BGM sends two freshman, one senior to state wrestling tourney

      The BGM Bears wrestling program has three wrestlers competing at the state wrestling tournament this week in Des Moines. Pictured are, from left: Hunter Hodina, a freshman who wrestles in the 106 weight class; Mason Maschmann, a senior who wrestles in the 157 pound weight class; and Cristian Martinez, a freshman who wrestles in the 113 pound class. All three wrestlers are competing at state for the first time.

By J.O. Parker
 
      The BGM High School Bears wrestling program has three wrestlers in Class 1A, two freshman and one senior, who are making their first trip this week to the Iowa High School Wrestling State Championship, Feb. 14 – 17, in Des Moines.
       Mason Maschmann, a senior, holds a 27-5 record in the 157 pound class.
      Maschmann started wrestling in the pee wee program and has participated in the sport every year outside of his junior year when he played basketball.
      When asked about making the trip to state, Maschmann said it is exciting.
      “All the work I’ve put into this sport is finally paying off,” he said. “I’m going there to have some fun.”
     In addition to wrestling, Maschmann played football and will participate in golf and baseball this spring and summer at BGM.
      Hunter Hodina, a freshman at BGM who wrestles in the 106 pound weight class, is making his first trip to state. He holds a 35-9 recording in the regular season.
      “I’m excited to be able to go to state,” he said.
       When asked, Hodina said he enjoys the aggression and competitiveness of the sport.
       In addition to wrestling, Hodina plays football, baseball, participates in track and shooting sports.
     Cristian Martinez, a freshman at BGM who started wrestling in eighth grade a year ago, holds a 17-22 record. He wrestles in the 113 pound weight class.
      He got interested in the sport of wrestling while playing football at BGM and hearing about pro athletes talking about how wrestling has helped them be better players.
       “I’m looking forward to giving my best,” he said of wrestling at state.
       In addition to wrestling, Martinez enjoys playing soccer.
       BGM Wrestling Coach Wyatt Bauman said making it to state is a big deal for these students athletes.
“It’s a goal that many try to achieve, but few attain,” said Bauman. “I’m very proud of our three qualifiers. They’ve been in the wrestling room all season working to improve on and off the mat. I wish them the best of luck and I’m excited to see what we can accomplish in Des Moines.”
 
IHSAA State Championships Results for BGM – Wednesday, Feb. 14
     1A-106
Hunter Hodina (35-10) place is unknown and scored 4.0 team points.

• Champ. Round 1 - Hunter Hodina (BGM, Brooklyn) 35-10 won by fall over Justice Norman (East Union) 30-18 (Fall 2:50)
• Champ. Round 2 - Crosby Yoder (Logan-Magnolia) 42-1 won by fall over Hunter Hodina (BGM, Brooklyn) 35-10 (Fall 1:52)

1A-113
Cristian Martinez (17-23) place is unknown and scored 0.0 team points.

• Champ. Round 1 - Tommy Booth (Pleasantville) 41-4 won by fall over Cristian Martinez (BGM, Brooklyn) 17-23 (Fall 2:58)
• Cons. Round 1 - Cristian Martinez (BGM, Brooklyn) 17-23 received a bye () (Bye)

1A-165
Mason Maschmann (27-6) place is unknown and scored 0.0 team points.

• Champ. Round 1 - Hunter Sauer (Alburnett) 42-12 won by fall over Mason Maschmann (BGM, Brooklyn) 27-6 (Fall 4:35)
• Cons. Round 1 - Mason Maschmann (BGM, Brooklyn) 27-6 received a bye () (Bye)