CONTINUING HIS CAREER — Blue Earth Area’s Ty Peterson, shown wrestling during the 2021 Section 2A Individual Meet in Blue Earth, signed a national letter of intent to grapple for the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire BluGolds in the upcoming collegiate season. (Photo by Charlie Sorrells/Sentinel Archives)

BLUE EARTH — The Blue Earth Area High School Class of 2021 continues to produce college athletes.

Ty Peterson became the most recent Bucs’ athlete to continue their sports journey when he committed to the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire to keep his wrestling career going with the BluGolds’ program.

Peterson said he chose Eau Claire because he wanted to be a key piece in a growing program.

“They’re an up-and-coming program,” Peterson said. “In my high school career, I didn’t feel like I got as far as I would have liked to and I want to just keep going.”

Peterson will join a program that finished second in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference team tournament in 2021 and produced its first individual conference champion — Jake Drexler at 149 pounds — since 2006.

The BluGolds went 4-3 in their COVID-shortened dual-meet season before their second-place finish, while the NCAA Division III team and individual regionals and championships were cancelled.

Peterson said he was able to visit the Eau Claire campus, which he enjoyed, and is looking forward to joining a program full of great teammates and coaches.

Peterson won two matches in the 113-pound bracket at the 2020 MSHSL state tournament in his best finish during individual action. He then jumped to 138 pounds during his senior season and placed sixth at the Section 2A-3A crossover that took the place of the final rounds of the section tournament because of reworking for COVID-19.

Peterson said as he continues his career, he has high goals.

“Long term, by the time I graduate, I probably want to be an All-American,” Peterson said.

Off the mat, Peterson said he will be going for a degree in exercise science with the goal of becoming a physical therapist.

“I’ve had to go to physical therapy a few times,” Peterson said. “I really enjoyed it and want to do it.”

As he looks back on his lengthy high school wrestling career, Peterson said one memory stuck out as his favorite.

“The first round at state (in 2020),” Peterson said. “I beat a guy who was ranked (Minneota’s Eric Carrasco).” Peterson defeated Carrasco by a 10-7 decision.

Peterson’s high school success didn’t only come as an individual, he played a key role in helping the Bucs take third as a team in the 2020 dual-meet state tournament.

Peterson pinned Tracy-Milroy-Balaton/Westbrook-Walnut Grove’s Alexander Schuh in 5:29 to help the Bucs build their 36-26 win and place third. That was after Peterson was one of five Bucs to win during the team’s semifinal loss to eventual champion Long Prairie-Grey Eagle/Browerville.

Peterson said wrestling helped him stay focused through school and stay determined to be better at everything he does.

Peterson said all of the hard work that goes into being a good wrestler is his favorite part of the sport and will help drive him during his college career.

Peterson said he is grateful to have been part of the BEA wrestling program during his high school career.

“I’m really glad I had the coaches,” Peterson said. “They always wanted the best for everyone and they pushed everyone to be better.”