Gridiron Athletes Dominating the Mats

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's State Tournament time for Wisconsin HS wrestlers! College coaches love multi-sport athletes, and this group of athletes are among the best when it comes to wrestling and football. Dozens of football/wrestlers earned spots at the State Wrestling Tournament, and from my count, 11 made it to the Finals. In this article, we are going to look at how the season has gone for these 11 student athletes, and also dive into a little bit of the football side of things as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["31384"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"David has put together an elite HS wrestling career. It has been capped off by an unforgettable 2022-23 season where David has a record of 51-1 heading into the Championship match. Gauderman, who played football around 225 lbs, is wrestling in the D3 285 lbs bracket. He earned his spot in the finals with a quick pin in the Semifinals.rnrnIf you have followed Prep Redzone for awhile then you know how highly we think of David on the football field. He dominated his senior season from the RB and LB positions, and the jack of all trades has committed to continue his football career at Duluth. Big things ahead for David.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63fab6148feed"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["405604"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Brady is a key piece to the dominant wrestling program that is Aquinas HS. Entering the championship match, Brady holds a record of 18-4. He is wrestling in the D3 220 lbs bracket at a listed 205 lbs. The multi-sport athlete earned his place in the finals by fall in the semifinals.rnrnOn the football side of things, Brady has been apart of two state championships for Aquinas. He held down the middle of the field at LB with 55 tackles, 2 FFs, and 1 INT. An athlete to follow in both sports next year.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63fab6148ff4c"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["204756"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"One of the state's top senior QBs is also one of the state's best 195 lbs wrestlers. Entering the Championship match, Mitchell has a record of 39-1 on the season. His win by fall in the semi-finals sent him into the championship where he will look to end his career on top following a Level 4 playoff appearance in football.rnrnAs for football, we haven't seen the last of Thompson. He has committed to play QB for D2 Minnesota State University- Mankato. Good luck, Mitchell!","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63fab6148ff9a"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["405556"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Another member of the Aquinas football and wrestling programs is [player_tooltip player_id='405556' first='David' last='Malin']. The junior is wrestling in the D3 170 lbs bracket. He enters the final match with a record of 41-3 following a semifinals win by fall 2:50 into the match.rnrnDavid contributed at RB and LB for Aquinas on their way to their second consecutive State Championship on the gridiron. Look for him to have an even bigger impact in 2023 as there will be plenty of workload for him to pick up at either position.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63fab6148ffe7"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["608690"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Our third Aquinas Blugold from the football team to make it to the State Finals in wrestling is the two way monster [player_tooltip player_id='608690' first='Calvin' last='Hargrove']. Calvin holds a record of 38-7 with one final HS match to go. He is wrestling in the D3 160 lbs bracket, and made the finals after winning by decision 11-9.rnrnCalvin was firmly in the race for Prep Redzone WI Player of the Year following his dominant play at RB and LB on the way to a second straight state title. I haven't seen any next level decisions for either sport. A potential late senior steal.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63fab61490034"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["104988"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"One of the top junior athletes, and it doesn't matter which sport, is [player_tooltip player_id='104988' first='Chase' last='Matthias'] out of Two Rivers. The junior is wrestling in the D2 195 lbs bracket. He currently sits at 29-2 prior to the Finals match. Chase made it to the finals following a 7-1 victory by decision.rnrnOn the field, Matthias has been a major factor since his freshman season. The ATH has been the go to guy at RB and LB for Two Rivers. They made it to the doorstep of a State Championship berth last fall, so big things should be in store for 2023.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63fab61490080"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["405569"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Ian is a force on the mats this winter. He enters the Finals with a nearly perfect 45-1 record. He is wrestling in the D2 195 lbs category and will face the above mentioned [player_tooltip player_id='104988' first='Chase' last='Matthias'] in the Finals. Smith made it to the finals following a 8-5 win by decision.rnrnOn the field, Ian plays LB and OG. You don't see many impactful 195 lbs guards, but Ian uses that exceptional knowledge of leverage to create a lot of movement. His best position is LB where he is able to disengage quickly, and pick through the front seven with agility to get to the ball. An impressive two sport athlete that we get to watch for another year.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63fab614900ce"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["104426"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Tanner is another member of the Northwestern football and wrestling teams. He is competing in the D2 170 lbs bracket, and enters the Finals with a 49-2 record. His Finals spot was earned following a 6-4 decision.rnrnTanner was a do it all senior on the gridiron. He finished with 1,100+ rushing yards and 18 scores. We haven't seen the last of Kaufman on the field as he will be playing for UW- River Falls at the next level.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63fab61490117"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["31385"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"The Stoughton OL has had a special wrestling career. He made it to the State Finals last year, and looks to bring home the title this time around. Empey wrestles in the D1 285 lbs category. Griffin enters the Finals with a 51-2 record. His semifinals match ended in a 4-3 win by decision.rnrnGriffin has also been one of the state's best OL his entire career. The NDSU Bison have taken notice and recently earned his commitment to play football for them starting next fall.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63fab61490161"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["405591"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Brock might be the best when it comes to talent on the gridiron and the mat. On the mat, Brock enters the Finals with a 33-1 record. He earned a Finals berth following a 4-3 win by decision. The 6'3u0022 athlete is competing in the D1 220 lbs bracket.rnrnOn the field, Arndt has proven to be one of the best LBs. He has the size, athleticism, strength, and flexibility to play at the D1 level. He has started earning offers to do just that. A must know athlete.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63fab614901ac"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["300545"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Michael is another uncommitted senior on this list who could be considered for a couple sports from the looks of it. On the mat, Michael has a dominant 20-1 record following a 7-4 win by decision in the semi-finals. Michael is competing in the D1 182 lbs bracket.rnrnOn the field, the LB has been a contributor for a couple of seasons. You can usually tell who has a wrestling background when watching the highlights because of the athlete's knowledge of leverage and how to position their body. You get that sens when watching Alexander. He is uncommitted, so check him out for a late addition.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63fab614901f9"} /-->