Peterson finished the season with a record of 29-9.
Fitterer made an impressive run at state, winning three consecutive matches, pinning the No. 2 rated wrestler in the state in the semifinals and dropping a 2-0 decision to the top-ranked individual in the finals.
Fitterer, who finished 35-5, started by pinning senior David Skiba of Pierz (19-9) in 3:30. He scored a 10-3 decision over Tanner Tappe (29-15), a sophomore from Frazee, in the quarterfinals, and in the semifinals pinned Trent Esping (32-7) of Minneota in 1:02.
The championship bout was a wire-to-wire defensive battle with Tanner Welsh, the top-ranked senior from Dover-Eyota who finished 42-2.
“Welsh is a very disciplined wrestler and is very hard to get out of position,” said Larson. “Wyatt had a couple opportunities to score in the match, but Welsh was just good enough to stop him. We are all very proud of what Wyatt has accomplished this season. I know that the top of the podium is what Wyatt wanted, but I hope he realizes he has done something phenomenal.”
“For me, it was just a normal weekend for wresting,” said Fitterer. “Even though it was the ‘state tournament,’ you can't let that freak you out because different outcomes start to go through your head and you won’t wrestle to your best ability. My first goal was to win my first match. My second goal was, I wanted to place. These goals helped me stay focused and determined throughout the tournament.”
For Peterson, state was an unfortunate end to a great career.
“It is extremely unfortunate for Cordell to be a senior who is capable of being a place winner, and just have a match that didn't go well and that is the only chance you get,” said Larson. “I am proud of what he has done for us, but I feel a little bad because he deserves more than a one-and-out. He is a great guy and has had a great career with us.”
Fitterer said it’s tough to see the season end.
“Coming back from my elbow injury last season, I just had to prove that much more,” said Fitterer. “And I feel like I did. I just want to thank my teammates and my coaches through all my years of wresting. And I'm proud to be a Panther wrestler.”
And the Panthers are proud to claim him.
