Coach Reynolds says ‘most talent since I’ve been here’
By Chris Bennett
Correspondent
The Elkhorn Area High School wrestling team is so stocked with talent head coach Ken Reynolds doesn’t know where to begin when trying to pinpoint his squad’s strengths.
The Elks finished last season undefeated in Southern Lakes Conference dual meets (7-0) and won more than 20 dual meets in a season for the first time in school history.
“I’m really excited,” Reynolds said. “I really think this is the most talent I’ve seen since I’ve been here, and that’s a strong statement.
“We have a deep, talented group, and the freshmen that came in have got to be the best group of freshmen I’ve ever had.”
The Elks’ numbers are also stronger than in the past. Reynolds said 38 are out for wrestling this season, which adds to intra-squad competition.
“The expectation level is high,” Reynolds said. “We are expected to win, and I think it’s tougher that way. I think this is going to be my toughest year as a head coach.
“My challenge is I don’t want the kids to get to thinking they’re good enough. They have to work, and want to get better.”
The now-graduated Ryan Nelson and current senior Brett Phillips are the only losses from last year’s varsity lineup. Nelson qualified for the WIAA Division 1 State Individual Wrestling meet last season at 126 pounds and as a junior Phillips finished 31-14 and won the Southern Lakes Conference title at 160. Phillips is home-schooling this year.
Deep roster
This season, Grant Truesdale and Benji Peak will flip between 106 and 113, depending on matchups.
Senior Connor Leahy is at 120. Leahy won more than 25 matches last season. At 126 is Bryce Fitzgerald, who qualified for State last season at 120 and finished 39-8.
Senior Alex Brahm is at 132. Brahm did not wrestle on varsity last season.
“He wrestled all summer and lifted all offseason,” Reynolds said. “I look for him to be the guy that comes in unknown. He’s a hidden gem. He’s a difference-maker.”
Riley Remington is at 138 and John Olsen is at 145. Konnor Mohr qualified for state last season at 138 and won 40 matches. Mohr and Bryce Jacobson will flip between 152 and 160, depending on the matchup.
Tyler Bemus and Walter Damask will split time at 171 and Keaton Verhoeven, who Reynolds said hasn’t wrestled in high school, will be at 182.
Jordan Barr is at 195 after winning more than 25 matches last season. Dylan Linhart finished sixth at state last season at 220, and Reynolds said he expects Linhart to be ranked in the top three in the state by Wisconsin Wrestling Online to start the season.
Last year as a freshman, heavyweight Richie Heidemann finished one match short of state, and returns as a sophomore with 25 additional pounds of muscle.
The Elks open the season tonight with a SLC dual meet at home against Delavan-Darien. The Elks wrestle Saturday in an invitational at Stoughton. Reynolds said the Elks will see state-power Stoughton in postseason competition.
On Dec. 11 the Elks wrestle at SLC foe and defending conference champion Burlington. Reynolds said Burlington, Waterford, Badger and Elkhorn will contend this season for the SLC title.
“We have got a tough December,” Reynolds said. “The bar is raised. We have got to challenge these guys.”
