GC wrestlers’ leadership will be strength for upcoming season
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THE GLENWOOD CITY Wrestling Team will once again be dealing with a lack of depth this seaosn. But the dozen high school wrestlers that are out do show promise, talent, leadership and a solid work ethic. Front row (L to R): Travis Bloyer, Andy Grant, Ian Radintz, Gabe Knops, James Knight and Noah Brite. Back row (L to R): Thomas Moede, Tucker Lagerstrom, Andrew Berends, Marcis DeSmith, Trenton McNamara and Jabin Hojem. —photo by Carole Schurtz
By Amber Hayden
GLENWOOD CITY — The Glenwood City wrestlers lack depth for the 2019-20 season, but will rely on the strong leadership from returning athletes head coach Shane Strong stated.
“Our talent is young, but they understand what it takes to be successful in the sport of wrestling,” Strong stated. “They embrace hard work mentality that it takes to reach your full potential in this sport.”
Strong is in his eleventh year as the head coach for Glenwood City and has an overall record of 116-78.
Bryce Fayerweather was the lone grappler to graduate this past spring and was a state qualifier in his junior year and finished out last season at the Independence/Gilmanton WIAA Division 3 sectional. Fayerweather lost to Nathan Pelke of Mondovi at the sectional after beating Max Brunner of Chequamegon in the 220 pound weight class.
“Bryce was a positive leader and hard worker for us,” Strong said.
Tucker Lagerstrom and Andy Grant will return to the mat for Glenwood City. Lagerstrom finished in fourth place at sectionals in the 170 pound weight class, and Grant was the regional champion in Cadott in the 113 pound weight class.
“Tucker and Andy have experienced some success the last couple of years,” coach Strong explained. “They will be instrumental in setting a good example for our younger guys.”
Three incoming freshmen will be a highlight for the Hilltoppers wrestling team. Ian Radintz is a two-time State youth champion, Gabe Knops finished fourth at State, and Trenton McNamara was a State qualifier.
“The freshmen class is very motivated and disciplined. They demand the best of themselves, which is fun to see,” said Strong.
Glenwood City still lacks the numbers for the 2019-20 season, but coach Strong said the numbers will begin to increase over the next few years. Strong, along with the coaching staff, recognized a few years prior that there was a low interest in a few weight classes for wrestling.
“We decided to stick with our program through the tough times, and we are looking forward to getting back to where we were in past years,” Strong commented.
Glenwood City will focus their efforts on reaching their full potential throughout the season, with the expectation being to represent the school and community in Madison each year, he said.
“We believe we have individuals on this team that have the potential to reach that expectation,” explained Strong.
The Hilltoppers will keep their eyes on Boyceville and Spring Valley in the 2019-20 season. Boyceville, the defending Dunn-St. Croix conference and regional champions, has a solid group of kids and the numbers, while Spring Valley is strong in their tradition. They win with less talent than most programs due to the commitment and hard work of their athletes.
Glenwood City will open their season at home this Thursday, December 5, against Clear Lake and will then host the annual John Timm Memorial Duals on Saturday, December 7, beginning at 10 a.m.
2019-2020 Roster
Travis Bloyer, Andy Grant, Ian Radintz, Gabe Knops, James Knight, Noah Brite, Thomas Moede, Tucker Lagerstrom, Andrew Berends, Marcis DeSmith, Trenton McNamara and Jabin Hojem.