Garett garners second gold at state meet

This is what Garett Kawczynski was aiming for.

Ever since winning his first individual state wrestling title last season, the Port Washington High School senior eyed an undefeated record and a repeat.

He put the finishing touches on both on Saturday night at the Kohl Center in Madison.

“It probably will sink in tonight with all my friends and family,” Kawczynski said after winning the 215-pound Division 2 championship.

Another celebratory meal from Madison’s Ian’s Pizza followed, along with a day off on Sunday.

“This moment only comes once in a lifetime,” Kawczynski said.

The gold medal, however, came twice. Kawczynski won the Division 1 title last year at 215 pounds, and this year faced a more loaded bracket in Division 2. He wrestled less aggressively but still kept control.

“I give a lot of credit to my opponents. This is a tough bracket. The game plan was establish the offense and then control the rest of the match. I know no one could really hand fight with me and keep up my pace for six minutes,” Kawczynski said.

“In another world would I like to open up a little more and take a few more risks? Maybe, but at the end of the day whether you win by a point or a tech fall you still come home with the bracket.”

Kawczynski finished 39-0 after beating Two Rivers’ Max Matthias 7-1 in the finals.  Matthias finished 31-1.

Kawczynski took Matthias down twice in the first period, allowing him up once, to take a 6-1 lead. He scored a quick escape in the second period, and that was more than he needed. Kawczynski kept control the rest of the way, dancing in the match’s final seconds.

He raised his arms in triumph, showing two fingers on each hand to signify his repeat gold, then hugged each one of his coaches.

“He’s had a pretty special career and has been pretty dominant,” coach Angelo LaRosa said.

Kawczynski, the top seed, started the tournament by pinning Berlin’s Jakob Martin (40-6) in 43 seconds. In the semifinals, he beat the tall Stoughton freshman Kade Splinter (50-4) in a 4-1 decision. The two met at the Bi-State Classic in La Crosse in December when Kawczynski won, 6-2.

“That was the guy that I was the most worried about. I think he’s going to be a three-timer (state champ),” LaRosa said.

Kawczynski, who finished third as a freshman and second as a sophomore, said he didn’t feel any pressure in going for a repeat.

“I was confident, I knew exactly what to expect. I knew exactly what I needed to do to succeed. Going here, it just felt like routine,” he said.

“I was also happy I could share that with my teammates along with me this year. It’s the most qualifiers we’ve ever had (six). Just showing them the ropes and how to wrestle here is really helping me focus on mine and just tops everything.”

Kawczynski again had the gold medal put around his neck by Wisconsin Wrestling Coaches Hall of Fame member Duffy Brelsford, who put Port wrestling on the map as coach from 1976 to 2011, winning a team state title in 1984. Brelsford remains involved with the Pirates’ program, and Port’s annual invite is named after him.

“That is special. I’ve known Duffy forever. To see him still out here, that full circle moment can’t be beat,” Kawczynski said.

He reflected on his wrestling career at Port.

“Where I was when I came in as a freshman and now is totally different. The community I’ve gotten to be a part of is super special,” he said. “The amount of growth I’ve gotten to be a part of and gotten a chance to help build is super special.”

Kawczynski is 171-8 in his career, one win behind Port leader Alex Dieringer, who was 172-4. Kawczynski still has team state to wrestle starting Friday, March 6, in La Crosse.