Bulldogs, Falcons enjoy Zelinski spotlight

Greenfield - Once again on Saturday, Whitnall High School became one of the state's wrestling hotbeds.

The occasion was the 25th annual Zelinski Memorial Duals tournament, a showdown involving some of the top teams and programs in the area and state.

"It was a great day," Whitnall co-coach John Quinlan said. "Over 1,000 people packed the gyms at Whitnall to watch one of the toughest dual tournaments in the state. We had nine of our 16 teams state-ranked, as well as 59 wrestlers."

Quinlan said the tournament is about more than just top-notch wrestling.

"The community gets behind this event and makes it the tremendous success it is," he continued. "Parents, friends and alumni from as far back as 1988 show up to help out, and all the proceeds benefit the Joel Zelinski Memorial scholarship fund. Proceeds from the event have enabled the fund to provide over $80,000 in scholarships to area seniors."

A pair of area teams fared well in the event. West Allis Central posted a 4-1 mark in Group A, losing only to Merrill, and thus wound up second among the 16 teams. Quinlan's Whitnall squad won Group D with a 3-2 record, finishing 13th overall.

The Bulldogs downed Beaver Dam, 59-6; Pulaski, 36-23; Hartford, 51-27; and Mukwonago, 36-31. The victory over Mukwonago was Central's second in a dual this season, following a 37-33 triumph on Dec. 6. The Bulldogs also finished ahead of the Indians in the E.H. Stech Invitational this season.

Central won eight matches against Mukwonago, including two pins, two technical falls and a pair of major decisions.

The lone loss was a 44-21 decision at the hands of Merrill, which won the tournament and is rated second in the state. The Bluejays won nine of the 14 matches.

"We set our goals high and finished well," Central's co-coach Jon Nelson said. "Beating Mukwonago for a second time was one big goal we met. Sticking with Merrill was the best we could do; they have a solid outfit. Every wrestler knew his role this weekend, and that's why we were successful."

Finishing unbeaten at 5-0 for the day were Tere White at 106 pounds, Skyler Pedersen at 113, Mark Choinski at 120 and Nate Keaton at 126 and 132. In addition, 4-1 marks were recorded by Donald Dargan (126 and 132), Eric Vis (160) and Angel Orozco (195, 220).

Central welcomed back several starters from suspension, which should make the Bulldogs even more formidable as the WIAA tournament season approaches.

Not that Central struggled during their absence, as it came into this week with a 24-5 overall record and a 5-0 mark in the Greater Metro Conference, including a 44-27 victory over Menomonee Falls Jan. 19.

"They (the Indians) have a good lineup, but our wrestlers were ready and all on the same page," Nelson said. "We did not have our 'A' lineup but still won the dual handily."

Whitnall notched three dual victories in its own meet, topping Marquette, 46-17; Fond du Lac, 54-21; and Green Bay Preble, 54-12. The Falcons fell to Pulaski, 48-18, and Beaver Dam, 42-36.

Troy McGee went 5-0 at 132 pounds, while 4-1 ledgers came from Blake Leslie (120), Mason Howard (145 and 152), Jeremy Brunner (195) and Alex Sterling (220 and heavyweight).

Both teams close out their dual seasons this week. Central, looking to run the table in the GMC, welcomes Brookfield East at 7:30 p.m. Thursday.

Whitnall, meanwhile, met rival Greenfield on Wednesday night.