Huskies produce in clutch for title

West Allis - Heading into the final round of the Greater Metro Conference Tournament on Friday, the West Allis Hale wrestlers knew they had a good shot at history.

They were within striking distance of Hale's first tournament crown in 24 seasons, and they were not about to let it slip away from them.

The Huskies won 10 of 14 matches in the round, in the process claiming championships by Jack Allen at 170 pounds and Dallas Wanta at 220, along with second places from Andy Moyle (138), Taylor Tomczak (160) and Andrew Buelow (182) as well as seven third places.

Matches net championship

That closing rush enabled them to capture the team championship with 233 points, just ahead of rival West Allis Central's 225½, in the seven-team meet. Central was led by championships from Skyler Pedersen (113), Nate Keaton (126), Brian Smith (152) and Eric Vis (160).

"Winning this tournament is a great thing for our wrestlers, coaches and Hale High School," coach Randy Ferrell said. "I took over four years ago knowing that there is a rich tradition of wrestling in West Allis. This group of seniors walked into the room that first year and really invested their time and energy to produce a title. It goes to show that the hard work pays off."

Ferrell cited other factors behind the tournament crown for the Huskies, who also snared a share of the GMC dual-meet title with Central at 5-1.

"The key to winning this tournament was the true way that these kids believe in each other," he continued. "Each one holds the other accountable for their actions and knows that we win together."

The final round for Hale began with Jon Baltz (106) winning a 5-2 decision to claim third place. Trevor Kruzick (113) followed with a pin in 2 minutes, 27 seconds, also for third place.

Luke Ellis (126) posted a pin in 1:40 for third, then Josh Petrovich (132) took a 5-3 decision for another third place. Micho Gruichich (145) notched a 20-7 major decision and Logan Mocco (152) a pin in 3:17, both for third places.

Title after tight decision

Allen pulled out a tight 7-6 decision for first place and Jeremy Shimetz (195) pinned in 2:48 to earn fifth.

Wanta (220) clinched his title with a pin in 2:48 and Ryan Vankerkvoorde (heavyweight) pinned in 2:20 to take third.

"Our final round was really nice to watch," Ferrell said. "We started to get the ball rolling with our big win by John Baltz at 106 and kept it running all the way to Ryan Vankerkvoorde at heavyweight. Each guy fed off the other, knowing that we had to get wins and a bunch of bonus points."

Jeffery Schubert (120) rounded out the Huskies' places with fourth.

The Central team also had plenty of representation in the final round with 14 wrestlers, including eight in championship matches.

Besides the four winners, Tere White (106), Mark Choinski (120), Donald Dargan (132) and Robert Keaton (145) all claimed seconds.

Placing third were Cameryne Dziewik (182) and Tong Vang (195) and coming in fifth were Alan Silva (138), Hunter Schuettke (170) and Patrick Klemme (heavyweight). Ryan Petrovich (220) was sixth.

"We had eight guys in the (championship) finals, two going for third and four going for fifth," co-coach Jon Nelson said. "The four guys going for fifth needed to help us out a bit more, but they're young. We had one quality wrestler (Angel Orozco) quit and Ben Cameron (heavyweight) broke a wrist last week."

Regional meet on tap

Hale and Central compete in a WIAA Division 1 regional meet at 10 a.m. Feb. 11 at Brookfield Central. The top four in each weight class advance to a sectional at Waukesha West on Feb. 18.

The team champion also goes to a team sectional at 7 p.m. Feb. 14 at Mukwonago.

"We will work just as hard (at the regional) to reach our goals," Ferrell said. "The key will be to get the momentum started and keeping it rolling. These young men will take care of the rest."

Nelson said, "We will step up this week, continue practicing the basics of true Bulldog wrestling and come back Saturday ready to win. We feel good and are determined for revenge. The wake-up call happened and the motivation to prove ourselves is there."

GMC MEET STANDINGS

W.A. Hale Huskies 233

W.A. Central Bulldogs 225½

Sussex Hamilton Chargers 201

Brookfield East Spartans 147½

Menomonee Falls Indians 133

Brookfield Central Lancers 106½

Marquette Hilltoppers 78