By Murray Gleffe
Correspondent
PULASKI — The Pulaski wrestling team recorded five falls and three decisions in defeating West De Pere 58-18 in a nonconference dual Dec. 29 at Pulaski High School.
Ten of the 14 wrestlers who took to the mat for the Red Raiders were either freshman or sophomores.
“I give credit to our youth and middle school programs for developing and having these kids ready by the time they get to high school,” said Ryan Deprey, Pulaski head coach. “Our coaching staff has learned to count on having three to four guys to plug into one of the main spots. It’s especially important this year (because of COVID-19) to have depth.”
Pulaski began with victories by Ethan Eggert, Ashton Kapla and Austin Rybicki.
All three matches didn’t go past the second period.
The Red Raiders followed with a forfeit win to build a 24-0 lead.
The Phantoms fought back with victories by Jake Hendricks (132-pound classification) and Alec Ukkola (138).
“We have a couple of guys battling in the 132-pound range, and we had Alec bump up against Pulaski,” said Chris Gallegos, West De Pere head coach. “It doesn’t matter where we stick him, he's going to give 100% effort. He gave us great minutes today on the mat.”
It was too little too late for the Phantoms, as Pulaski won seven of the final eight matches contested.
“While we are happy getting a victory, we put the greatest emphasis on practice each and every season,” Deprey said. “If you put all of your eggs in a basket with wins and losses during the regular season, it builds a toxic environment. We talk about getting better with our drills and maneuvers during the 8-10 hours we have each week with the athletes. Our approach gets them ready for sectionals, and then hopefully, further down the road.”
Next up: Pulaski will host Manitowoc and Sheboygan North Jan. 7, while West De Pere entertains Menasha the same night.
Pulaski 58, West De Pere 18
106: Ethan Eggert (PUL) def. Gavin Janquart (WDP) (fall, 1:02).
113: Ashton Kapla (PUL) def. Lucius Janquart (WDP) (fall, 0:43).
120: Austin Rybicki (PUL) def. Bella Bolek (WDP) (fall, 3:23).
126: Connor Nooyen (PUL) (forfeit)
132: Jake Hendricks (WDP) def. Colin Pratt (PUL) (fall, 0:50).
138: Alec Ukkola (WDP) def. Cole Gorecki (PUL) (fall, 2:49).
145: Braden Gille (PUL) def. Ryker Crooks (WDP) (decision, 6-2).
152: Thomas Mudd (WDP) def. Braden Allen (PUL) (fall, 2:38).
160: Elliott Karcz (PUL) (forfeit)
170: Tristan Taylor (PUL) def. Gyriece Goodman (WDP) (decision, 9-3).
182: Mitchell Delebreau (PUL) (forfeit)
195: Trenton Gibbons (PUL) def. Spencer Francois (WDP) (major decision, 10-0).
220: Mason Wells (PUL) def. Connor Hoerth (WDP) (fall, 1:33).
285: Max Burdette (PUL) def. Marcus Williams Jr. (WDP) (fall, 3:28).