FOR ANTIGO TIMES

The state wrestling tournament in Madison brings the best wrestlers from each corner of the state to compete to see who can stay standing until the end. The first day of state brought much excitement for Antigo Wrestling. For the first time since 2001, Antigo has a wrestler in the semi-finals.

Ben Stimac matched up with Jacob Mindiola of Oconomowoc in the first round this evening, and conceded a takedown 1:09 into the first period. Stimac was able to score a reversal with 33 seconds remaining in the period and successfully rode out Mindiola to end the first period tied 2-2.

After Stimac deferred the option of position, Mindiola chose down and Stimac elected to give him the escape point and start on the feet. Stimac was able to score a takedown 34 seconds later, and after another escape by Mindiola, the second period ended 4-4.

Stimac chose to start the third period in the down position, and was able to force a stalling call on Mindiola. Stimac escaped with 1:11 remaining in the period to gain the lead at 5-4. With 43 seconds on the clock, Stimac was able to score a takedown and then a 5 count of nearfall to increase his lead to 10-4. A late escape by Mindiola led to a 10-5 victory for Stimac.

The quarterfinal round found Stimac matching up with Brandon Jesse of Baraboo. Stimac was able to score a takedown late in the first period, and after an escape for Jess, Stimac led 2-1 going into the second. Stimac chose to go to the bottom position, and forced a stalling call before scoring an escape. This hard wrestling paid off huge dividends later in the match. Jesse was able to score a late takedown on Stimac to tie the match at 3-3 going into the third period. To start the third period, Jesse chose bottom and Stimac elected to give him the escape point and start on the feet. After pushing the pace and chasing down his opponent, Stimac was able to force another stalling call on Jesse to earn a penalty point and tie the match at 4. 25 seconds into overtime Stimac was able to hit a takedown and nearfall to end the match 8-4. Stimac will face Zach Weiler of Burlington in the semifinals Friday evening.

Collinn Eldridge also competed at the state tournament this evening. Matching up with Zachary Marek of Waunakee in the first round, Eldridge was able to hit a throw 17 seconds into the match for 2 takedown points and 3 nearfall. Marek was able to score a reversal and then Eldridge an escape to get the score to 6-2 in favor of Eldridge. Marek was then able to hit a head steal with just over a minute left, and despite a valiant effort of fighting off his back, Eldridge succumbed to a fall at the end of the first period. Due to Marek’s successful victory in round two, Eldridge will compete Friday morning in the Consolation rounds with a match against Jacob Zupke of Homestead.

Wrestling Friday morning starts at 10 am, and the semifinals start Friday evening at 7pm.

Senior Collinn Eldridge Competed at State Tournament in Madison