Stevens Point Panthers dominate Red Raiders in wrestling dual meet

The Wisconsin Rapids Lincoln High School Wrestling team faced a challenging Conference Meet on February 8, 2025, as they competed against teams from Merrill and Stevens Point. The event showcased a series of matches that highlighted both individual performances and the overall team dynamics.

In the early matches, Oakley Plouis at 175 pounds struggled against Austin Depius from Merrill, falling behind early in the first period. Despite showing resilience, Plouis ultimately lost the match, which set a challenging tone for the Red Raiders. Jeremiah Peters also faced a tough opponent in Nathan Bernstein from Stevens Point, suffering a tech fall defeat with a score of 17-1. This match underscored the competitive nature of the meet, as Peters prepared for a second-round matchup against Gavin Madsen of DC Everest.

Mason Tritz provided a bright spot for the Red Raiders, securing a victory over Jack Turner from Stevens Point with a pin in just 1 minute and 45 seconds. Tritz's performance not only added a win to the team's score but also demonstrated the potential for success in future matches. He is set to face Grama Roadia from Marshfield in the next round, which could further bolster the team's morale.

The meet also highlighted some struggles for the Red Raiders, as several wrestlers, including Aiden Stainbrook and Kyler Tritz, faced early setbacks in their matches. Stainbrook was pinned by Connor Skarston, while Kyler Tritz managed to secure a takedown but faced a tough battle ahead.

Overall, the Conference Meet served as a critical moment for the Wisconsin Rapids Lincoln High School Wrestling team. While some wrestlers showcased their skills and secured victories, others faced challenges that will require reflection and improvement. As the team looks ahead to future competitions, the lessons learned from this meet will be essential in shaping their performance and strategy moving forward.