By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current
The 2024-2025 Geneseo High School wrestling season is a season to remember for team members and coaches.
In less than two months of the current season, three wrestlers have reached the 100-win-mark, and most recently, Kye Weinzierl, a junior at GHS, joined the two seniors who hit that goal, Tim Sebastian in December, and Devan Hornback in January.
Weinzierl, son of Brad and Jami Weinzierl, reached the elite group at the Western Big 6 Conference Finals held Jan. 31 in Sterling, when he wrestled Deanthony Simpson of Moline.
The 175-pound Weinzierl said a memory he has of that night “was when I walked off the mat and my teammates, coaches, and family all congratulated me. All of the Geneseo fans had 100-2in signs and it meant a lot to see al of that support.”
Kyle Weinzierl not only claimed a championship at the Western Big 6 Conference wrestling meet, he also reached his 100th-win. Submitted Photo
When asked his thoughts about wrestling being an individual sport, Weinzierl agreed, but added, “Wrestling is an individual sport, but having a great supporting staff of teammates is what makes you better everyday. I have been blessed with amazing teammates who are always there for me and each other.”
He began wrestling when he was in preschool and continues to be involved in the sport as well as in football and baseball.
“I chose to wrestle because I have a lot of energy and love to push myself day-in and day-out,” he said.
It’s evident with his success that wrestling is a very important part of the young athlete’s life and he said, “Wrestling means a lot to me. I have made so many great friends from it over the years and love the challenge of pushing myself every day to become a better person on and off the mat. Our coaching staff has impacted my career a tremendous amount. They are there for me during my highs and lows and they push me to be better every day.”
Weinzierl shared a favorite memory from his many years of wrestling was “going to tournaments every weekend with my Dad when I was little.”
He has qualified for the State wrestling competition in both his freshman and sophomore years at GHS…In my sophomore year, my goal was to place and I came up short,” he said. “Coming up short has fueled me to push myself and get better every day.”
His advice to younger wrestlers is “Stay with it, it’s not always easy but the work will pay off eventually.”
When asked about his favorite food, he answered, “Steak.”
He also shared when the wrestling season is over, he looks forward to “playing baseball, lifting weights and eating a lot of food.”