State Bank Financial Senior Spotlight

Parents’ names: Daryl and Brenda Sternweis

Siblings: Brooke Sternweis, Autumn Sternweis, Brittney Sternweis, Aaron Sternweis, Justin Sternweis and Heather Heiman

Position or events:

I wrestle at 138 lbs and played outside linebacker in football.

Career highlight:

My team placing second at team state my freshman year. It was a fun experience with great teammates and something I will always remember.

At what age did you start playing your main sport?

Around nine years old. I started in fourth grade.

Who introduced you to the sport?

My uncle Adam Sternweis, my dad Daryl Sternweis and my brother Justin Sternweis.

Has this always been your favorite sport?

Wrestling is different from other sports. In football, someone else might miss a tackle or drop a pass. On the mat, it is only you and your opponent. Every day I want to get back to practice and improve while working toward my goals. Wrestling has highs and lows, but I would not trade it for anything. The lessons and memories mean the most to me.

How has balancing academics and athletics been different from freshman to senior year?

School stayed a priority every season. Freshman year was a tough transition while learning how to manage classes and sports with a lighter workload. Sophomore year raised expectations with advanced college level classes and more work. Senior year brought the hardest schedule with mostly college level classes while competing. Time management improved, but the workload increased.

What is your favorite part of this sport?

The relationships and memories. I met people who share the same passion. They taught me a lot, and I try to pass those lessons on. I am thankful for my team, family and community.

What has kept you in the sport this long?

Wrestling has always been part of my life. My brother and coach Justin Sternweis has had a strong impact on my career. He has always been in my corner and guided me every day in the room. My best friends wrestle, the team culture is strong, and my passion for the sport stays high.

What is your biggest asset as an athlete?

My coachability. Coaches taught many techniques over the years, and focusing on them led to my success. Head coach Cody See says you do not need 100 moves, only a few in each position mastered. The coaches support me every day, and I would not be where I am without them.

How does it feel to look back on your growth as a senior?

As a freshman, I relied on strength at 106 pounds. As I got older, I focused more on technique. I cared more about daily improvement than the final result.

Any coaches or teammates you want to recognize?

Coaches: Justin Sternweis, Cody See, Chad Deno, Anthony Knable, Mitch Hertel, Doug Forest, Dan Brun, Paul Needham and Curt Wozniak.

Teammates: Easton Ledden, Owen Griesbach, Hoyt Blazkowski, Brett Franklin, Garret Willuweit, Adrian Kruger, Caleb Dennee, Josh Taylor, Bob Shearer and Jace Kelnhofer.

Hobbies outside of sports:

Farming and wrestling share many similarities. I grew up on a 400 cow family dairy farm in the Marshfield area. Farm life taught me discipline through long summer days and cold winter mornings. It taught me to stay agile and flexible because plans change often. At the end of everyday, we are doing it together. This shaped who I am today.

Favorite song:

“Hell Yeah” by Rev Theory. I listened to it as my pre-match warm up song around 200 times during my freshman and sophomore seasons. I only used it on special occasions during my junior and senior years. It stayed a secret, and the team has wanted to know for years.

Future plans:

I will attend Augsburg University in Minnesota to pursue a business management degree with the opportunity to wrestle for the Auggies.