First girl in Wautoma wrestling history advances to state

Five girls represented the Wautoma wrestling team at the sectional wrestling tournament on Feb. 17. Girls wrestling has been the fastest growing sport the past two years. The winner from each weight class moves on to the state tournament held in Madison.
Brianna Buechner (21-7) placed 1st and is Wautoma’s first girl in school history to advance to the state tournament. In the quarterfinal Bri won by fall over Evelyn Schwoerer (Columbus) in 3:32. In the semi’s she won in sudden victory over Madalynn Mueller (Richland Center) 24-12 6-4.
The championship match was won by fall over Cianna Vendrell (Edgerton) 20-6 in. 3:38).
Lyvia Weiss (20-9) placed 4th on the day. She defeated Lydia Hutter (Adams-Friendship) 6-4 in overtime in the quarterfinals, but lost her next match to Alexia Gallagher (Monroe). She will return next year for her senior season.
Laynie Vaughan (24-4) placed 2nd on the day. She beat Montana Joles (River Valley) by Fall in 1:09, but lost in the final to Makayla Howard, a 20-5 senior from Edgerton.
Lilly Reinert (8-17) and Hannah Borud (11-9) also competed in the tournament, but lost their first match and were not able to wrestle back to placement.
Overall the team placed second on the day, failing to the 8th rank Nekoosa Papermakers. The team started with three girls last season. This season they have ten, with only two being seniors.