Eagles’ wrestlers have high hopes

Something beats nothing. Making adjustments is better than staying home. That’s how Sauk Prairie’s wrestling team views the season that lies ahead. Wrestlers will have to wear masks. Only dual meets are allowed. And depending where a meet is being held, either limited fans or no fans will be allowed. That doesn’t faze the Eagles and coach Matt Gaffney one iota. Sauk Prairie is just happy to have some type of season, no matter how different it is from past years. “I am thankful the kids are able to get on the mat this year due to the circumstances,” Gaffney said. “We may not be getting as many matches as a normal season, but a little wrestling is better than no wrestling.  “Both for the seniors and for the sake of building our program back up, having a season was extremely important. My fingers are crossed that we will able to have some sort of postseason.” Sauk Prairie finished sixth at the Badger Conference tournament back in February, and while there won’t be a conference season, the Eagles will battle some league teams in dual meets. Sauk Prairie believes it has a nice blend of returnees and newcomers to prove formidable. Colton Uselman, who went 31-11 last year at 106 pounds, jumps up to 132 and should be an anchor in the lineup. “Colton had a great year last year,” Gaffney said. “He put in a lot of time over the offseason both on the mat and in the weight room.” Nolan Vils cracked the varsity lineup late last season and will wrestle at 220 this year. “He came on strong late last year,” Gaffney said. “Nolan is a very strong physical athlete.” Senior Luis Elizondo (152) and fellow senior Carson Saldadis (145) are two more key cogs back from a year ago. “Carson and Luis are two of the hardest workers in the wrestling room,” Gaffney said. “They are drill partners, and feed off each other. They’re looking to finish their senior seasons in a dominant fashion.” The Eagles have a gifted freshman class that includes Brason Ballweg and Austin Lankey. “Both have been wrestling for a long time in our youth program and I’m looking forward to seeing what they can accomplish over the next four years,” Gaffney said. Junior Jake Elsing, who didn’t wrestle the last two years, is off to a strong start and expected to help. “He wrestled in middle school and we are looking forward to having him on the team this year,” Gaffney said of Elsing. “He has been working hard in the room and hasn’t missed a beat from taking a few years off.” Sauk Prairie’s numbers are down due to COVID, and Gaffney believes his team might have to forfeit at 106 pounds and heavyweight most matches. That’s all right, though. The way Gaffney & Co. see it, just being on the mat is a win in itself. “The kids have handled this extremely well,” Gaffney said. “I am super proud of the kids with the way they have been working through this.” • Sauk Prairie 47, Watertown 28 — The Eagles defeated the Goslings in their first dual meet of the season on Dec. 10. Sauk Prairie got pins from Carson Saladis at 145, Jace Elsing (182), Blake Mermudez (195) and Nolan Vils (220). Luis Elizondo rolled to a 21-6 win at 152 and the Eagles received forfeits at 160, 113 and 132.   Dec. 10 Sauk Prairie 47 Watertown 28 138: Walker Wichman (WATE) over Colton Uselman (SAPR) (MD 10-0)  145: Carson Saladis (SAPR) over Mason Fritsche (WATE) (Fall 0:57)  152: Luis Elizondo (SAPR) over Owen Zingler (WATE) (TF 21-6 5:18)  160: Alex Katers (SAPR) over (WATE) (For.)  170: Double Forfeit  182: Jace Elsing (SAPR) over Oliver Geraths (WATE) (Fall 1:43)  195: Blake Bermudez (SAPR) over Tyler Haberstetzer (WATE) (Fall 0:32)  220: Nolan Vils (SAPR) over Obyron Lee (WATE) (Fall 5:52)  285: Sait Hernandez (WATE) over (SAPR) (For.)  106: Finn Muligan (WATE) over (SAPR) (For.)  113: David Kingsley (SAPR) over (WATE) (For.)  120: Noe Ugalde (WATE) over (SAPR) (For.)  126: Oscar Wilkowski (WATE) over Riley Minnete (SAPR) (Fall 0:41)  132: Brason Ballweg (SAPR) over (WATE) (For.)