Germantown wrestling team prepares for new season
GERMANTOWN, Wis. — “Our team welcomes all newcomers with open arms,” says Germantown High School Wrestling Head Coach Mike Krause, “knowing that anybody in our wrestling room has a chance to help our team meet its goals.”
The team’s history includes five state championships (Jesse Thielkie four times, 2008-2011; and Ethan Riddle, 2022). Jesse Thielkie was an Olympian in 2016 and is currently a World team member.
The Germantown team won its conference championship last season and would like to win it again this year. They also hope to win regionals and make it to team state for the first time in school history. “We would like to send the most kids to individual state in school history,” says Coach Krause. The current record is five.
“We would also like to get the most state place winners in school history this season.” The record, set last season, is three with Maev Michalak fifth at Girl’s State, Talan Schutte second at Boy’s State and Ethan Riddle first at Boy’s State. Ethan Riddle also broke the single season takedown record last season with 200 takedowns.
This year’s captains are Ethan Riddle, Talan Schutte, Riese Thornberry and Alex Pluta. “They hold their teammates accountable for their actions,” explains Coach Krause, “and have the mindset that nobody in the state is going to outwork them, and that attitude trickles down to the rest of the team. They set the goals for this season and are doing everything in their power to help the team achieve them.”
The team usually celebrates by having team dinners or team sleepovers. “They are less of a team and more of a family,” remarks Coach Krause. “They love celebrating each other’s accomplishments.”
Coach Krause is assisted by Danny Krause (varsity assistant), Hunter Higginbotham (varsity assistant) and JC Will (JV head coach). “The entire coaching staff is made up of alumni,” Coach Krause explains. “The community is starting to get behind the wrestling program and the future of this program is incredibly bright.”
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