By Adam Knoll
Sports Correspondent
It’s always difficult when a good season comes to an end; it’s even more of a blow when a long, successful season is abruptly finished on a grand stage in the final match of a high school career.
That is the story for Whitewater High School wrestlers Irving Sedano and James Ehlen, both who competed at the WIAA State Wrestling Meet at the Kohl Center last weekend.
Both wrestlers lost by a single point – making the losses sting even more now but once the pain fades, hopefully they’ll remember what they accomplished to get there.
“It was evident that Irving was nervous,” coach John Schimming while describing how Sedano started out down 3-6 after the first period. He was able to calm himself down and battle back, tying the match at 6 going into the final period.
In a tight and tough final, Sedano ultimately fell 9-8.
“Irving was in better condition and wrestled well,” Schimming said. “(He) was taken down with about 15 seconds left in the match as he was attempting a shot. He was then able to get a reversal but it was just not quite enough as time expired.”
Ehlen took a different approach, starting fast with the opening takedown but couldn’t hold the upper hand.
“Much of the second period was on their feet but Ehlen couldn’t get past the guy’s defense as the guy did a good job playing the edge of the mat,” Schimming said.
Holding the lead into the third period, Ehlen was unable to fend off a flurry of attacks that resulted in points against him. He was not able to recover, and in the end fell by a single point.
“It was disappointing for the boys to not be able to reach the podium, however, the boys were reminded the joy of the season and at the coaching staff is proud of them as young men. They represented themselves, their school and the community of Whitewater well. It was a great season working with the young men on the team,” Schimming said, adding appreciation to the fans and his team.
“Thank you to all who have supported them all year. Thank you Whippet wrestlers for making this an enjoyable season with many lasting memories as a coach,” he said.
