There were countless story lines at this weekend’s WIAA individual state wrestling meet.
There were 13 students looking to defend their individual titles and 15 former champions in all at the tournament. And, as always, there were hundreds of wrestlers looking to claim their first title in 14 weight classes in three divisions.
There was one story that stood out among the rest.
After winning his opening match by a 9-8 decision, Whitehall junior Cole Myren was facing Iowa-Grant’s Bryant Edge in the Division 3 215-pound semi-final. Myren was one of 26 wrestlers entering the state meet with an undefeated record at 37-0.
Edge performed an illegal slam, and as a result, Myren had the option of accepting the victory and moving on to the finals. Instead, the junior chose to continue wrestling.
Myren displayed tremendous sportsmanship and respect for his sport. By wrestling, he saved himself and the 215-pound bracket from possible controversy.
The next morning, members of the media were praising his decision rather than debating who should be in the finals.
Despite his sportsmanship, Myren (39-2) lost his match with Edge. He placed fourth Saturday afternoon when he lost by major decision, 15-4, to Aaron Karlen (37-4).
Myren earned his fourth place medal, and he can be proud of that.
