The Journey to the Kohl Center

The state wrestling tournament is about more than wrestling.

State.

There is simply nothing like the Parade of Champions at the Wisconsin State Wrestling Tournament on Championship Saturday at the Kohl Center. I’m getting goosebumps as I type this.

As a kid, I always dreamed of being part of the Parade of Champions. Unfortunately, that never happened.

This story isn’t about my journey to the Kohl Center though. I was a four year varsity starter for Monroe High School (Go Cheesemakers!) but never qualified for state. Even though I never made it, this weekend holds a special place in my heart.

This is about the journey that so many kids go through to qualify for state and the moments that leave an indelible mark on the landscape of the sport.

State is a family tradition for my dad, brother and I. This year marks my 25th tournament in a row. My dad and brother have been going since 1990. My brother missed one tournament but he had a valid excuse - his first daughter was born! We’ve had the honor to watch some of the best wrestlers Wisconsin has ever produced.

I’ll never forget the Kohl Center chanting “WILLIS, WILLIS, WILLIS” as the underdog, Davion Willis takes out Devin Peterson in overtime to capture his first state title in 2010. Watching Cal Jensen of River Valley flexing on the crowd his senior year was a wild experience for me as a middle schooler. I have a very vivid memory of the 2002 state finals. That tournament crowned the first two four-time state champions I was able to see - Josh Miller of Arcadia and Cole Wunnicke of Ithaca. Seeing the entire Kohl Center giving a standing ovation for their efforts was incredible. I’ll never forget Ben Sarbacker of Verona running around the mat after capturing his first state title. These are the moments that make Championship Saturday so special.

I’ve also had the opportunity to see two of my Cheesemaker heroes as a kid, Justin Lancaster and Corey Binger, wrestle in the state finals. Binger lost in the state finals his junior year, which fueled his fire to capture the state championship his senior year. It was great to see all of his hard work and dedication culminate in a state title for him. The first Cheesemaker state title since 1989, when current Head Coach, Tom Witt, won.

Justin had a different journey. Going into the state tournament, he had five losses to two incredible wrestlers: the aforementioned Cole Wunnicke and Justin Blumenthal. Lancaster navigated his way to the finals where he met up with Blumenthal. They had gone back and forth throughout their careers. Ultimately, Blumenthal was able to get the victory. I had a chance to talk to Justin Lancaster about the feeling he had after losing in the state finals on my podcast Wisco Legacy. You can see the raw emotion that he still sits with years later. Check out the clip here: Losing a State Wrestling Title.

The state tournament is more than just one weekend in February. It’s a culmination of years of hard work and discipline for these athletes. It’s a tradition unlike anything else for some families. We will see dreams come true for some and shattered dreams for others. For some athletes, this is just the beginning of a stellar career they have ahead. For others, this will be their final time on the mat.

Fans - celebrate the success of these athletes. They put so much time, effort and energy in training for this weekend. Appreciate the great wrestling you are witnessing!

Parents - be there for your kids. Through the ups and downs, it is going to be an emotional weekend. Support, encourage and celebrate them along the way.

Coaches - Be present with your wrestlers. Calm them if their nerves get too high. Raise their chins if they get too low. Celebrate and encourage them to leave it all on the mat.

Wrestlers - take it all in. Take advantage of the opportunity you have ahead of you. You may only get one shot at this tournament. Make the most of it.

“Wrestlers, clear the mats.”