Ridgewater is
looking to build on the success they have enjoyed the past four
seasons. The Warriors have placed in the top five the past four years
including a national championship to their credit. Last season they
placed fourth at the NWCA National Dual Meet Championships and fifth in
the NJCAA III National Championships.
The Warriors look to be led by returning All-American Jarret Hall
(165), National Qualifier Brian Bielke (125), National Qualifier Justin
Turek (149), National Qualifier Cody Pahan (174), and National
Qualifier Ben Thonvold.
The Warriors also have high expectations for sophomore Jimmy Marx
(three-time South Dakota state champion), sophomore Scott Thompson
(state champion), freshman Greg Skerik (217 career high school wins),
and freshman Brandon Schunk (three-time state finalist)
125 pounds -- Returning sophomore and national qualifier Brian Beilke
(Sauk Centre, MN) looks to earn his first All-American honors in
2006-2007. He will be challenged by sophomore Jimmy Marx, a three-time
state champion from Webster, SD.
133 pounds -- Three men look to earn the starting spot for this
season’s squad. Freshman Brandon Schunk (Wabbasso, MN) plans on
improving on his decorated high school career, (2nd, 2nd, 1st). Also
challenging for the starting spot at 133 will be Cole Cooreman, (Tracy,
MN) a three-time Minnesota state qualifier along with Ben Kuhns of
Olivia, MN.
141 pounds -- Bemidji high school standout Greg Skerik leads the pack
at 141. Greg comes to Ridgewater with an outstanding high school career
with two trips to the Minnesota State tournament podium, (3rd and 4th),
along with wrapping up 214 high school wins. Also challenging for the
141 pound spot will be returning sophomore Chad Listul (Clarkfield,
MN). Chad returns with an experienced career including three trips to
the Minnesota State Tournament, with a 3rd and 4th place finish.
149 pounds -- Three returning sophomores will battle for the spot at
149. Leading the pack is returning national qualifier Justin Turek (New
Prague, MN) who looks to earn his first All-American honors this
season. His challengers include two-time state qualifier Blaine Weber
(Granite Falls, MN), and Donovan Walz (Lamberton, MN).
157 pounds -- The stage is set for a battle at 157 with two returning
sophomores and an incoming freshman. Wade Cruser (Sauk Rapids, MN) who
saw a lot of action last season is the frontrunner in the race. Jason
Schueller (Dawson, MN), who also saw limited action last season for the
warrior squad, looks to challenge for the starting spot. Incoming
freshman Michael Ourada (Wabbasso, MN) will also be a contender for the
spot.
165 pounds -- Sophomore Jarrett Hall (Greenbush, MN) looks to better
his 2005 NJCAA 3rd place finish. After taking a red-shirt year in 05-06
due to injury, Hall plans on following in the footsteps of former high
school teammate Josh Janousek and be the second athlete from Greenbush
to earn national championship honors.
174 pounds -- Returning national qualifier Cody Pahan, (Glenwood, MN)
is in the hunt for his first All-American honors at 174. He will have a
tough battle with sophomore Scott Thompson (Benson, MN) hot on his
heals. Thompson saw limited action last season after completing his
high school career being Benson’s first state champion.
184 pounds -- Returning sophomore Ted Saatzer, (Mound, MN) is the lone
challenger at 184. After spending last season as a close second to
national qualifier Chris Sogge, Ted intends on improving his career
credentials to include All-American honors.
197 pounds -- Incoming freshman Brad Salveson, (Maple Lake, MN) is
intent on continuing his outstanding career at Ridgewater. Brad was a
three-time state entrant and two-time placewinner for Annandale/Maple
Lake.
285 pounds -- Two men look to battle for the heavyweight spot this
season. Returning sophomore and national qualifier Ben
“Thunder” Thonvold (Willmar, MN) is one of the numerous
warriors looking to earn his first All-American honors this season.
Challenging him will be Brent Mason (Bemidji, MN) who has spent the
last two seasons healing up from a knee injury suffered in the 2004
high school state tournament. Brent had three state tournament
appearances in high school.
Head Coach: Jesse Nelson (5th season as head coach)
Career Record: 44-16
Phone 320-222-5569
Assistant Coaches: Jeff Lange, Jim Soine, John Koons
2005-2006 MCCC Conference Record: 8-0
2006 Conference Finish: 1st
2006 NJCAA III: 5th