Mondovi wrestlers face defending state champs, compete at tournament

Last week the Mondovi wrestling team traveled to Spring Valley on Thursday, Jan. 7, to take on the defending state champions who are currently ranked first in the state. Spring Valley-Elmwood won by a score of 60-18.

Winning wrestlers for Mondovi were:  126—Nick Pelke, 132—Austin Fedie and 145—Dillon Larson.

The wrestlers then traveled to Osseo-Fairchild for a six-team dual meet tournament on Saturday, Jan. 9. The Buffaloes placed fifth as a team, going 1-4 on the day. Team scores are as follows:

Round 1: O-F/A/FC—36, Mondovi—29;

Round 2: Mondovi—30, Independence/Gilmanton—24;

Round 3: Bloomer/Colfax–47, Mondovi–21;

Round 4: Arcadia—57, Mondovi—21;

Round 5: La Crosse Logan—57, Mondovi—9

170-pounder Bryce Johnson was the only undefeated wrestler for Mondovi and has been selected as “Wrestler of the Week.”

“Bryce had a great tournament Saturday,” stated Mondovi head coach Randy Pongratz. “His performance was the best he has ever had. If he continues to keep working hard and improving he will have a bright future in this sport.”

“I am really proud of the way our guys competed this weekend!” Pongratz continued. “We are still battling some injuries but the guys we had wrestle this past week did an exceptional job!”

The Mondovi wrestlers will host Glenwood City on Thursday, Jan. 14, for a dual meet beginning at 7 p.m. The middle school wrestling team will kick the action off against Glenwood City at 6 p.m.

The Buffaloes then travel to Chippewa Falls for a tournament on Saturday, Jan. 16.