Central wrestling season sets the stage for future program success
Freshman Braxton Bormann lost both his 120-pound matches at last week's state tournament, but his success this season bodes well individually and for the Central program. (Photos by Audrey Posten)
"He battled in each match. He’s a tough kid and this will sting, but it will push him to bounce back even tougher next year,” said coach Joe Koehn of Bormann's experience.
By Willis Patenaude, Times-Register
The Central wrestling season is over, but it lasted longer than any since 2017 with freshman Braxton Bormann’s trip to the state tournament last week. Although Bormann’s results weren’t what was hoped for, coach Joe Koehn was happy with the season and the development of the wrestlers, especially after an admittedly shaky start with several new comers finding their footing.
That shaky start was followed by a season that saw those newcomers develop into “smart wrestlers.” Despite injuries and sickness that held the Warriors back from meeting preseason expectations that included winning more than 12 duals, Central was able to win eight duals and finish 8-21 overall.
Koehn is focused on the positives of that, rather than dwelling on the negative.
“We didn’t break any records, but we overcame adversity and learned to wrestle as a team. Which is ultimately what a coach wants,” Koehn said.
He added that his preseason expectations consisted of other things, like having the kids “grow as individuals and have some form of success, and that is what this team did. Very proud of our kids for overcoming obstacles and making the right steps for our own betterment.”
Bormann entered state amid fanfare and expectations, but lost a tough 3-2 decision to open the tournament. He succumbing to a 20-5 technical fall in match two, which ended his state meet.
“It wasn’t what we wanted, but he battled in each match. He’s a tough kid and this will sting, but it will push him to bounce back even tougher next year,” Koehn said.
Bormann finished the season with a team-high 38 wins and only seven losses, while senior and three-year captain Nick Deitchler went 35-14 and reached 110 wins for his career.
“He will be greatly missed for his winning abilities and his leadership,” Koehn said.
Senior and four-year starter Daniel Royer, who also made captain this season, finished 15-7, winning 90 matches in the course of his career.
“He always brought a different style to the room that would always help better kids and himself,” Koehn said. “He will be missed dearly as a support system and a great wrestler.”
Senior Nate Shirbroun was a three-year starter and made captain this year, finishing 11-11.
“He always brought a physical presence when wrestling, which I always enjoyed coaching,” Koehn said. “He will be missed in the room and on the mat.”
The rest of the team included Preston Kulper at 17-15, Jonah Burns 11-14, Sam Fettkether 7-23, Jacob Cook 5-21 and Collin Jaster 6-9.
“I’m very happy with this team this year. We faced a lot of adversity and overcame it. Every single kid on this team overcame something to have some form of success. I’m extremely proud of this team and all the support it has accumulated from this community,” Koehn said. “We will miss our seniors dearly, but we feel very confident in the impression they left on this program and the foundation that they have continued to build up.”
