The Hemlock Wrestling team finished the season with a team record of 4-10 while competing through a challenging schedule and overcoming several late season injuries. Despite adversity, veteran wrestlers played a key role in mentoring newer athletes and helping elevate the overall competitiveness of the program. Two freshmen advanced to individual regionals, placing among the top 64 wrestlers in their respective weight classes.
“Our veteran wrestlers really pushed our younger athletes forward this season,” said Head Coach Corey Dwenger. “They helped with conditioning, warm ups, learning moves, and building confidence. By the end of the year, the team truly came together as a family.”
Hemlock earned strong individual recognition across the conference. Greyson Leitz was named Boys First Team All-Conference, while Steven Katzenberger and Parker Priest earned Boys Second Team All-Conference honors. On the girls side, Adelia Breternitz and Ashlyn Emmendorfer were both selected as First Team All-Conference honorees. Breternitz was also recognized as the TVC Girls Upper Weight Wrestler of the Year.
Throughout the season, Huskie wrestlers achieved several individual milestones. Steven Katzenberger finished with a 25-21 record, placed in seven tournaments, and earned team MVP recognition. Adelia Breternitz posted a 23-10 record, placed in five tournaments, and captured a championship at the Mt. Morris Tournament, earned MVP honors, and broke two school records. Ashlyn Emmendorfer finished with a 16-13 record, placed in four tournaments, and broke a school record.
Coach Dwenger noted that conditioning became a strength for the team, allowing wrestlers to remain competitive deep into matches. “Our conditioning helped us stay strong in the third period,” Dwenger said. “Even when team tournaments were tough, our individual wrestlers continued to show up, compete hard, and place.”
Additional conference recognition included Honorable Mention honors for Cooper Ward and Cooper Rugenstein. A major highlight of the season was Hemlock hosting the TVC Wrestling Tournament, showcasing the continued growth of the program and community support for Huskie wrestling.
Dwenger also credited team leaders Steven Katzenberger, Adelia Breternitz, Cadence Murphy, and Brody Curnutt for helping develop teammates through extra work in conditioning and skill development throughout the season.
As the program looks ahead, the Huskies are focused on offseason conditioning and repetition to continue building success. “Our goal next season is to improve our overall record, score strong team points at tournaments, and compete for a Team District Championship,” said Dwenger.
The program extends congratulations to all wrestlers who broke school records. Appreciation is also extended to parents who supported the team through meals and tournament assistance, as well as Harrison Salowitz for recording statistics and match film throughout the season.
The Hemlock Wrestling program continues to build a strong foundation rooted in hard work, resilience, and teamwork as it prepares for continued success in future seasons.