Hodag Highlights: Underwood brothers host wrestling clinic

Two decorated young wrestlers brought their expertise to Rhinelander last month as Blake and Taylor Underwood conducted a wrestling clinic for local student-athletes on March 9 and 11 at the James Williams Middle School wrestling room. The brothers — one a decorated senior and the other a rising sophomore — shared the skills and techniques that have made them standout competitors at the state level.
Blake Underwood, a senior at Marathon High School, has built one of the most impressive careers in recent memory. A state qualifier in all four years of his high school career, Blake finished third as a freshman and earned a runner-up finish as a sophomore before reaching the pinnacle of the sport. Over the past two seasons, he compiled a remarkable record of 103-0, claiming back-to-back state championships and cementing his legacy as one of the finest wrestlers in the program’s history.
His younger brother Taylor, currently a sophomore, is already making his own mark on the sport. This season, Taylor earned a second-place finish at the state tournament. During the two-day clinic, the brothers took a hands-on approach to instruction. They demonstrated techniques and moves, then worked directly alongside the young wrestlers as they practiced, providing personalized feedback and guidance. The format allowed participants to learn from champions who had mastered those very same skills on the biggest stages in the state.