June 14, 2017 at 12:49 p.m.
Hodag wrestlers bring in state champs to run camp
Hodag wrestlers bring in state champs to run camp
The Hodags brought in twin brothers Brady and Dylan Koontz from Stevens Point, a pair of former WIAA state champions who are moving on to wrestle at Ohio State University next fall.
"We're just basically working on wrestling, letting kids know that wrestling's still an option out-of-season," Rhinelander High School wrestling coach Paul Ellenbecker said. "We had about 23 kids, all ages from fourth grade on up to high school. It was a good mix of kids."
The camp was conducted in three high-intensity sessions Monday afternoon and Tuesday morning. Ellenbecker said the opportunity was equally benefical for those who hung up the singlets at the end of winter and those who compete year-round.
"Just basically going over some fundamentals and trying to get better and build some momentum," he said. "We've got the Malacek Duals in two weeks, trying to get kids interested (for that). For some of these young kids, it's a good opportunity."
The Koontz brothers had a decorated high school career, with each finishing as three-time place-winners at the WIAA state tournament. Brady Koontz won the Division 1 state title at 106 pounds in 2016 while Dylan Koontz won the D1, 113-pound title that same year.
Rhinelander senior-to-be Reuben Guzik is all to familiar with the Koontzs, having lost twice to Brady last year, including an 18-8 major decision in the regional finals.
"It's amazing. They're both phenomenal wrestlers," Guzik said. "Their dad's a technician. It's phenomenal to have them up here. They're great guys, great partners. I wish I had more people in Rhinelander to push me like they do."
Guzik was still catching his breath following a brief sparring session with Brady Koontz at the end of the camp.
"These guys are just all about going, going, going, being mentally tough," he said, gasping for air. "They're just amazing wrestlers."
This isn't the first time Ellenbecker has brought in a Big Ten recruit with local ties. A few summers ago, he invited Wisconsin wrestler Jackson Hein and his dad, former Wausau West wrestling coach Dan Hein, to run the camp.
"Our kids like that and they like knowing who the kids are," he said. "We could bring in Dan Gable and about 95 percent of our kids wouldn't know who that is, but they do recognize the Koontzs and that been awesome for us."
Ellenbecker said having camp clinicians with a working knowledge of some of Rhinelander's top wrestlers is an added advantage.
"As far as technique goes, their dad, Brian, he loves wrestling, studies it up," Ellenbecker said. "He knows us too, which is one of the nice things I like too. It's like, 'Dude, you know wrestling, you've watched us, what do we need to work on?' He's been helping us do some of those things, working on our leg defense a lot. It's been nice to have the boys here because they're a recognizable name."
What's more, bringing in a couple of Division I-bound wrestlers serves as inspiration to the wrestlers.
"It just shows what you need to do to get to the next step," Guzik said. "It keeps you mind in the game for the offseason. This is a sport where you need to wrestle all year-round to be good at."
While admitting he would always like to see more bodies in the wrestling room, Ellenbecker said he was pleased by the turnout for this week's camp.
"It's a busy time of the year. Some kids are doing summer school. Some are doing different camps. Some are all over the place, but we're just happy to get in the door and have our wrestling camp here," he said. "The kids that are here are just going to get better from it."
Jeremy Mayo may be reached at [email protected].
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