There were many eyes on Matt Bianchi Saturday and the Two Rivers High School senior wrestler did not disappoint.
The Raiders athlete who entered the State Division-2 meet at Adams-Friendship with a 147-10 career record accomplished what he set out to do: win a 4th State Wrestling title.
Entering the 3rd period of the 145 lb championship match against Lodi sophomore Zach Licht & needing a takedown to win it, wrestling correspondent Terry Stake called the final seconds of the match via live streaming when Bianchi earned the match-sealing takedown, did a backflip, and became the 19th wrestler in Wisconsin high school history to win four state titles in his career.
After capturing the 4-peat, Matti said it “feels so amazing and just like a little stress relief. It feels awesome to accomplish it.”
Bianchi was also asked about the hard-work necessary to do what he did. “It’s just been a grind all year long,” he explained. “You maybe take a few weeks here and there to rest your body but it’s a 365, 24 hour thing. Eating healthy, getting your workouts in. I was lifting in the morning and having really tough practices at night.”
And, on becoming a 4-time champ during this very uncommon season, Bianchi said, “It was a little different, but I just kept on telling myself this season is going to happen. So, in wanting to be completely prepared I kept adapting to whatever they threw at us because they weren’t going to stop us.”
Bianchi’s legacy began in 2018 with a title at 113, followed by the 132-pound victory in 2019, and last year’s win in the 138-pound weight class.
Radier teammate Bailey Thelen finished runner-up in State competition as well.
