MADISON — Vinny Anderson’s first — and only — state wrestling tournament didn’t go as planned for the Platteville senior, but after falling behind early he battled to the very end.
     Anderson was taken to his back in the first 30 seconds of his 182-pound Division 2 preliminary match Thursday night against Danny Dobbs of the Melrose–Mindoro/Gale–Ettrick–Trempeleu co-op, essentially spotting Dobbs a 5–0 lead.
     From there the match was all Anderson, but the early hole was too much to dig out of. Dobbs held on for a 7–5 victory that ended Anderson’s career.
     The only other points Dobbs scored in the match were escapes, as he went on the defensive to protect his lead.
Anderson (26–9) was the aggressor the entire match, and in the closing seconds of the third period was close to getting a head throw takedown that would have tied the match.
     “If we would have had a few more seconds we would have got it and had a chance in overtime,” said Belmont/Platteville head coach Andrew Campbell.
     Dobbs lost his next two matches and did not place.
     Anderson finished his career with a record of 69–43.
     “Overall I was very impressed with Vinny this season,” said Campbell. “Vinny did not start wrestling until his freshman year and only won two matches that year. I think that shows how far he has come, and I hope it shows to others in Belmont and Platteville just how far you can go if you are willing to put in the hard work every day. Vinny was one of the hardest workers I have ever seen in the wrestling room, and when you have a kid like that it makes coaching much nicer.”

WIAA Division 2 State Championships
(from Thursday-Saturday, Feb. 21-23
@ Kohl Center, Madison)
Belmont/Platteville state qualifiers
182 — Vincent Anderson (26-9) place is unknown and scored 0.00 team points.
Champ. Round 1 - Danny Dobbs (Melrose-Mind./G.-E.-T.) 35-8 won by decision over Vincent Anderson (Belmont/Platteville) 26-9 (Dec 7-5)