New Richmond's Blackman, Anderson make early exits from state wrestling meet

• Abe Anderson

New Richmond’s Abe Anderson (top) works to control his opponent in his opening match at the state tournament.
• Shane Blackman

New Richmond’s Shane Blackman (left) works for an escape during his wrestleback match at the state tournament.

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New Richmond’s Abe Anderson and Shane Blackman weren’t able to win any of their matches at the 2012 WIAA State Wrestling Championships last weekend.

New Richmond coach Mark Neumann said both Tiger wrestlers had tough draws at state. He said technically, the New Richmond wrestlers were just as good as their opponents. He said if New Richmond wrestlers want to compete with the elite wrestlers in Division 1, the Tigers are going to have to dedicate themselves to working harder in the weight room.

“That’s what we talked about a lot,” Neumann said of his discussions with his wrestlers after they were eliminated in Friday’s wrestleback round. Neumann said the wrestling coaches will be meeting this week to develop a plan to work more of a “strength and power quotient” into the off-season workouts for the wrestlers.

Both of the Tigers’ opening draws at state went on to be placewinners in their respective weight classes. The coaches knew Anderson’s opening opponent, Nate Hennes of Hartford Union, would be a tough customer. He was so tough, he went on to win the 132-pound state championship.

Anderson wrestled a good strategic first period against Hennes, but had a slip in the final seconds and Hennes was able to get around him for a takedown and a 2-0 lead. Once Hennes got into the top position, he was so strong that Anderson couldn’t escape. That led to Hennes winning 8-1.

In the wrestlebacks, Anderson faced Stoughton freshman Joe Nelson. After a close start to the match, Nelson was able to pin Anderson in the final moments of the second period. Nelson would go on to take fourth place in the state bracket, losing the third place match in overtime.

Anderson finishes his junior season with a 25-15 record.

Coach Neumann said that Anderson getting to state after near misses in sectionals the past two years, should help his confidence for next season “big time.”

Blackman opened the state tournament against Justice Parker of Milwaukee Bradley Tech. Parker was much taller than Blackman and that length limited the options Blackman had available. The match was close until Parker was able to get the lead with a reversal and two back points. Blackman kept attacking, but lost 10-7.

In the wrestlebacks Blackman faced Shawn Cygan of Green Bay Preble. Blackman led 2-0 after the first period, but was reversed in the second period, giving up three back points. Blackman got an escape early in the third period, but Cygan scored a takedown late in the period to finish off a 7-3 win.

This is the second straight season Blackman, a sophomore, has reached the state championships. He finished the season with a 30-10 record.

Tags: sports, tigers, wrestling, prep