For the Tomahawk Leader
MERRILL – During Christmas break, the Hatchet wrestling team competed at the Northern Exposure Duals in Merrill on Dec. 29 and 30.
The tournament hosted 16 teams from around the state, including schools from Minnesota and Michigan.
Over the two-day tournament, Tomahawk competed in seven dual meets, finishing with an overall record of 3-4.
The Hatchets first dual meet was against Appleton West. Winning matches for the Hatchets were Logan Bishop, Ethan Trayes, Micah Arnott, Jack Derleth, Presley Gutbrod, Drew Tollefson, Addison Peissig, Blake Felser, and Mason Evans. Tomahawk beat Appleton West 54-24, scoring off five falls and four forfeits.
In their next dual, the Hatchets faced Waukesha South. Tomahawk would win eight matches, all by way of fall or forfeit. Winning matches were Arnott, Marcus Matti, Derleth, Gutbrod, Peissig, Felser, Evans, and Bishop. Tomahawk beat Waukesha South 48-30.
Tomahawk’s third dual came against defending Minnesota State Champions and nationally ranked Shakopee, Minn. Tomahawk fought hard and came close to upsets in multiple matches against the national powerhouse, but eventually fell by score of 65-9. Winning matches for Tomahawk were Matti by fall and Bishop by decision.
Tomahawk’s fourth dual of the day came against Oshkosh West. Tomahawk won five matches. Winning matches were Matti, Peissig, Felser, and Bishop by fall, and Evans by decision. Tomahawk would lose by a score of 46-27.
The Hatchets’ fifth and final dual of day one came against De Pere. Tomahawk would win four matches. Winning matches were Tollefson by forfeit, Peissig and Evans by fall, and Matti by decision.
The Hatchets opened day two by facing East Troy. Tomahawk won eight matches. Winning were Derleth, Peissig, Evans, Bishop, Arnott, and Matti by fall, and Gutbrod and Felser by forfeit. Tomahawk beat East Troy 48-36.
For the last dual of the tournament, the Hatchets faced Wisconsin Dells. Tomahawk won six matches. Winning were Felser, Evans, Bishop, and Arnott by fall, with Matti and Brayden Jones winning by way of decision. Tomahawk fell to Wisconsin Dells by a score of 45-30.
Tomahawk finished the tournament 3-4, and moved to 6-6 overall on the season.
Tomahawk wrestling is back in action on Thursday, Jan. 6 to kick off GNC wrestling by hosting Lakeland/Mercer in the Fieldhouse in Tomahawk. Varsity starts at 7 p.m. Tomahawk will also be heading back to Merrill on Saturday, Jan. 8 to compete in the Blue Jay Challenge Individual tournament. Wrestling starts at 9:30 a.m. at Merrill High School.
Wrestler of the Week
Wrestler of the Week for Tomahawk is Addison Peissig.
Peissig had a great performance at Merrill, posting a 5-2 record, and a 9-3 record overall in his junior campaign. Peissig has shown improvement on his feet and great improvement wrestling the top position. Peissig has beaten a few tough kids already this year, and will look to improve and build upon the solid start to the season as he continues to work hard in the practice room and contend for a spot in the WIAA State Individual Tournament, which is well within his capabilities to achieve.