Burlington wrestling advances to team state for third straight year

By Mike Ramczyk

Sports Editor

Up until the 2011-12 season, the Burlington wrestling squad had never made it to team state.

Three years later, it’s becoming a habit.

And Tuesday night at home in a team sectional final against South Milwaukee, the Demons showed they’re ready to dominate.

Burlington jumped out to a 44-0 lead over the visiting Rockets and cruised to a 44-15 victory.

It’s the third straight year the Demons will compete at the team state tournament.

Burlington coach Jade Gribble said South Milwaukee is strong from 152 pounds to 195, so it didn’t hurt that the match began at 220.

The Demons wasted little time taking advantage, firing off nine straight wins, including four pins, and the rout was on.

“We knew we should get ahead, but our kids wrestled tough all the way through,” Gribble said. “Even the kids that lost wrestled well. Our guys wrestled well at regionals and again wrestled well tonight. Tomorrow, we’re giving them the day off, and we’ll come back on Thursday ready to go.”

Greg Miller started the match with a 5-1 win at 220, and fellow senior Tyler Kirkeeng notched a pin in 1:10 at 285 to give Burlington a 9-0 lead.

Luke Iverson (106), Josh Bird (132) and Lance Otter (145) also notched pins. Robert Elsbury (120), Ben Hornickle (126) and Lucas Shenkenberg (138) all picked up victories.

South Milwaukee closed the match with five wins from 152 to 195, but it was too little, too late.

“I thought it was going to be a little closer, but everyone came out and did their jobs,” Kirkeeng said. “I felt dominant, and I knew what I had to do.”

Burlington advances to team state Friday, March 7, and will face Sauk Prairie, the fourth-ranked team in the state in Division I.

The last two seasons, the Demons have been ousted in the first round of team state. This year, Kirkeeng said things could be different.

“We’re peaking at the right time,” he said. “We have experience. It’s special since it’s my senior year. We are working hard, and coach is holding us to high expectations. We’re meeting them.”

Before the Demons embark on their team state journey, 14 wrestlers will compete at Saturday’s individual sectional at Racine Horlick High School.

Gribble said advancing to team state is big for the program.

“It’s awesome,” he said. “It’s been a great ride, and we’re excited. I appreciate all of the kids that have come through and have been a part of it. We just have to keep the kids wrestling well.”

For Saturday’s individual sectional, Gribble said all of his kids have a chance at individual state.

“Whoever has a good day has a shot,” he said. “We’ve had kids that took fourth at regionals and made state. It’s about wrestling well at the right time of the season, and hopefully that’s what we’re doing.”