By Rich Palzewic
Sports Editor
Contributions from Josh Staloch
DE PERE – The Ashwaubenon High School wrestling team was missing three of its regulars from the lineup Jan. 3 against West De Pere.
The Jaguars still prevailed in a non-conference match at West De Pere High School, 49-30.
“Because we had three guys out and didn’t have our regular lineup wrestling, we were a bit scared,” said Ashwaubenon head coach Jody VanLaanen. “We faced some adversity, and I’m proud of the way the kids responded – they met the challenge. We weren’t sure what to expect because West De Pere has a tough group. We were a bit undermanned, so I couldn’t be more proud of our guys.”
The evening started at heavyweight with Ashwaubenon’s Nathan Moynihan pinning Jacob Lewis in 26 seconds for a 6-0 lead.
West De Pere gained an 18-12 lead after Jake Hendricks pinned Logan Solecki in 74 seconds at 126.
From there, the Jaguars rattled off 20 straight points to take a 32-18 lead.
In all, the teams combined for six pins and five forfeits.
Ashwaubenon 49, West De Pere 30
285: Nathan Moynihan (ASH) def. Jacob Lewis (WDP) (fall, 0:26).
106: Erik Heuvelmans (WDP) (forfeit).
113: Owen Bowers (ASH) def. Brock Vaughn (WDP) (fall, 0:25).
120: Trent Francis (WDP) (forfeit).
126: Jake Hendricks (WDP) def. Logan Solecki (ASH) (fall, 1:14).
132: Cody Minor (ASH) (forfeit).
138: Micky Kiernan (ASH) def. Alec Ukkola (WDP) (major decision, 17-4).
145: Mitchell Opperman (ASH) def. Thomas Mudd (WDP) (major decision, 15-6).
152: Martin Kiernan (ASH) def. Malaki Hill (WDP) (fall, 1:39).
160: Chance Green (WDP) def. Jackson Schuyler (ASH) (fall, 2:32).
170: Connor Ramage (ASH) def. Lucan Milheiser (WDP) (fall, 2:44).
182: Jordan Vandehei (ASH) def. Spencer Francois (WDP) (technical fall, 17-1).
195: Damian Gienapp (ASH) (forfeit).
220: Bryce Graef (WDP) (forfeit).