Green Demon Youth Wrestling Club

As this past weekend will end the season for many of the Green Demons, bringing home a 2^nd place trophy from the Mauston Youth Wrestling Tournament was a great way to wrap up the season, not to mention, a great way to bring in the first day of spring.  A turnout of 19 wrestlers brought forth a large group of cheerful supporters in the audience to applaud the Demon wrestlers in some exciting matches.  Gavin Glass, a first year wrestler, earned his first win in his 2^nd round match, and experienced the payoff of his hard work and learning throughout the season. As a first year wrestler, Gavin exhibited outstanding improvements to his skill, technique and determination on the mat.  Overall, Gavin Placed 2^nd in Mauston, a definite reason to hold his head high.  Spirits were high, as the team collected the unique “Eagle” trophy to add to the Green Demon club collection.  1^st place contributors to the team trophy included Sebastian Billington, Nicholas Prasalowicz, Rylan Burows and Josh Wallner. Nicholas added some extra points to the roster with three pins, pinning his opponents quick enough that his matches were over before many even realized that he had wrestled!  Placing 2^nd in addition to Gavin were: Damian Crary, Tyler Burows, Brandon Kniprath, Justyn Kniprath, Dylan Richardt and Griffin West. Griffin’s display of drive and determination, accompanied by his strong will provided an entertaining set of matches. Harry Nawrot, Steven Nawrot, Isaac Salinas Jr., Frank Murray and Travis Ross earned 3^rd place.  Christafer Humphrey, Nate Lamberton and Makinlea Gast each placed 4^th.   As the season begins to draw to a close, our state-bound competitors and their teammates alike anxiously await the upcoming state tournament in Madison on the 27^th.   The Green Demons will also be hosting their Annual Awards Banquet and Potluck Dinner on Tuesday, March 30^th as their last official get together of the season. All wrestlers and their families are encouraged to attend the banquet to receive their awards and enjoy a fun-filled evening featuring a 2009-2010 season highlights slide show, a few words of wisdom from our coaches and wrestlers and a parents meeting. Once again, the Green Demon Youth Wrestling Club wishes to thank our sponsors, community volunteers, coaches, parents and fans for a great year! Remember to visit our website for updates and information anytime at www.afgreendemons.com.

Article by Tanya Burrows

Youth wrestling is alive and well in the Adams Friendship area, and in the Green and White tradition, 12 area youth wrestlers will head to Madison this Friday to compete in the Wisconsin Wrestling Federation Kids Folkstyle State Tournament. The 12 youth from Adams Friendship will be joined by over 1300 other youth wrestlers from across the state all competing for a coveted WWF trophy and a place on the podium.  Placing first or second at one of the regional competition sites on Saturday March 13^th was just the first obstacle these young wrestlers faced in achieving their 2010 goal.  Waiting two weeks to compete in Madison, keeping their eye on the prize and maintaining their weight until state are a few of the others.  

For some of the Green Demons, a first trip to state has nerves jumping and anticipation levels high.  Garrett Gasienica, Griffin West, Sebastian Billington, Makinlea Gast, Seirra Kemp and Frank Murray  are making their first trip to the state tournament  and hoping to have their names in the books as one of the top 6 youth wrestlers in their age group and weight class.  For veteran wrestlers Jared Lenze, Rylan Burrows, Brandon Kniprath, Cole Clark, Trenton McManus and Dylan Richardt, the experience of competing at State is nothing new, but  the challenge remains the same.  Wrestling action will begin Friday night at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison on one of 14 mats.  Wrestlers born 1995 through 1998, wrestling in the boys division on Friday will include from A-F Cole Clark, Trenton Mc Manus, Rylan Burrows, Dylan Richardt, and Frank Murray. These boys will wrestle 2 matches Friday night, and must have at least one win to continue on Saturday.

Wrestling will begin early Saturday morning for the other 7 A-F wrestlers. For Sierra Kemp and Makinlea Gast, it will be a first for the WWF as well as them; as this year’s  tournament has its own girls division.  Joining the girls on the mats early Saturday will be Jared Lenze and Brandon Kniprath, both returning state qualifiers; and first time competing will be Garrettt Gasiencia, Sebastian Billington, and Griffin West. Competition for the older boys will resume about noon on Saturday.

In a addition to the Green Demons regular fundraising  efforts, a generous e donation by Dr. Joseph Parlante of Adams helped to  make the trip to Madison a reality for the Green Demons.  Wish these youth wrestlers luck as they hit the mats hard this last week of practice leading up to the ultimate experience  of wrestling at The WWF State Tournament. GO Green Demons!!