GREENE — Lake Mills placed second at the annual Doug Trees Bearcat Invitational on Saturday, finishing with 211 team points at North Butler. Nashua-Plainfield claimed the team title with 230.5 points.
Despite being shorthanded, the Bulldogs turned in a strong overall performance, highlighted by three individual champions and multiple podium finishes.
“We were a bit shorthanded today, missing two wrestlers who would have been favored to win their brackets,” Lake Mills head coach Alex Brandenburg said. “There were definitely some ups and downs today, but the main thing is we will have everyone back for Regional Duals Tuesday.”
Freshmen Conner Helgeson and Mason Helgeson led the way for Lake Mills, winning titles at 120 and 126 pounds, respectively. Conner Helgeson pinned Charles City’s Nathan McInroy in 1:14, while Mason Helgeson secured his championship with a pin over Waverly-Shell Rock’s Bode McIlravy in 1:18.
Senior Steve Brandenburg added another title for the Bulldogs at 150 pounds, pinning Nashua-Plainfield’s Tyler Hobert in just 40 seconds.
“Our three champs dominated their competition by getting all pins and technical falls,” Brandenburg said.
Another highlight came at 157 pounds, where junior Caleb Skogen earned the 100th win of his career earlier in the tournament by pinning Ryland Pitzenberger of North Butler/Clarksville. Skogen finished as the runner-up in the bracket.
“It was great to see Caleb reach 100 wins, as he is one of the hardest workers I have ever coached,” Brandenburg said.
Lake Mills also received strong performances from several wrestlers who placed in the top four. Carter Ham (113), John Fjeld (144), Lane Sprecher (165), and Mason Gaetzke (190) each finished third. Uryah Soto (138), Luke Fjeld (175), and Calvin Rognes (215) placed fourth.
North Butler/Clarksville finished third in the team standings with 186 points, followed by Charles City (87.5), Northwood-Kensett (74), Baxter (64), Waverly-Shell Rock JV (58.5), and West Fork (49).
Lake Mills now turns its attention to Regional Duals on Tuesday, when the Bulldogs expect to have a full lineup back in action.
