NEW GLARUS — The COVID-19 pandemic has flustered high school athletic programs across the entire country, including Wisconsin. For co-op programs, like the Sugar River Raiders, the county-by-county restrictions vary enough that one school is rendered unable to compete for at least a portion of the season. The program is made up of New Glarus and Belleville high schools, but Belleville, located in Dane County, has to follow different protocols than New Glarus does in Green County.
“Being in Dane County, we have very limited restrictions when it comes to practicing and competing,” said Peter Swenson, entering his 11th year at the helm of the Sugar River program. “At this point, we will not be able to host any dual meets or tournaments. So, we have to be creative and keep our positive mind-set through this season.”
Swenson said he’s unsure of what to expect for competition in the Capitol Conference “since many teams will have limited numbers this season due to the virus.”
The Raiders return a handful of wrestlers from last year, plus some talented freshman. Leading the way is Joe Quaglia, a two-time state qualifier, three-time sectional qualifier and the winner of three conference championships.
Quaglia finished his junior season 36-8 and sits just six wins shy of the career 100-wins milestone.
“This would met in a normal season, so we will have to see what happens this season,” Swenson said.
Also back for Sugar River are junior Avery Lettman (15-16), Matthew Loshaw (10-9), Alonso Vega (8-10) and Patrick Samon (4-10). New to the varsity program are six freshman, Mason Mau, Aiden Hatelberg, Alex Zielinski, Carson Loshaw, Jacob Walker and Lincoln Bair.
Swenson said his team’s strengths will lie in the leadership of the upper classmen, as well as the freshmen class being well-rounded in skill. He hopes his team can get in as many matches as possible.
Last year, the Raiders were just 1-7 in dual meets and finished third in the Capitol South and fifth in the conference tournament at the end of the season. Quaglia and Robert Chenoweth each qualified for sections. Chenoweth, a three-time sectional qualifier and two-time conference champion, graduated in the spring.
