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Tigers wrestlers write their own history

Last night the Marshfield Tigers called upon historians to open up the history books, turn a new page, and rewrite the impossible.

Tyler D Rickenbach
Marshfield News-Herald

 

Tigers sophomore Sam Mitchell, takes down Rapids senior, Max Benitz, in the 170 weight class as the Marshfield Tigers end a 58 year losing streak as they host their first home match against Wisconsin Rapids on December 22, 2016 in Marshfield, Wisconsin.

Editor's note: Staff photographer Tyler Rickenbach joined the Marshfield News-Herald in October and shares his take on a magical moment in local high school sports.

MARSHFIELD - Thursday night the Marshfield Tigers called upon Wisconsin sports historians to open up the books, turn a new page, and enter an unlikely revision.

The Tigers have lost to Wisconsin Rapids since 1958 in wrestling. Which means for 58 years, this high school wrestling program's mindset has been, "Great ... Rapids again?" Think about how hard it is to change a bad habit. Negativity is poisonous. But all of that changed. 

Being new to the sport, as it was the first wrestling match I have ever photographed, I didn't know what to expect. However, I was eager for the match to begin. I quickly placed my light stands on opposite ends of the mat, pulled out my roster and pen, and fired a couple practice shots while the teams warmed up. 

The first match began with a roar.

GALLERY: More photos from the historic match

RELATED: Before Rapids, they took down SPASH

In the 106 weight class, Shane Westernhausen, a Marshfield Tigers freshman, took on sophomore Cale Benitz from Wisconsin Rapids. 

Tiger freshman, Shane Westernhausen, traps Rapids sophomore, Cale Benitz in the 106 weight class, as the Marshfield Tigers end a 58 year losing streak as they host their first home match against Wisconsin Rapids on December 22, 2016 in Marshfield, Wisconsin.

In 1 minute and 33 seconds, the match was over and a winner was declared — and it was Westernhausen. 

Jump ahead to the 126 weight class, where Tucker Lamm, a senior from Rapids, wrestled Caden Pearce, a sophomore from Marshfield. In even less time (1:22) than the first match, Pearce changed the scoreboard, giving the Tigers a 28-0 lead. 

Tigers sophomore Caden Pearce, smiles after beating Rapids senior Tucker Lamm, in the 132 weight class as the Marshfield Tigers end a 58 year losing streak as they host their first home match against Wisconsin Rapids on December 22, 2016 in Marshfield, Wisconsin.

Within 15 minutes, it was evident that the Tigers would come out victorious. I didn't understand what a victory it was for Marshfield until I was leaving. A mother and her son held the door for me as I exited the school with tripod and light stands in hand. 

"Mom! Can you believe that?!" exclaimed the young boy. 

"No, I can't. ... They haven't beaten Wisconsin Rapids since 1958," grinned the boy's mother. 

Did I hear that right?

Wanting to verify I asked, "You mean, the Tigers have lost to Rapids since 1958 until today?" 

"Yeah! Can you believe it?!" shouted the young boy.

Walking back to my car I realized, you don't have to be a historian to rewrite history, nor do you have to be famous. You just have to be ... you. 

So, don't let a losing record since 1958 get in your way of accomplishing the "impossible." Rewrite history. Rewrite you.

Tyler Rickenbach: 715-207-1571 or trickenbac@marshfield.gannett.com; on Twitter @tylerdbach and Instagram @bachphoto_.