Post Messenger Recorder -

The Sugar River Raiders Wrestling team is proud to be sending two of its teammates on to the State Championships. Mason Mau (Belleville) and Joe Quaglia (New Glarus) have both put in their share of hard work this year and hope to see their efforts pay off at the Division II State Tournament, held over the Valentine's Day weekend at Adams-Friendship High School. Beyond the glories of qualifying for the state championship, it is also really wonderful to see both a freshman, Mason, who is starting his wrestling career, and a senior, Joe, who is finishing his time on the mat, share in this incredible achievement. Add the backdrop of a global pandemic, and this chance at competition for the two young men becomes even more sensational! Win, lose, or draw, it will be a story for Mason and Joe to share for all time. As the two plan to fight for their chance at a win, their struggles on the mat on the road to the state championship is really symbolic of a year living through the hardships of COVID-19. And, as one can see, these two just do not let set-backs get in their way!

Mason has had a tremendous freshman year and a great start to his high school career as a wrestler. He has put in many, many hours wrestling and working out during the off season in order to prepare himself up for incredible success. He is a goal oriented individual who sets his sights very high. He is also a wonderful teammate - he works hard to help his teammates improve at every practice.

His coach, Peter Swenson, acknowledges he is a tough competitor, "Mason is an awesome individual who does not back down from tough competition, but rather takes on the challenge. This helps him take steps on being the best he can be on and off the mat."

Mason's stats are: 11-1 (only loss was 3-2 to the Sectional champion), led the team in pins with 7, and did not give up any points in the regular season.

Joe Quaglia is a senior and is now a 3X state qualifier for the Raiders wrestling team. He has quite a legacy to be proud of as he finishes his high school wrestling career - Joe has amassed over 100 victories over his time on the mat in high school. Coach Swenson is proud of all Quaglia has brought to the Sugar River Raiders Wrestling team and speaks highly of this young man's work for the team.

"He is a determined individual who has helped guide many of the underclassmen, and set the bar high as well."

Joe's stats are currently: 12-2 for the year, and has led the team in takedown and reversals. Upon graduation from high school, Joe is planning to attend Florida Gulf Coast University in the fall.

Seeing a freshman and a senior make it to the Division II State Tournament together this year really stands as a metaphor for mentorship and working together for a common goal. Struggling with COVID-19 really has helped us learn to break down barriers as we all want to find the best way to succeed in the face of adversity. Watching a freshman and a senior step up together from different communities to compete for a state title shows us that we are all capable of going the distance in difficult times to pass the torch to the next generation. Both Mason and Joe exemplify what it means to be a great role model for their teammates and there will be a great number of fans cheering them on from both the Belleville and New Glarus communities - even if their cheers are through COVID-safe virtual platforms!

Mason Mau gained valuable experience at this year's state tournament. He did go 0-2 on the day. This experience is valuable for his future returns.

Joe Quaglia

"Mason had a tremendous season and I am looking forward to him see him compete," said Coach Swenson. "He has set the bar high for himself, but he's the type of kid who looks forward to challenging himself and his teammates."

Joe Quaglia ended the day 2-2 and placed 5th at state! His first loss was to the eventual state champion and second loss to the 3rd place finisher. In his fifth place match, he was able to redeem a loss from last week.

"I am so happy for Joe! He has put in a tremendous amount of time and effort over the last four years and to end on the podium at the state tournament is a huge accomplishment," said Coach Swenson. "Especially in this challenging season, Joe, and the team, did everything right. He will leave as one of the best wrestlers to put on a Sugar River wrestling singlet. He will be missed, but I know he will be successful with anything he does."