Brenner takes aim at record-setting third state title

“He’s an absolute hammer.”

Those are the words of Stanley-Boyd wrestling Coach Greg Burzynski, who knows that Blaine Brenner is capable of anything he sets his mind to. And this week, Brenner’s mind is set to becoming the first Stanley- Boyd wrestler to win three state championships.

He and Jon Lechleitner (2004-2005) each have two titles under their belt. Saturday, at the WIAA State Meet slated for Adams-Friendship High School, Brenner will compete for number three. He was the champion at 106 in 2019 and at 120 in 2020. In 2021, he’ll compete at 132, and he’s been ranked first in the state all season.

Brenner will wrestle next year at the University of Minnesota. He wants to go out on top at Stanley-Boyd.

“With the way this year has been, I appreciate anything I get. I’m thankful we have a season. I can’t take it for granted. I’m going to keep working hard, just keep doing what I’ve been doing. The plan is to go out there and win,” Brenner said.

After breezing through the WIAA Regional Meet last week without breaking a sweat, Brenner easily took care of the competition Saturday at the WIAA Sectional meet at Neillsville.

Burzynski said opponents forfeited instead of wrestling Brenner at the Regional meet.

“He pinned his way through the day (at Sectionals). It’s not like last weekend. At least he got matches, but that proves why people duck Blaine. He’s just a hammer,” said Burzynski.

With only about a third of the matches compared to a normal season, the undefeated Brenner wasted little time in sending the message that he’s in top form.

“It was exciting,” said Brenner. “It’s just nice to get in the groove again. I felt pretty smooth. I got to my offense and tried take it to them.”

What does he think about the chance to be the only three-time champ in S-B history?

“I haven’t really thought about it too much but that would be sweet,” he said. “I just want to go out there and work hard and keep winning. That’s the goal.”

For more sports coverage including wrestling sectional and basketball results, see pages 11 and 12

Blaine Brenner on the podium after wrestling for the championship Saturday at the WIAA Sectional Meet. Photo by John McLoone.