Florence grapplers divide and conquer
WAUSAU, Wis. — Florence grapplers divided and conquered on Saturday, as four members for the varsity team were in action.
Bobcat wrestlers Breyson Kelley and Jacob Smith competed in the Wausau East Lumberjack Invitational, while Caitlyn Kelley and Sophia Wagner went to Wausau West for the WWCA Girls State championships.
At Wausau West, Caitlyn Kelley won the 120-pound division, with Sophia Wagner taking second at 107 pounds.
Both Breyson Kelley and Smith competed in the 160-pound weight class at the Lumberjack Invitational. Kelley made it to the semi-finals before losing 9-3 to Sam Veenstra from La Crosse Logan/Central.
Breyson Kelley went on and defeated Cole Verhyen from Appleton North 10-8 for third place.
“Breyson continues to gain experience at theses bigger tournaments,” said Florence coach Ed Kelley. “What is quite impressive was the freshman (Kelley) making the senior dominated podium.
“Smith continues to make progress,” the coach added. “After suffering a first-round lost, he was able to battle back and finish in 10th place.”
Florence will next host Crivitz and Gillett/Suring on Thursday for the team’s only home event of the year. Then on Saturday, Caitlyn Kelley and Wagner will be traveling to La Crosse, Wis., for the first-ever WIAA girls state championships.





