Wrestlers paradise
By Jim den Hollander
Last year, when the Wisconsin Dells Wrestling Club celebrated its 50th anniversary, it was clear the sport at one time put the town on the Wisconsin sports map. Welcome to a future that should return the town to its past. With both a high school team and a local youth outfit looking to rediscover the team's glory days and one of the state's top sports/convention facilities conveniently located in town, the Wisconsin Dells High School varsity wrestling team is about to host an event other schools can only dream of. The event will be held on four mats at the Wisconsin Dells Center, jumping from the usual six-team round robin format to a huge 16-team event featuring four pools of four teams each. In between the second and third rounds, the UW-Madison Badgers will take to the mats for a dual of its own against the University of Northern Iowa. "It's going to be a great event," said Wisconsin Dells High School varsity head coach Jeff Campbell in a recent telephone interview. "Not a lot of teams can host an event that includes two of last season's three state champions." Having the Badgers on hand for the event is another unique twist for all of those taking part, said Campbell. "Having them come is excellent. Not a lot of people get a chance to see them. They are one of the top 15 teams in the nation." The event was one of the first booked into the Wisconsin Dells Center and came as the result of a cooperative effort, said Campbell. "I think it was kind of on both ends (WDHS/Youth Club and the Wisconsin Dells Center) and Dave Black from the Wisconsin Wrestling Federation also got involved. I think everyone kind of collaborated together to make it happen." The school's activity director/vice principal, John Frizzell said it is nice to be in a town that can put on events like this, adding "If the resort owners are willing to help us with events like this, we can put together some of the biggest events in the state. The event is one that should work for everyone. The resort will likely have several teams staying overnight, the Badgers get a chance to make some new fans outside of Madison and a once great WDHS sport gets a much needed shot in the arm in terms of its local following. "We certainly hope it will spark more interest and attract more kids to participate in the sport," said Frizzell. Chiefs in tough As one of the 16 teams taking part, the Wisconsin Dells High School varsity wrestling team will see itself going up against some tough competition. The Chiefs will be included in Pool 'D' which will include teams from DeForest, Amery and Sheboygan South. Pool A will include Wausau West, Spring Valley, New Richmond and St. Croix Falls, Pool B will see teams from Boyceville, Whitnall, Spencer and Brookfield Central competing and the other Pool will included entries from Mineral Point, River Falls, Cumberland and Portage. The competition will begin with the first two rounds at 9 and 10:45 a.m. and wrestlers will get a chance to eat their lunch while watching the Badgers taking on UNI. Another round of preliminary action will follow the Badgers' match along with two playoff rounds. The event is scheduled to wrap up at 7 p.m.