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10 YEARS AGO (2000):  Bismarck Tribune 12/3/2010

A risk, yes. But Bismarck's Math Bitz made it a calculated risk based on solid evidence.

And when Bitz's gamble paid off, the ripple effect carried all the way through to the team championship in the 30th annual Mandan Lions Wrestling Tournament.

Bitz trailed Century's Eric Sabot 2-1 when Sabot chose down to start the third period in the 130-pound title match.

Bitz elected to let Sabot go, thus falling behind 3-1. But 1:10 later, Bitz took Sabot down to tie the match at 3-3. And in overtime, Bitz scored another takedown for a 5-3 win.

With Bitz's victory, the Demons picked up four team points and moved ahead of Sturgis, S.D., 255.5-251 in the hectic fight for first place. Bismarck never gave up the lead, finishing with 266.5 points. Sturgis had 261.

Ah, yes....my little brother Math, the wrestler. To much of my mother's disapproval he began wrestling at the age of 5 with great influence from my father.

Math pronounced Matt-short for Mathias was not very fond of the sport in his early years-it wasn't till later in life he figured out he wasn't ever going to be big enough to be the professional baseball player he had always dreamed of being but realized he had a talent and that talent was wrestling.

Math put forth all his effort as he did with anything he wanted to accomplished and gave wrestling his life. I always believed my dad was living inside of him helping him to full fill a passion my dad had for the sport.

Math, one of the most humble of persons I have ever met was a level headed team player, who knew stats on any person or team he was up against.

He won matches and lost matches with an attitude of what can i do better next time. He prepared for each match and tournament with the same determination and attitude each and every time. He knew going in whether he won or lost that he wrestled his all.

It was because of  this determination to always improve and strive to do better that I have always admired in him.

He was voted wrestler of the year his senior year in high school not only for his wrestling achievements but also for his academic record and his positive leadership he showed as a varsity captain. In 2001 he was named to Wrestling USA Magazine's High School All-American Team with academic honors.



Math 2001 3rd Time State Champion-Wrestler of the Year



His ultimate goal in his wrestling career was to achieve All-American status at the collegiate level.In 2005 he got his chance and wrestled for 3rd place with a shoulder that would later need surgery and pulled off a 3-2 victory. At last, all he had worked for and hoped to achieve in his wrestling career was his.  It was a moment that will stick with me forever.



2005 NCAA Div II Wrestling Nationals 3rd Place Finish



Our family and friends put on many many miles in Math's 19 year wrestling career. I would do it all over again to see him achieve his All-American Collegiate goal. I am so proud of you Math and all your accomplishments.



May 5, 1990 1st Place Mat Pac Fargo Tournament