Falls’ Chappa mines wrestling gold

MADISON – Sheboygan Falls Falcons senior Ben Chappa claimed a gold medal by winning the state championship in the 152-pound weight class at the WIAA Division 2 State Individual Wrestling Championships at the Kohl Center Saturday, Feb. 27.

Chappa (34-2 overall), a four-year state qualifier, succeeded in his final visit to state by controlling Dusty Jentz (43-4) of Belmont/Platteville from the start to notch a 6-2 victory and gain the first state title for a Falls wrestler since 1986, when Jerry Michael racked up a perfect 30-0 record.

“The feeling is great,” said Chappa. “All the sweat, blood, extra time and work put into this sport paid off.

“My dad was my motivator,” he said. “He pushed me.”

From the time Chappa walked onto the Kohl Center floor, during the Champion’s March, his focus was on winning the best way he knew how – to take control of his opponent and never let up.

Chappa accomplished his goal in his usual manner, taking Jentz to the mat with an early takedown to post a 2-0 lead in the first round.

After Jentz decided to remain up in the second round, Chappa dropped him again for another takedown to gain a 4-0 lead, after two rounds.

A reversal by Chappa put the match in his hands, as he moved ahead 6-0. Jentz countered back with a late reversal, as Chappa worked to protect his win.

“It’s one thing when everyone expects me to win, but I do this my way and never take anything for granted,” Chappa said. “I want to thank everyone for their support, my coaches especially for believing in me, my dad and mom and all of the Falcon wrestlers, who are a part of this medal.”

Most of all, Chappa wanted to thank fellow wrestler, classmate and friend Nathan Brown.

Brown, who had also qualified for state at 125 pounds, suffered disappointment in the preliminaries, losing his first two matches on Friday.

“He could have hung his head, but he came back and cheered me on,” stated Chappa. “He was there for me and decided to help me win.”

Chappa’s quest for the gold started with a 3-0 win over Vince Racanelli (40-8) of Jefferson, putting him into the semi-final round.

In the semi’s, Chappa wasted little time in taking the advantage en route to a 4-1 victory over Josiah Brendemuehl (45-5) of Mishicot, which propelled him into the finals.

“This young man has worked extremely hard,” said Falcons coach Fred Brown. “I watched him from middle school, when he took a state championship in eighth grade.

“It was a privilege to have coach such a great individual,” he said.

Although Chappa succeeded, his journey didn’t come without injuries and worries that his career could be cut short.

In 2008, he overcame a shoulder injury and he sprained his knee early in the 2009-10 season. Chappa wouldn’t let those setbacks step in the way of his ultimate wrestling goal of becoming a state champion.