EDITOR'S NOTE: The Swnews4u.com Athlete of the Week is a web-only feature that will publish each Thursday throughout the calendar year.
By Jason Nihles, The Platteville Journal
Evan Gratz, Sr., 285 pounds and Tristan Steldt, Jr., 165, Fennimore wrestling
KANSAS CITY, MO. — The Fennimore varsity wrestling team had the unique opportunity to travel to Kansas City last weekend for the nationally-renowned two-day, 74-team Kansas City Stampede Invitational.
Fennimore senior heavyweight Evan Gratz (12–2) went 6–1 to place third out of 62 wrestlers at 285 pounds. All six of Gratz victories came via first-period pins. The longest he was on the mat over the two days of competition was 1:39.
"Evan had just one mistake in the whole tournament which cost him a chance at the championship, but he came back to get third which says a lot about him after such a tough loss," said Fennimore head coach Chad Steldt. "We saw a new Evan that was hitting blow through doubles and singles, keeping his well known bodylock throw in his back pocket for the weekend. Very solid technique that will work at the next level in college when he chooses to go that route."
Junior Tristan Steldt (13–2) went also advanced to the semifinals with fourth straight wins, but after a 5–1 semifinal loss, went on to place fourth out 64 wrestlers at 165 pounds.
"It is insane to see how talented these guys are and how close the matches are, it really comes down to a few moves or missteps," said coach Steldt. "Tristan had one mistake in the semifinals and it cost him the match. Overall though he looked great and his offensive attacks are really starting to come around. We just need to see him attacking every match, every second. "
Senior Wyatt Ahnen (3–2 at 190) and junior Syler Zdanczewicz (4–2 at 150, each missed out on a top-8 finish by one victory.
“The Stampede definitely lived up to its reputation of being one of the best tournaments in the nation,” said fennimore head coach Chad Steldt. “With 70-plus teams, from Texas to Louisiana, to Wisconsin to Georgia and all in between. It was a pretty amazing two days. There were numerous top nationally ranked kids as well as NCAA Division I commitments.”
HONORABLE MENTION (in alphabetical order):
Owen Callahan, Sr., 285 pounds, River Ridge wrestling
In last Thursday’s River Ridge triple dual, Callahan pinned Trenton Paulson of Belmont/Platteville in 1:50 and Mason Overton of MFL/Mar-Mac in 1:20.
Cooper Lomas, So., F, Wauzeka–Steuben boys basketball
Lomas scored a game-high 27 points to lead the Hornets (2–4) to a 61–47 victory over Seneca (4–3) last Thursday night.
Macie Noble, Jr., G, Platteville girls basketball
Noble hit five 3-pointers and scored a career-high 19 points to lead the Hillmen (5–5, 3–0 SWC) to a commanding 63–46 SWC victory over previously undefeated Dodgers (6–1, 2–1).
