Halopka bros headed to state
Colby High senior River Halopka is returning to the WIAA state individual wrestling tournament, and he won’t be doing it alone. This year, River will be joined by younger brother, Tanner, a Colby freshman.
The Halopkas have been a fixture on the wrestling scene in central Wisconsin, with each taking part in youth tournaments growing up, as well as taking advantage of the year round club circuit.
The two brothers admitted this weekend it’s going to be a completely different feeling as they head into the WIAA D-2 individual state tournament in Adams-Friendship this Saturday.
“It’s definitely something we talked about — going together,” said River.
“It’s pretty cool that it actually happened,” Tanner replied. What makes their shared trip to state even more special was the uncertainty leading up to the season, with wrestling deemed a high risk sport in this COVID- 19 plagued season.
“I didn’t think we were going to have a state tournament this year,” River admitted.” Having qualified once before, River says he feels more excitement than nerves this time around. “It’s not nearly as nerve-wracking as it was the first time. I kinda know what to expect, and that makes it a little easier.”
River goes into this weekend as a state qualifier for the second time in three years, and while he won’t be heading to the Kohl Center on the campus of the University of Wisconsin - Madison, he says that just being able to have a state tournament, and to end his wrestling career there, is a dream come true.
“I’m really happy that I get to end my senior year at state, but I want to do more than just get there,” River says. “Getting there is fun, but yeah, I want to win it.”
Then again, so does every other wrestler, and the Halopka brothers know that they’re going to see new faces and grapple with opponents that all have the singular desire to be crowned champions.
It’s a daunting thing to think about, but the beauty of state, says Abbotsford/ Colby wrestling head coach Steven Wozniak, rankings don’t mean a damn.
“Once you get down there, anybody can beat anybody,” Wozniak says. “You can have a kid come in undefeated and lose in the first round. The rankings and records just get thrown out the window because anybody can beat anybody.”
The pressure was bigger this year than 2020, with just the top two grapplers advancing to state rather than three. Wozniak says that makes River and Tanner’s achievements even more impressive.
“I think it was even harder this year [to qualify for state],” Wozniak said. “Nobody was really tested this year, just with not being able to have large events. We never got our tough tournaments to see where our kids are really at.”
Tanner and River both began the day by winning their quarterfinal matches. Tanner pinned Zach Roach of Hayward/ Northwood in the 138 weight class in 47 seconds. River was made to work for his victory in the 145 weight class before finally defeating Tadan Holzer of St. Croix Central with a 5-2 decision.
In the semifinals River who advanced with a pin, taking down Connor Melton of Spooner/Webster in 4:07. Tanner had to dig deep in his match with Jackson McCormick of Black River Falls, but he was able to escape with a 5-3 decision.
That victory proved pivotal for Tanner. Having defeated McCormick, Tanner did not have to take part in a wrestleback. He drew Jordan Pennard of Amery in the championship match and was pinned in 1:56, but still qualified for state.
River and Braden Matzek of Ellsworth went back and forth in their second place match. It was as close as could be, but River prevailed 6-4 to return to state.
“I knew that I had to win that match if I wanted to go to state,” River said about his wrestleback. “I was super nervous the whole time because it was so close. I just dug deep and stayed focused.”
Tanner will open his state campaign against senior Gus Donovan, who owns a 21-0 record, while River will take on 14-1 freshman Silas Dailey of Plymoth in his 145 weight class.
The competition will be intense, but Wozniak believes the two brothers support for each other will give them a edge.
“They live together, train together, feed off of each other and support each other. To get to go to state with your brother, that’s a cool experience.”
NOTHING’S STOPPING ME -River Halopka works hard against Tadan Holzer of St. Croix Central in first round of the WIAA D-2 sectional. River returns to state for the second time in three years.
VICE LIKE GRIP -Tanner Halopka grapples with Jackson McCormick of Black River Falls in the semis. Tanner will be making his first trip to state on Saturday. TRG PHOTOS/DEAN LESAR
