella, Wilmot Union, Jr
145-Craig Henning, Chippewa Falls, Jr
152-Eddie Blumenthal, Stoughton, Jr
160-Adam Dion, Arrowhead, Sr
171-Trevor Howard, Menomonie, Sr
189-Grant Pessig, Menomonie, Sr
215-Tim McCarthy, Neenah, Jr
275-David Arendt, Port Washington, Sr

Division 2
103-Brian Baribiaux, Luxemburg-Casco, So
112-Kelly Bires, Mauston, Sr
119-Mike Rohowetz, River Valley, Sr
125-Dane Droessler, Platteville, Sr
130-Ben Selsing, Winneconne, Sr
135-Kyle Mueller, River Valley, Sr
140-Mitch Collins, Richland Center, Jr
145-Jake Donar, Cuba City/Southwestern, Sr
152-Cal Jensen, River Valley, Jr
160-Tyler Clark, Turner, Sr
171-Chris Kratz, Oconto Falls, Sr
189-Dallas Herbst, Winneconne, Jr
215-Dan Duncan, Lancaster, Sr
275-Mike Newkirk, Ladysmith, J

Division 3
103-Chris Klister, Wrightstown, So
112-Cory Sokol, Mineral Point, So
119-Travis Grawin, Royall, Jr
125-Sean Shotliff, Belmont, Sr
130-Nate Chambers, Mineral Point, Jr
135-Spencer Galbavy, Dodgeland, Sr
140-Dan Gerow, Arcadia, Jr
145-Shawn Kitchner, Stratford, Sr
152-Clayton Stratman, Hustisford, Sr
160-Mike Zehel, Oostburg, Sr
171-Dustin Robinson, Florence, Sr
189-Matt Eastlick, Belmont, Sr
215-Matt Bauman, Stratford, Sr
275-Jake Haag, Mishicot, Sr

Note:  School and year information from http://www.wiaawi.org 

John Elmer

Yes Reprint It!!!

     I have received some emails about permission to reprint my articles and post them 
in wrestling rooms.  I have even had one person ask for permission to submit some of my 
articles in to local newspapers.  Feel free to copy or reprint any of my articles as long 
as you include my signature of John Elmer, wiwrestling.com.  Also I am asking for feedback 
on my latest article "A Weight Issue," especially from coaches and the wrestlers who cut 
weight.  I would also like to hear your opinions on mat side weigh-ins.

Written for WIwrestling.com by Freelance Columnist John Elmer