Problems at Pulaski

Brutal competition, illness and injuries added up to a low finish for the Port Washington High School wrestling team at the Pulaski Invitational on Saturday.

The Pirates scored 32.5 points to take 13th of 15 teams.

Coleman won with 250, followed by Kaukauna’s 192.5.

Coach Angelo LaRosa only took six wrestlers to the tournament, and they were late to the weigh-in because their bus’ diesel fuel was gelling.

“Not only was the competition difficult. Just getting there was a beast,” LaRosa said.

Jake Weismueller (14-15) battled nagging injuries to have the highest finish with a sixth at 145 pounds.

“He’s pretty banged up,” LaRosa said. “Being in the top seven at Pulaski is a good day for anybody.”

Shem Castillo (21-12) at 285 pounds took seventh in his second year of wrestling.

In a consolation round match against Zuch Sallie (5-13) of West De Pere, Castillo was winning, 18-7, before he got turned and pinned in 3 minutes, 27 seconds.

“He has so much raw talent and power. He does some advanced things that are great and makes some basic mistakes. He’s still learning,” LaRosa said.

Castillo is an undersized heavyweight. LaRosa said he expects Castillo to wrestle at 220 pounds next year.

Ryan Brandt (7-11) took eighth at 220 pounds.

“He battled hard,” LaRosa said.

Finishing high at Pulaski makes a big statement, the coach said.

“If you win the Pulaski Tournament, you’re basically a state title contender,” LaRosa said.

Against rival Grafton last Thursday, the Pirates pulled out a 45-29 victory on Parents Night, Senior Night and Piranhas Night.

The Pirates got three pins, including one by Blake Peiffer in his return to action after an injury.

Peiffer pinned Carter Greefkes in 1:30 at 126 pounds.

“Blake looked really good,” LaRosa said. “We’re expecting big things from him.”

Gavin Borth at 106 pounds pinned Austin Greefkes in 3:19, and Cody Pierron at 170 built a big lead before pinning Zach Laliberte in 3:57.

One of Grafton’s stars, Alec Davis, who recently recorded his 100th career victory, pinned Jacob Peacy at 195 pounds.

“Peacy was wrestling Davis really hard. Got a take down in first period,” LaRosa said.

“We were happy with the effort and attitude he put out there. He doesn’t get down on himself. He knows it’s a process. He’s a freshman and he’s wrestling some men.”

Grafton’s other standout, Ellis Pfleger, beat Alex Salas in a 15-0 technical fall.

The battle with Grafton is always special for LaRosa and his assistant coach Josh Konitzer. They are Grafton alumn

Grafton took fourth place in going 2-3 at the Grafton Duels on Saturday. The Hawks beat Wausau East, 58-18; and Sheboygan Falls, 39-38. They lost to Mukwonago, 60-17; Racine Case, 39-38; and

Elkhart Lake-Glenbeulah, 48-27.

Davis pinned four opponents and won by forfeit, and Pfleger won four matches and one by forfeit.

The Pirates and Hawks wrestle in the North Shore Conference Tournament in Grafton on Friday.

Port competes in regional competition on Feb. 9 in Sheboygan Falls. Grafton competes at Catholic Memorial.