Three Wrestlers Place at State
Launch the media gallery 1 playerby Kailey Marks
The Pierce Bluejay wrestling team traveled to Omaha on Thursday, February 20, and stayed through Saturday, February 22. Ten of the wrestlers competed to win on top. Individually, Brett Tinker finished 5th; Ashton Schweitzer and Brock Bolling got 6th.
At 113, Br. Bolling went 3-3 at state to claim 6th place. Wrestling at 120, Jayden Coulter went 1-2. Carter Jensen (132) went 1-2 with his state matches. Jeremiah Kruntorad (138) also went 1-2 at the state tournament. At 145, Michael Kruntorad lost both of his matches. At 152, A. Schweitzer went 2-3 to make his way on the platform for 6th place. Wrestling at 160, Zander Schweitzer ended 1-2. Brett Tinker, wrestling at 170, went 4-2 to claim his 5th place medal. At 182, Parker Sackville lost both of his matches. Wrestling at 220, Dylan Kuehler went 1-2.
Coach Tyler Legate commented about the seniors saying, “We did a good job all the way through with not quitting and having good leadership for the team day in and day out. I am really proud of all of them.”
This is, of course, the seniors last year so they talked about how they felt their wrestling career went at Pierce High.
Brett Tinker talked about how amazing his high school experience was being a part of the wrestling team. He went on to say, “Being able to be a part of a program that has grown this much in a couple of years is incredible. I couldn’t imagine being anywhere better than this place. I am forever thankful for Coach Legate and all the other coaches on staff for making this the best four years I could ask for.”
Jacob Kerber talked about how his injuries have led him to not being able to wrestle the last few years. His proudest moment included, “Down in the state duals when I secured the win to go into the finals.” He went on to say, “but now that it's all over now I have a lot of regrets that I didn’t put my all into the sport.”
Dylan Kuehler stated, “My high school career was really great. I was part of a really great team and wouldn’t change it for the world. The wrestling program has truly been changed by our seniors by accomplishing our greatest goals. I am so thankful for having great coaches always willing to help us with anything.”
Carter Jensen said, “My wrestling career here at Pierce started my junior year after transferring, but [it] feels like I’ve been here with this group of guys since day one.” He talked about how his team was always there to support him and was great to wrestle with. He went on to say gratefully, “I’m thankful for the coaches who have helped me in my career and taught me many things and to never give up no matter circumstances.”
Jeremiah Kruntorad talked about how wrestling was one of the best things that have ever happened to him. He went on to say, “Wrestling may have been an individual sport in some people’s eyes, but we truly worked as a team, and I thought that was really cool. I really appreciated all the support from coaches, family, and teammates to help finally get to the state wrestling tournament my senior year. I highly recommend people to go out for wrestling. It was a great experience, and I’m really going to miss it.”
The Bluejay wrestlers marked an impressive year, winning all but one of their duals, placing in the top 6 at every meet, claiming the Mid-State Conference championship and finishing state runners-up at the State Wrestling Duals.
