Hornets set record, send seven to State wrestling
“I’ve been telling these guys for years, you give people something to watch and they’ll come cheer you on,” said Cadott wrestling coach Josh Spaeth. “And these guys have done just that.”
Spaeth spoke to the community of Cadott, Feb. 27, as the school prepared to send a record seven athletes to the WIAA State Individual Wrestling Tournament in Madison. In his speech, Spaeth thanked everyone for their support and said the team had fans coming out in droves, which made the wrestling environment exciting.
Caleb Hundt, Cadott High School principal, also spoke to students, teachers, family and community members gathered for the send-off, encouraging people to give their all in no matter what sport or activity they enjoy.
“No matter what you do, you have the opportunity to sit on a stage like this,” said Hundt. “All you have to do is believe in yourself and put the work in…you have to do what’s best for you, if you want to get to the top.”
This year, the Hornets sent senior Brady Spaeth, the defending State champion, back to State competition. B. Spaeth went into the tournament ranked No. 1 in the state in Division 3 in the 170-pound weight class. He was undefeated, with a 43-0 record, making him 89-0 in the last two seasons, where he broke the school record in most pins.
Senior Ethan Tegels was also a returning State qualifier, ranked fourth (220), with a 33-12 record. Making a trip to State this year, was senior Steven Pfeiffer (182), 11th in the state, with a 26-8 record.
Two-time State qualifier junior Nelson Wahl returned to State ranked third (152), with a 26-7 record. Cadott also sent three freshman – Brayden Sonnentag (106), Tristen Drier (132) and Cole Pfeiffer (138).
Sonnentag was ranked No. 1 in the state, with a 36-1 record, while Drier was ranked seventh, sporting a 37-11 record. Pfeiffer came in 11th in the state, with a 31-16 record.
J. Spaeth says the team has done everything he asked of them and that they “bring it hard” in practice.
“These guys don’t quit,” said J. Spaeth.
Former Cadott wrestling coach Pat Mrotek always talked about paying the price in wrestling, something J. Spaeth says he is sure the boys feel, is dealing with him at practice and putting up with his whistle.
In all seriousness, J. Spaeth says the boys have battled sickness, injuries, been forced to adhere to strict diets, work out and putting time in the weight room. Through it all, they have supported each other, win or lose.
“That’s a hard thing to coach, that’s a hard thing to bring together,” said J. Spaeth. “These guys are truly, truly a team.”
Although the team’s goal this season was to make team State, Cadott fell just short to Stratford at Regionals.
“I’ve been coaching here a long time and I feel they’re one of our best teams ever in school history,” said J. Spaeth. “In fact, I think they probably beat some of the teams that won State titles. So, it just goes to show you, you can do everything right, but things might not go your way.”
J. Spaeth says the only thing to do is get back in the saddle and work harder next year. With six returning State qualifiers and a crop of incoming freshman, J. Spaeth has high hopes for the 2020-21 season.
“I’ll think we’ll have one of the best teams in any division next year,” he said.
