Senior Ben Roman finished his wrestling career on the state podium this weekend as a 5th place medalist in the 285 pound weight category at the 2023 WIAA Individual State Wrestling Tournament.

Ben started the tournament off by pinning Waupun’s Owen Kooima in 3:30. He then fought a tough match against Gunner Hoffman from Neilsville, but lost by fall. In the consolation round, Roman won by decision 3-0 against Catholic Memorial’s Jae ‘Shaun Thomas. He then lost by fall to Freedom’s Hunter Vander Heiden in the consolation semifinals, and then finished his career with a sudden victory over Chilton/Hilbert’s Logan See, which clinched him a 5th place medal and a spot on the state podium.

“I was relieved that I ended up doing better than last year,” Roman, who placed 7th as a junior, said. “I always wrestled in every match like it was my last one, and I think that is what helped me do better this year.”

Roman hopes to continue his athletic career in college next year, wherever he ends up going.