Note: watch the Wisconsin Rapids wrestling match LIVE tonight starting at 7:30 on the Wisconsin Rapids Tribune website.

It’s been a good month for our high school wrestlers. They started off with a strong performance at The Clash, going 4-2 and finishing in 9th place.

Two weeks ago they hosted the Rapids Quad which included Ellsworth WI, Totino Grace MN, and Glenbard North IL. Rapids breezed to victories over TotinoGrace (51-12) and Ellsworth (49-14) before beating a tough Glenbard North wresting team (29-27). Watch the matches at BadgerStateWrestling.com.

Last week saw them handily beat Marshfield 47-11.

But next… Oh, have we been waiting for this… It’s Wausau West this Thursday.

1 vs. 2 in the state

22 vs. 23 in the nation

Conference championship at stake

Plus a little confidence heading into team state

It’s all there in this dual. This is what high school athletics is all about. The drive and determination to be the best. To beat the best.

What I’ve loved about Lincoln wrestling is the pride and determination these kids show. They were beat down last year. I’m excited to see what these kids have done to improve, to carry on this tradition… To start a new one…

I was reminded of the tradition that is Wisconsin Rapids wrestling this week on WIWrestling.com.  Someone posted a link to a video of Kevin Black beating Justin Tritz in the semifinals of individual state.

This is the Kevin Black, who had not lost a high school match-who was going for his 4th consecutive state title.

Justin Tritz, who would have walked through his bracket to his first state title. Instead chose to drop down a weight class to take on Black.

A never wavering determination to beat the best, to prove your the best. What more is there?

To quote the final two lines of the Smashing Pumpkins song “Tonight, Tonight:”

The impossible is possible tonight

Believe in me, as I believe in you, tonight

Have faith in your teammates and together the impossible is possible tonight.

Get there early. Not only will their be fans for Wausau West and Wisconsin Rapids but also hundreds of wrestling fans from across the state are coming because the  best in Wisconsin are going toe to toe.

I can’t wait!

Update: watch a short video with Wisconsin Rapids wrestling coach Scott Benitz… thanks to Wis. Rapids Daily Tribune.

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