Victory at State!

By: Claire DeCap

The Riverdale Wrestling Team experienced a victorious weekend at the state tournament! On Wednesday, February 15th, the wrestling team traveled to the University of Illinois in Champaign to compete in the IHSA State Wrestling Tournament. Because of their success throughout the season, five individuals from the team qualified for this tournament: Dean Wainwright (Freshman), Tharren Jacobs (Sophomore), Alex Watson (Senior), Collin Altensey (Senior), and Brock Smith (Senior). Alex Watson placed 6th in his weight class of 170 lbs and Brock Smith placed 5th in his weight class of 138 lbs. Collin Altensey brought home a 2nd place win and Dean Wainwright ended the tournament as a State Champion at 106 lbs. After great success in Champaign, the wrestlers were welcomed home with a police and firefighter escort through downtown Rapid City and Port Byron. The wrestling team also qualified for Team Sectionals in Oregon because of their win at the Regional tournament. They fought hard against Yorkville Christian, but unfortunately lost 41-28.