Terry Hoffman

Boasting a host of young, but seasoned talent, the Watertown High School wrestling squad took to the mat in November with high expectations. Four months later, a season filled with ups and downs concluded with an eighth-place finish in the state Class A tournament last weekend at Rapid City. The highlights certainly outweighed the disappointments. “The kids worked very hard and left everything on the mat at the state meet,” said Watertown head coach Chas Welch.

Ten Watertown High School wrestlers will begin their quest for individual glory while keeping an eye on the team standings as well when the curtain rises on the 2019 state Class A wrestling tournament on Friday in the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center. Rapid City Stevens would appear to be the team to beat on paper, but Pierre is among the teams expected to make a serious challenge should the Raiders falter. Rapid City Central and Brandon Valley could also pile up the points.

The Watertown High School wrestling team will be looking for the three-peat when mats are rolled out for the Region 1A tournament at Sioux Falls Roosevelt on Saturday and barring any unusual events, they should achieve their goal. Mix in injuries and illness with the potential for upsets and Watertown head coach Chas Welch says he and his athletes won’t be taking anything for granted this weekend.