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Josh Ringler, Eli Peiffer, Alex Peiffer & Jack Vitek By J.O. Parker
Four Grinnell High School prep wrestlers, including two brothers, will compete at the state wrestling tournament at the Casey’s Center in Des Moines, Feb. 18-21. The four wrestlers will take to the mat in their respective weight classes in Class 2A beginning at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 19. Josh Ringler, a junior, and Jack Vitek, a junior, will be joined by brothers, Eli Peiffer, and Alex Peiffer, at state competition. Eli is a sophomore and Alex is a senior at Grinnell. Josh Ringler Ringler wrestles in the 190 pound weight class and is competing at state for the second time in as many years. When asked, Ringler said it’s a big deal to get back to state, since he didn’t place last year. “The goal is to win this year,” he said. Ringler holds a 46-1 regular season record heading into state competition. Ringler is the son of Justin and Amy Ringler and has been wrestling since age 5. Ringler said he has been working hard to improve his skills during the off season on the mat and not focusing as much time on who he might be wrestling. “Taking four guys to state this year is a big deal for the Grinnell Wrestling program and the school,” said Ringler. Eli Peiffer Eli wrestles in the 120 pound class and has been wrestling since age 5. This is his second year to compete at state wrestling and the first year with his brother, Alex. “It’s a big deal to make it to state for a second time,” he said. “I put in extra time in the off season and decided not to look ahead to who my opponents might be.” Eli holds as 31-22 regular season record. When asked what he enjoys the most about wrestling, Eli said the adrenalin of the sport, especially in a close match or when he wins a big match. Eli is the son of Nick and Kara Peiffer. Eli said it is important to have a good support who looks out for you and guides you throughout the season. “My teammates support me and give me high fives whether I win or lose,” said Eli. Alex Peiffer Like his brother, Alex, the older brother of Eli, has been wrestling since he was age 5. This is his first trip to state. Alex finished the regular season with a 35-21 record. Alex is the son of Nick and Kara Peiffer “We have always wrestled and being able to reach state together has been a goal of ours,” said Alex. “We are close to each other,” said Alex. Eli added that the duo wanted to make it to state last year, but fell a little short. “It’s a big deal and it means a lot to wrestle and compete together,” noted Eli. When asked, Alex said he likes the competitiveness of the sport. He added that making it to state and having a good time is what the sport is all about. “It’s one person against another,” he said. Jack Vitek Vitek wrestles in the 144 pound weight class. He currently holds a 28-18 regular season record. He has been wrestling about six years and this is his first trip to state wrestling. Vitek is the son of Martin and Kyla Vitek. When asked about qualifying for state, Vitek said it’s been his goal since his sophomore season to reach state. “I put in extra hours in the off season and do my best to not look ahead,” he said. Vikek believes it’s important to have a good support team to guide the team through the season. “We have a nice group of kids who are wrestling their best at the right time,” noted Grinnell Head Wrestling Coach Tony Farmer. “This is the second year in a row that we have had a wrestler qualify from the fourth seed. That opens kids' eyes to the idea that if you compete well on the right day, you can outwrestle your seed. That will be important at state when we aren't favored in many of our early matches. Seeds are on paper; there will be upsets. If our guys believe they can win, they have a shot to pull off big wins.” “It's going to be fun to see our guys battle the best wrestlers in the state,” added Farmer.
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