Senior Otto Anglemyer and sophomore Andrew Helbach claimed conference wrestling titles for the Amherst Falcons at the 2026 Central Wisconsin Conference Meet held Sat., Feb. 7, at host Wittenberg-Birnamwood.

Amherst finished fifth out of 11 teams with a score of 59 points despite entering only four wrestlers in the meet; Weyauwega-Fremont took the top spot with 256 points followed by Shiocton and Wittenberg-Birnamwood, respectively. 

Amherst Wrestling Coach Max Villnow heaped high praise on his wrestlers who though small in numbers enjoyed some big moments this season with a hopeful trip to Madison for the state finals remaining on this season’s calendar. 

“Otto is a very solid and experienced wrestler who put in countless hours improving as a wrestler over the years. With 134 wins, he is fourth in Amherst history and closing in on third quickly. He brings a 38-10 record into sectionals and will look to punch his ticket to the state tournament,” Villnow said. 

Helbach has already racked up 71 career wins and counting. “Andrew has put in lots of work over the offseason and remains driven. He has a motor that just doesn’t stop,” said Villnow. “He will take his 40-9 record into sectionals and look to become a state qualifier.” 

“It has been great to spend my last year with this group of young men,” said Anglemyer as he prepared for the sectionals and a potential state bid. “I love the sport and my team and hope each and every one can go all the way.”

Low numbers but lots of heart

With just a handful of wrestlers, and no depth to fill all the weight classes, the team was nevertheless competitive throughout the course of the season. 

“I would say the season had its ups and downs mostly because of having fluctuating numbers on the team; but other than that, I think for having 6 to 7 guys on the team we did pretty good,” said Helbach. 

Senior Captain Aiden Winn concurred with Helbach’s assessment: “Each of us showed up, and even with how few people we had this season, we beat teams with double our numbers. We all worked hard and it shows. I’d like to highlight Andrew Helbach, he had a phenomenal season, earning his first of multiple yet-to-come conference titles. Keep an eye on him. I’m proud of how everyone did.”

Villnow appreciated Winn’s leadership as a captain. “A second year captain for us, he has been a great leader,” said Villnow. “Aiden seems like he is always in a good mood, no matter what’s going on. Aiden took fourth at our conference tournament, and with 21 wins so far this year, he will push to make it through sectionals this weekend.”

Wrestlers Ben Blanco, Everet Elizalde, and Tyler Johnson enjoyed their share of highlights as well. 

Blanco went 10-10 this season after picking up the sport again two years ago. “Ben’s a guy who will work hard, won’t complain, and is always asking questions, trying to get better,” Villnow said. 

“Everet has taken a good step up from his solid freshman season. He just took fifth at the CWC conference tournament. He will take a 24-17 record into the sectionals at Peshtigo and work to claim a spot at state,” Villnow said. 

Johnson had a solid sophomore season, and was wrestling well when he sustained an injury that ended his season. “Tyler finished his season with a solid 20-14 record and is planning to come back stronger next season and build on the progress he has made this year,” said Villnow. 

Leaving it on the mat: Landon Wenzel, who graduated at semester, wrapped up his career with a final match in front of the partisans at a home triangular in mid-January. As is customary in wrestling, he officially retired from the sport by unlacing his shoes and leaving them in the middle of the mat, an emotional moment shared with his family and teammates. Wenzel finished his career with a record of 53-23. 

“Landon had a great senior season to finish his career as he amassed a 24-9 record to finish his senior season. He got the rare opportunity to finish his career with a win at home. It was very cool to see him go out strong and leave his shoes on the mat,” Villnow said.