Hunter makes history with state championship

Senior Alec Hunter made history on February 13 when he became the first West wrestler to win a state title. Making his fourth state appearance in an already legendary career, Hunter persevered through an unusual season cut short to just a couple of dual meets as well as the playoffs. 

Typically, the State Tournament is held in Madison at the Kohl center, but this year it was held at Kaukauna High School. Junior Roman Martell also accomplished a state appearance, at 195 pounds. Before the tournament, wrestling head coach Duane Hartkopf had no doubt in Martel and Hunter’s ability to be competitive as their fitness and focus was at its peak. 

“I felt very confident in them as they were wrestling the best they have all season,” Hartkopf said. “Their focus was great and they were aware of the opportunities in front of them. Bringing home two state medals was the mindset.”

Martell was confident that he could compete with anyone in the state, but knew the road to the final would be difficult.

“I had been wrestling with Coach Hartkopf in preparation for the tournament,” he said. “He was helping me all season not only as a coach but as a practice partner as well. I was also going to sleep earlier that week to assure that I was well-rested and that my body could recover.”

Hunter also felt very confident and had improved his mindset, avoiding the danger of getting into his own head.

“I told myself, ‘if I wrestle the way I do, I should walk home with a state title,’” he said. 

Hunter and Martell fully committed all season to get to the mountaintop. This meant rigorous practices and making weight, something these boys had been doing all their life. Hartkopf believes the state championship transcends the sport of wrestling. 

“We also pride ourselves in taking the strides to not only continue improving our wrestling program, but helping change the entire athletic culture at Oshkosh West,” Hartkopf said. “Both Hunter and Martel had always been committed to the team and brought their dedication into everything done over the years.”

Hartkopf was grateful for the prior knowledge both wrestlers had in regards to the state competition and the environment. He had also been training his state athletes by maintaining a consistent and steady approach. 

“They had both been to state before and had the experience to lean on a bit, ” he said. “The other thing we did was control what we can control, getting sleep, steady diet, managing day to day activities. We also had great practices that week and they were dialed in.”

Hartkopf had seen how both Hunter and Martell had improved greatly throughout the season. Hunter was also very determined to finally get his medal as this was his last chance.

“Alec had improved his demeanor and leveled approach,” Hartkopf said. “Much of that was a credit to the 'veteran' experience, but also a focus on his goals. Alec has also just opened up his confidence on and off the mat, which showed with his performance.”

Martell was able to move past the nerves associated with making it to state as this year was not his first rodeo. 

“He has shown great maturity as a wrestler and has renewed confidence in himself,” Hartkopf said. 

Martell wanted to capitalize on his opportunity this year.

“This season, I set my goals higher and I feel as if I had something to prove to myself,” he said. “Not only was I chasing a state medal, but I saw no reason that I couldn’t claim the state title as well.”

Though Martell worked hard and was committed all season, the junior had an unlucky state tournament as he had an early exit, going 0-2. Although he was disappointed, Martell looks to his senior year with high hopes, and wants to use this experience as an opportunity to grow. 

“State this year was disappointing and emotional” he said. “Falling short of your goals always stings. I have a bitter taste in my mouth but I think the experience was a gut check. I acknowledged my mistakes and I know what I need to improve on going into the offseason. I have already made a few goals for myself next year, one of which is being the second state champion in school history.”

Senior Riley Stobb looks up to Martell for his determination and resilience, and as someone who not only shines on the wrestling mat, but off it as well. 

“Roman and I wrestled for practice and all we have is respect for each other at the end of the day,” Stobb said. “He works his tail off and is a great friend on and off the mat, a very respectful man and easy to have fun with. No doubt, he is a leader.”

Hunter qualified for the state tournament all four years of his time in a West singlet, but had never been crowned a state champion until now. Hunter had his eyes on the prize all season long, and he spent his whole senior campaign working to get there. His hopes of capping off his high school career on a high note were accomplished

“I felt at the top of the world, and the making history part feels even greater,” Hunter said. “The feeling when the ref raised my arm was like no other.”

Hunter went 2-0 as he breezed to the state final to face his arch nemesis, Justin Groshek of Stevens Point, who he has lost to in his past two years in the state tournament. 

“My goal of being West’s first state champion started at the age of nine when I joined this sport,” Hunter said. “I had so much pride, and joy, along with a sense of accomplishment knowing that my dreams have been reached.”

Recently, Hunter committed to the University of Wisconsin-Parkside as he continues his wrestling career. Hartkopf feels that the new champion has much talent and potential in his future based on his past and current success with the sport. 

“A big thing is that he has been wrestling his entire life so he has a great deal of mat awareness that goes unnoticed,” Hartkopf said. “He has also competed on some very big stages and his demeanor is very level as he never makes a match bigger than another.”

Hunter is also reconnecting with his former teammate at West, Edgar Heredia, who also wrestles and plays soccer at the university. Heredia can’t wait to be back on the mats and rebuild his chemistry with Hunter.

“Wrestling with Alec at West was a fun experience,” Heredia said. “I do believe that it will be the same at Parkside. We will have each other’s backs through everything.” 

Stobb also sees Hunter as a great friend and looks forward to the success in his future endeavours.

“Alec off the mat is a great friend and I’m glad I met him my sophomore year because that is a bond that I hope will never be broken,” he said. “Roman and I will play football one more year together but after that I want to wish him good luck in both wrestling and football. I also want to give a congrats to Alec on winning and good luck in the future at Parkside.”

With his performance at State and his overall determination and skill, Hartkopf knows Hunter’s shoes will be hard to fill, but he remains appreciative of the leadership he’d shown on the team. 

“Alec has cemented himself as one of the best wrestlers to come through our program,” Hartkopf said. “He has brought lots of excitement to the team and has helped lead our program and continue our program growth.”

By Zade Alzoubi and Drew Lasky

February 26, 2021

Oshkosh West Index Issue 5 Volume 117