Chris Caporale, sports@wolfrivermedia.com
Leader Photo by Chris Caporale Bonduel High School Wrestling Hall of Fame inductees, from left, Randy Godin, Renee Godin and Dusty DeLorme were recognized Thursday for their contributions to the wrestling program over the years.
Bonduel High School head coach Chris Rank knew Thursday’s wrestling meet against Wittenberg-Birnamwood was going to be his team’s most difficult home dual meet of the season.
He decided to make it alumni night in hopes a packed gym could help energize his team.
It didn’t work, as the Bears fell, 51-18, but there was plenty of energy as the program inducted three people into its Hall of Fame: Randy and Renee Godin, parents of two former wrestlers and a current manager, and Dusty DeLorme, a 2005 BHS graduate who was the Bears’ first four-time regional champion.
“(The Godins), from day one, have dove in and just done so much. They’ve been instrumental in us hosting our sectionals,” Rank said. “It was an easy choice to pick those two as far as fans and parents to come in and induct them. They are just great people. Any time you ask them to do something, they’re going to be there for you.”
DeLorme recorded the seventh-most wins in program history at 131.
“We’ve had a couple four-timers (regional champions) since then, but that’s pretty amazing what he’s done in his four years with us,” Rank said.
Rank sees some of those traits in his current wrestlers, and expects some of them to earn just as many accolades a DeLorme did in his four-year career.
“As soon as I got done with handing out those awards, we got together before we wrestled, and I said, ‘I wonder how many of you guys are going to make the Hall of Fame some day,’ Rank said. “I’m certain there will be some.”
Rank said a big match like Thursday’s, with the bleachers crowded for the meet and the Hall of Fame induction, creates more excitement around the program and helps sustain it.
“We want to fill these stands so these kids are excited about coming out here and competing,” Rank said.