The boys wrestling team is working hard as they reach midseason and continue to improve for weekly competitions and the WIAA State DI Individual Wrestling Tournament, which will run from February 26 to 28. Athletes have dedicated themselves to daily practices where they get the opportunity to spar with teammates and actively refine their takedown strategies.
The team is led by co-head coaches Bob Empey and Dan Spilde, alongside junior varsity coach David Lodahl.
“Our numbers are pretty good this year. We have over 30 boys out for wrestling, and the girls team have some good numbers too,” Lodahl said.
This season has been different as the coaching staff navigates a high number of underclassmen athletes and a smaller junior and senior class. This means seniors have had to step up to best support new teammates.
Kade Splinter is an up-and-coming freshman putting up great results this season, taking second at the Bi-State Tournament and third at the Cheesehead Tournament.
“[Senior captain] Gatlin Empey impacts me a lot. He’s my partner, me and him, we go at it every day. Even after we wrestle, we’re still pretty good friends. No matter the outcome, we’re always with each other,” Splinter said.
Senior athletes prove vital in facilitating a strong team culture and aiding the coaching staff.
“Our upperclassmen have been great. We have two seniors [Gatlin Empey and Harrison Cyvas] this year who have provided a ton of great leadership to the underclassmen,” Lodahl said.
The renowned Stoughton High School Wrestling program has brought over 55 individuals to the WIAA State Competition and continuously sets the standard for what wrestling should look like in Wisconsin. However, the team is most proud of its family-like support system.
“The team chemistry has been pretty nice this year. It’s been nice to see the guys hanging out between rounds of wrestling at some of the longer tournaments,” Lodahl said.
Alongside two-hour practice 3-4 times a week, depending on tournament scheduling, the boys are also responsible for maintaining their weights in order to be eligible to compete in their weight classes. The team weighs in frequently to make sure athletes stay on track and have the resources to gain or lose weight as needed.
“The great thing about wrestling is that all kinds of different people can find success. There is no specific body type that people need if they want to be successful. If you are willing to put in the time and hard work, then you will find some success. So as a coach, we look for people who are willing to put in that work,” Lodahl said.
Although Splinter has been wrestling outside of school for a Madison club since 2018, high school competition proves to be difficult with a number of nationally linked wrestlers.
“Result in bi-state classic: “Yeah, I’m okay with [my results at the Bi-Classic Tournament]. I definitely gotta beat that guy. If I don’t beat that guy, I can’t win at state,” Splinter said.
As the countdown to state continues, the team as a whole is excited about its prospects and getting athletes prepared to wrestle their best.
“Gatlin Empey has had a great senior year, taking sixth at Bi State and first at Cheesehead, both super tough tournaments. Kade Splinter took second at Bi State, and third at Cheesehead, and Brayden Breider placed sixth at Bi State and fifteenth at Cheesehead,” Lodahl said.
