Hodag Highlights: Grapplers fall to Tomahawk despite bright spots

The Rhinelander High School wrestling team faced a challenging night on Thursday, January 8, falling 63-12 to visiting Tomahawk in a Northern Great Lakes Conference dual meet. The Hodags found success early in the competition when Juan Diego Grage claimed victory at 106 pounds, earning six team points with an unopposed win. The home team doubled their score at 132 pounds as Ivan Loka delivered the highlight of the evening, pinning his opponent with 1:05 remaining in the second period to push Rhinelander's total to 12 points. However, the Hodags faced an uphill battle throughout the meet. Rhinelander forfeited four weight classes, conceding 24 points before those matches even began. The forfeitures proved costly in a meet where every point mattered. In contested matches, Tomahawk dominated with pins in most bouts. Only three Rhinelander wrestlers managed to avoid being pinned, though all three ultimately fell in decisions. Michael Tredupp dropped a 6-1 decision, while Hoyt Dantoin lost 9-2. Anthony Boldt came closest to victory, falling in a tight 7-6 match that came down to the final moments. The loss drops the Hodags' record as they continue their season. Rhinelander will look to regroup and address their roster depth issues as they prepare for their next competition.