By Rich Palzewic
Sports Editor
MADISON – Ashwaubenon’s Cody Minor turned his dreams into reality by winning the 113-pound WIAA Division 1 wrestling state title Feb. 23.
The junior Minor beat Mukwonago sophomore Tyler Goebel with a 13-10 decision to finish the year at 44-1.
“It still all seems so unreal,” said Minor, who came into the state tournament ranked No. 1 in his weight class and gave Ashwaubenon its first state title in the sport since 2008. “I was hoping something like this was possible, but it wasn’t until last year when I finished third, that I thought it could happen – I was right there, I just had to work harder.”
Seemingly in control in the title match with a 12-4 lead, Minor watched it all almost disappear.
“I came out and dominated right away,” he said. “I was right on pace to do what I wanted, but I got caught in a bad move in the third period and almost got pinned. I refocused from there and managed to come out on top.”
Minor will take some time off and then focus on a few summer tournaments around the country. He will most likely move up to the 132-pound weight class next season.
“I get to focus on my technique, putting on a little weight and having fun next year,” he added. “I’ll hit the weight room hard and try to become Ashwaubenon’s first multiple state champion – that’s the goal.”
Other area wrestlers to have strong showings included Pulaski’s Cole Gille (second, 120), Green Bay United’s Isaac Klarkowski (third, 285), West De Pere’s Jake Hendricks (fourth, 113), and De Pere’s Charlie Hooyman (fifth, 195).
Editor’s note: For more pictures from the state tournament from Andrew Pekarek, log on to prepsagenda.com or follow him on Twitter (@AndrewPekarek).