Wrestlers win 3A State Championships

The Green River Wolves capped a very successful wrestling season by capturing the 2024 3A State Boys Varsity Wrestling Championship for the second year in a row.

In the field of seventeen teams, the Green River High School Wrestling team scored 242 points, putting them 30 points ahead of a very strong second-place Pinedale team. The Wolves had 20 wrestlers qualifying for State, with thirteen of those competitors finishing in the top five for their weight class.

The Wolves were led by one of their co-captains, Senior Kale Knezovich, who made school history by becoming the first Green River High School wrestler in the school's storied program to win four State titles - truly an amazing accomplishment. Lucas Todd, a junior, won his second State title, while sophomore Maddux Hintz won his first State title, along with Seniors Nick Weipert and James Herwaldt.

Those placing in the top five for the Wolves included Freshman Bentley Johnson and Senior Axel Mackinnon taking second place and Freshman Tavin Vandetti getting third place. Senior Spencer Wright, Juniors Kaleb Gunter and Jacob Lloyd and Sophomore Jaydon Walther all finished in fourth place. And Freshman Kaleb Clark finished in fifth place.

For the Girls Varsity, the team finished in a solid ninth place out of 28 teams, with Junior Lily Harris finishing in second place, Freshman Bianca Maez taking third place, and Senior Brianna Uhrig finishing in fourth place.

Head wrestling Coach Josh Wisniewski commented: "What an amazing season!" The coach said he was very proud of the team and coaches, and went on to say he wanted to give gratitude to all the wrestlers, coaches and parents for all their dedication, hard work and belief in the team.

"The team really has put forward a blue collar effort all season long," said Wisniewski. He continued, "They come to practice, meets and tournaments with the mindset to work hard and get better everyday and they are a resilient bunch that did not let set-backs get in their way of reaching goals."

Finally, the coach exclaimed: "I am very proud of the culture this team built and the leadership they have shown throughout the season."

As the Wolves came home with the championship title Sunday morning, the community showed up throughout the victory parade route to wave, cheer and honk, very proud of their amazing State Champions.