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The Guillotine 2003 Academic All-State WrestlersMay 7, 2003 Jeremy Anderson of Thief River Falls, a senior, claims top honors on The Guillotine Academic All-State Wrestling Team. A perfect 4.0 GPA, a 44-0 record, and the 145 pound state championship in Class AA is the right combination for Anderson. Undefeated two-time State Champion Jeff Cooley of Red Rock Central is just a few percentage points behind Anderson on his GPA at 3.96. Cooley is also a senior. The senior class dominates the first team with 19 of the top thirty graduating this spring. Overall there are 61 seniors out of 109 total nominations. Eric Sanders from Wabasha-Kellogg has the most state titles as he became only the second wrestler in Minnesota history to win five state championships. Park Rapids junior Tyler Safratowich is the other multiple state titlist on the Academic All-State team. Eleven of the twelve state champions nominated made the first team. The state champions on the team are Anderson, Cooley, Jacob Bryce of Minnewaska Area, Pete Hayes of Wadena-Deer Creek, Craig Myhre of Minneota, Safratowich, Sanders, Andrew Quittschreiber of Frazee, Kyle Anderson of Simley, Gabe Dretsch of Frazee and Kelly Janke of Frazee. State Champion T. J. Parlin of Austin/Austin Pacelli is on the second team. Of all the wrestlers nominated, twelve list a 4.0 GPA and three were undefeated this season - Cooley, Anderson and Hayes. For the most wins, Trevor Laws of Apple Valley and Kyle Anderson of Simley each had 48 with Laws losing only once this year. Albert Lea has two nominations and both of them have 4.0 GPAs - Josh Hansen and Adam Elseth. Three schools share the lead with six nominations each - Cambridge-Isanti, Goodhue and United South Central. Southland has five nominations and Bertha-Hewitt, Minnewaska, Simley, and Frazee each have four. Frazee has the most first team wrestlers with three of their four nominees making the first team. United South Central has the most total points with Cambridge-Isanti and Goodhue second and third respectively. There are fifty-three schools represented this year. The Guillotine has been recognizing Academic All-State Wrestlers for 25 years now and are very proud to do so. We want to thank the wrestlers for their performances in the classroom and on the mat. Thanks also to the wrestlers, coaches, school staff and parents for getting us the information for the nominations. These wrestlers deserve a lot of recognition for a job well done and we hope they appreciate our efforts. Academic All-State wrestlers each receive a certificate, a letter of recognition and a copy of the May 7th issue of The Guillotine at their school.
Jeremy Anderson, 145Thief River Falls, 12thJeremy Anderson is a 2003 State Champion with a 4.0 GPA. He is a two-time Guillotine Academic All-State wrestler. With a perfect 44-0 season, he finalized his wrestling career with an outstanding 153-31 record. He was a four-time State participant, placing 4th as a junior and 6th when he was a freshman. Wrestling for Coach Kenny Geiser, he placed first at the Big Bear Holiday Tournament, the Northwest Tournament, the Wadena Tournament and the Section 8AA Tournament. Jeremy received the Most Dedicated Wrestler Award and broke the school wins record and most wins for a single season. He was also co-MVP and received the award for the most near-falls with 54. At the NHSCA Senior Nationals in Cleveland, OH, Jeremy was one win away from placing - winning three matches and losing two. Gary and Linda Anderson are his parents. He plans to wrestle in college and study pharmacy. He also plans to continue to help teach wrestling at youth practices. He participates in track in the spring. 
Jeff Cooley, 130Red Rock Central/Westbrook-Walnut Grove, 12thTwo-time State Champion Jeff Cooley had an undefeated season record of 39-0. He was a five-time State Tournament entrant. Jeff was named All-Conference five times. He was named Most Outstanding Wrestler at the 2003 Jackson County Central Tournament and was the 2003 KNUJ Wrestler of the Year. In the1999 State Tournament he placed 2nd. He was a four-time Section 3AA Champion and his varsity career record is 185-36. Jeff is the son of John and Charlene Cooley and his head wrestling coach is Chad Irlbeck. He is a two-time Guillotine Academic All-State wrestler and sports a 3.96 GPA. He plans on wrestling at Southwest State and majoring in Civil Engineering. 
Jacob Bryce, 171Minnewaska Area, 11thJacob Bryce is a 2003 State Champion after placing second in 2002. He is a 2003 MWCA Academic All-State member and a three-time West Central South All-Conference selection. He stood at the top of the award stand at the Grant County Tournament as well as the Willmar Invitational and the Big Ole Tournament. He enjoys a 3.95 GPA and is a member of the National Honor Society. He earned a 37-3 season record with a varsity career record of 102-33. Jacob participates in football, band and jazz band where he plays the trombone. His parents are Alan and Pat Bryce. "Jacob will be attending college in pursuit of a pre-med degree," states head wrestling coach Wes Tessman, "he's also interested in wrestling in college." 
Pete Hayes, 140Wadena-Deer Creek, 12thFour-time state tournament entrant, Pete Hayes earned a perfect season record of 40-0. Pete was a four-time Section 7AA Champion, placing 5th as a freshman at State, 4th as a sophomore and junior, and was a State Champion his final year. He has a stunning 190-17 varsity career record. Pete has been cheered on by his parents, Peter and Darla Hayes. He will be missed by head coach, Dennis Kaatz. Pete was named to the MWCA All-State Academic Team and has a GPA of 3.83. He is a two-time Guillotine Academic All-State Wrestler. 
Craig Myhre, 189Minneota, 12th2003 State Champion Craig Myhre has amassed a 113-39 career record wrestling for Minneota High School and Coach Joel Skillings. He earned a 35-5 tally his senior season. Craig touts a 3.85 GPA and was named to the 2003 MWCA Academic All-State Team. Last year he was on the Guillotine Academic All-State 2nd Team. He won the 2002 MSHSLTriple "A" Award and in 2002 he was selected to attend Boys State. James and Mary Myhre are his proud parents. His plans for the future include a four year college and athletic training. 
Tyler Safratowich, 112Park Rapids Area, 11thTwo-time State Champion Tyler Safratowich claims a 39-1 season record and plans to add to an already impressive 105-26 varsity career record. This Park Rapids junior has a 3.78 GPA and is a member of the National Honor Society. He is a two-time Section 8AA Champion and was twice named MVP for his team. Parents Joseph and Sherry Safratowich are among Tyler's cheering section. He plans to wrestle at a Division II college. Coach Matt Clark is happy to have Tyler back again to wrestle another year. 
Eric Sanders, 119Wabasha-Kellogg, 12thEric Sanders is the second Minnesota wrestler to become a five-time State Champion. He is second on the Minnesota high school career wins list with an outstanding 223-27 record. His season record was 43-1. He has earned a 3.73 GPA and is a two-year member of the National Honor Society and a two-time Guillotine Academic All-State Wrestler. He was also named to the 2003 MWCA Academic All-State Team. He was a NHSCA Senior National High School All-American, a Juniors Greco-Roman All-American and was a Fila-Cadet runner-up. Ron and Elizabeth Sanders are Eric's parents and Ron is his coach. NDSU is looking forward to having Eric on their wrestling team. He plans on studying engineering. 
Adam Elseth, 135Albert Lea, 11thWith a 4.0 GPA, Adam Elseth helped his Albert Lea wrestling team become the top 2003 MWCA Academic State Championship Team. The team had an overall 3.86 GPA. Adam is a two-time Section 1AAA Champion and two-time State placewinner, winning 3rd place as a sophomore and the runner-up spot this year. He has a 113-26 varsity career record and achieved a 34-2 season record in 2003. Adam has been named to the Big Nine All-Conference Team three years running. Jeff and Denise Elseth are his parents and Larry Goodnature is his coach. 
Andrew Quittschreiber, 135Frazee, 11thAndrew Quittschreiber is a 2003 State Champion after placing 4th in 2002 and 3rd in 2001. He has won twelve tournament championships thus far. He's a three-time conference champ, a State Greco Champ at145 pounds in 2002, and was a member of the 2002 National Runner-up Greco team which wrestled in Oklahoma. Andrew plans to further his varsity career record of 121-21. His season record was 41-3. He is a team captain and wrestles for Coach Clay Nagel. He has been on three state-placing teams - two 3rd and one state championship team. His parents are James and Barb Quittschreiber. "I have one more year of high school - I plan on going to a four-year university and want to wrestle Division II in college,"says Andrew, "I plan on going into an engineering field." 
John Niebuhr, 145United South Central, 12thJohn Niebuhr is a returning Guillotine Academic All-State Wrestler, with a GPA of 3.89 and is a member of the 2003 MWCA Academic All-State Team. John was chosen as a member of The Guillotine's January Team of the Month. He is a five-time state participant and a four-time placer, gaining the runner-up spot his junior and senior years. His overall career record tallies at 181-39, winning 40 of his 42 matches this season. United South Central's wrestling coach says this about the senior standout wrestler, "It's been an honor to coach John throughout his prep career. [With his] outstanding leadership skills - he would make a great coach someday." Sharon LaVallie and John Niebuhr are John's parents. 
Joseph Bechtold, 171Blackduck/Cass Lake-Bena, 11thSection 8AA Champion Joseph Bechtold reached the 171 pound finals of the State tournament in his first State appearance and finished the season with 99 career wins. Joseph is a four-year letter winner and was a captain in wrestling, football and track. He is a two-time All-Conference selection in wrestling. He was named All-Conference in football and Honorable Mention in track. His GPA is near perfect at 3.97. Bechtold was named the outstanding wrestler at the Fosston-Bagley Tournament and ended this season with a 30-3 record. Steve and Helen are Joeseph's parents and Steve is also his coach. In the future, this standout wrestler would like to attend college, pursue a degree in English and play some more football. 
Phil McMullen, 140St. James, 12thPhil McMullen ended his high school career with an impressive 162 wins, going 42-1 this season taking third place at State. He is a four-time State entrant. He placed fifth in 2000. He placed first in the Section Tournament twice, second twice and third once. He is St. James High School's all-time win and pin (85) leader. He was a second team Guillotine All-State Wrestler in 2002 and was a MWCA Academic All-State selection this season. Following graduation, McMullen plans to take his 3.95 GPA to a four year college and get a mechanical engineering degree. His parent's are Richard and Susan McMullen and his coach is Eugene Hildebrandt. 
Trevor Laws, 275Apple Valley, 12thOne of the premier athletes in the state, Trevor Laws has contributed to his high school as a National Honor Society member, a peer mediator, and led the way in football and wrestling. This 2002 State Champion has been ranked first in the nation and selected twice for All-American honors in wrestling. He placed third this season finishing with a 48-1 record and an impressive 139-5 career mark. He is a three-time State entrant placing fifth as a sophomore. Notre Dame won the recruiting battle for his academic and football talents. Trevor has a 3.88 GPA. He is a two-time Guillotine Academic-All State wrestler and a MWCA Academic selection as well. He has received numerous awards and recognition for both wrestling and football including All-Conference, All-State, Minnesota Gatorade Football Player of the Year and ESPN First Team All-American Honors. Yevetta and Paul are his parents and Jim Jackson is his high school coach. 
Dustin Bakker, 171Montevideo, 12thMontivedio coach Jeff Gallager will miss this outstanding wrestler who is a five-year letter winner, a two-time All-Conference selection, a 2002 conference MVP, a two-time State entrant and a third place finisher this year at State. Dustin Bakker finished his career with 103 wins going 38-4 this season. His 3.98 GPA has earned him a spot with the National Honor Society for the past three years. He is a three-year letter winner, a two-time All-Conference selection in football, a three-year letter winner in band, and a member of the jazz band. He has a variety of interests including mountain bike racing, playing acoustic and base guitar and leads worship in the church youth group. Bakker plans to attend South Dakota State University next year. Brian and Brenda Bakker are his parents. 
Erik Wallace, 152Sibley East, 12thEric Wallace has been a steady performer for Sibley East, advancing to the State Tournament three times, placing five times in the Section Tournament and winning the Section Tournament three times. Wallace is a three-time All-Conference performer. He placed second at 152 at State this year and finished off a 36-6 season with 140 career wins. He has the most takedowns in the Sibley East record book and was selected as the Most Valuable Wrestler. He carries a 3.83 GPA and is a member of the National Honor Society. Next year he plans to attend MSU-Mankato, check out the wrestling program there and continue with the Army National Guard. His parents are Brad and Kathy Wallace and his high school coach is Rod Tollefson. 
Kyle Anderson, 160Simley, 12thKyle Anderson is a 2003 State Champion at 160 pounds who has qualifyed for the state tournament five times. He placed fifth in 2001. His senior record is 48-2 and he won 136 career matches. Kyle won the 2002 Minnesota Christmas Tournament. He has always been close to the mats competing with the state cadet and junior freestyle teams during his career. Anderson was a captain this season and followed in the footsteps of his brother Matt as a leader for the Spartans. He carries a 3.5 GPA and is an honor student at Simley High School. His parents are Mary Kylander and Tim Anderson. Coach Will Short indicates that Kyle is considering St. Cloud State or the Marines for his future plans. 
Peter Burfeind, 275Goodhue, 12thA repeat Guillotine Academic All-State wrestler, Peter Burfeind of Goodhue placed third at State as a heavyweight this season. This wrestling captain is a three-time Section 1A Champion and placed fifth at State in 2002. His season record is 39-3 and he recorded 120 career wins. The Three Rivers Conference has recognized him for three consecutive years. He was also a standout in football as a captain, a three-year starter and earning All-Conference in that sport as well. The University of Minnesota will be fortunate to get this 3.85 student, who plans to get a degree in agriculture. He also serves his senior class on the student council. His parents are David and Janet and his high school coach is Bill Sutter. 
Luke Greder, 215Maple Grove, 12thLuke Greder of Maple Grove found the new 215 weight class very much to his liking for wrestling and football. He placed third at the State tournament in his second appearance. Gruder has three All-Conference Awards in wrestling to go with three All-Conference awards in football. This two-time Section 5AAA Champion has 119 career wins, getting 40 of them this season. He has several football awards to go with his All-State Wrestler plaque including All-Metro Kare 11, All-Metro Star Tribune 2nd Team, and All-State Honorable Mention. His 3.73 GPA will get him off to a good start at the University of Minnesota at Duluth where he plans to play football. Luke's parents are Rod and Rhonda Greder and his coach is Dan Wrobleski. 
Josh Hansen, 112Albert Lea, 12thThis MSHSL Triple "A" Award winner has an enviable 4.0 GPA to go with his 2003 fourth place finish at the State Tournament and State Championship medal in 2002. Josh Hansen went 32-6 on the season and compiled 121 career wins. He helped lead his team to a 3.86 GPA and recognition as the 2003 MWCA Academic State Championship Team for Class AAA. He has been a Big Nine All-Conference selection for three years, won the Section 1AAA tournament twice and plans to carry that talent to college and continue to wrestle. Jon and Vicki Hansen are Josh's parents and his high school coach is Larry Goodnature. 
Nathan Rausch, 112Walker-Hackensack-Akeley/Nevis, 12thThrough perfect attendance in grades 8-12 and hard work, this 4.0 GPA senior has received recognition attained by very few. He has held his straight A Honor Roll status all the way through junior and senior high school and was a MWCA Academic selection this year and a repeat Guillotine Academic All-State wrestler from last year. Nathan is a three-time State entrant placing 4th in 2002 and 5th in 2003. He placed five times in the Section 8AA Tournament, winning numerous invitational tournaments in his high school career. He received The Prudential Spirit of Community Award as a 2003 Honoree and is an Eagle Scout. He plans to take his talents to North Dakota State and pursue a degree in mechanical engineering. Leroy and Christine Rausch are Nathan's parents and he was coached by Colby Marich. 
Steven Wood, 189United South Central, 12thSteven Wood achieved a 39-2 season record and a 135-42 career record for United South Central. He qualified twice for the State Tournament, placing 3rd in 2003 at 189 pounds. Steve was a two-year wrestling team captain, made All-Conference two years, was a two-time Academic All-Conference selection and earned the Team Most Dedicated Award in 2003. Steven was selected MWCA Academic All-State, was a 2002 Guillotine Academic All-State 2nd Team member and is a five-year letter winner. In football, Steve was twice named All-Conference and Academic All-Conference. He was named Team Most Valuable Defensive Player twice and was the Albert Lea Tribune All-Area selection, All-Area Team, KNUJ Player of the Week and a three-year letter winner. He plans to attend Dakota Wesleyan Univ. in Mitchell, SD where he plans to play football and wrestle. With his 3.72 GPA, he is a going to major in Elementary Education and minor in coaching/phy. ed. He's a member of the National Honor Society, participates in track, high school choir, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and Christian Youth Group where he is a Bible study leader. Brad and Sue Wood are his parents and Eric Wegner is his coach. 
Tyler Tubbs, 135Chokio-Alberta/Clinton-Graceville-Beardsley, 11thTyler Tubbs boasts a 3.95 GPA and is a two-year member of the National Honor Society. He currently holds a 114-55 varsity record. His season record was 36-4 which he capped off with a 4th place finish in St. Paul. He is a two-time Section 7A champion and four-time Section placer. Tyler was selected as a MWCA Academic All-State team member and has in his future plans to attend a four year university. His parents are Terry and Sandy Tubbs. Head coach, Bruce Johnson will be welcoming Tyler back next year. 
Jared Oyster, 130Bertha-Hewitt/Verndale, 11thRobb and Heidi Oyster can be proud of another wrestler/son as son Jared qualifies as a 2003 Guillotine Academic All-State Wrestler. Last year, brother Joeb, wrestling at 130 pounds, was atop the list of Guillotine Academic All-State Wrestlers. Jared is a four-time Section 7A finalist, taking first three times. He won third place at the 2003 State Tournament wrestling at 130 pounds. Jared is a junior wrestling for Coach Steve Techam. He racked up a 39-5 season record. He earned the most takedowns on his 2003 team with 111. With a 3.71 GPA at this time, Jared ranks as the highest on his team. 
Kory Graham, 103Cambridge-Isanti, 11thKory Graham enjoys a 4.0 GPA and made the 2003 MWCA Academic All-State selection. The recordbook shows a 39-11 season record and thus far 59 career wins. Kory wrestles at 103 pounds and placed 5th at this year's State Tournament. He is a two-time Section 7AAA placer and was named All-Conference. His coach is Neil Jennissen and he is the son of Mark and Char Graham. In the future, he plans to attend a four-year college and major in engineering. Collegiate wrestling is also a part of his plan. 
Ben Roberson, 275Lake City, 12thBen Roberson is a two-time State qualifier and a Section 1AA champ in 2003. He went on to win 5th place at the State Tournament this season in the heavyweight division. His season scoreboard shows a 37-3 record and his varsity career record is 97-36. Ben is a two-time MWCA Academic All-State selection, and a two-time All-Conference selection in wrestling. In football, he earned Academic All-State, Honorable Mention All-State, and was named All-Conference twice. Kent and Bonnie Roberson are his proud parents and Doug Vaith coached him in the wrestling room. Ben plans to attend Minnesota State-Mankato for a civil engineering degree and will play football. 
Tyler Johnson, 171Plainview/Elgin-Millville, 11thTyler Johnson helped the Plainview/Elgin-Millville Gophers make an appearance as a team at this year's State Tournament. He is a two-time Section 1AA Champion and a two-time State placewinner, earning 6th place in 2002 and 4th in 2003. He has a 43-5 season record and a varsity career record of 72-28, scoring 71 wins in the last two years. With a 3.84 GPA, Tyler has been on Alpha Beta for the past two years and has been on the honor roll since 8th grade. He was All-Conference in football and also plays baseball in the spring and summer. Coach Bill McDonald is extremely excited to have him back on the team next year. Keith Johnson and Jean Walters are proud to be his parents. 
Gabe Dretsch, 160Frazee, 12thState Champion Gabe Dretsch wrestled for Clay Nagel at Frazee. He was a four-time Section 8A placewinner with four individual championships during the season. He's qualified for the State Tournament four times - 6th in 1999, 3rd in 2002 and 1st in 2003. He has built a 170-34 varsity career record and fought to a 41-2 finish this season. He helped his team win the third place trophy at the State Tournament. Gabe placed 4th in the NHSCA Senior Nationals at 160 pounds. He placed 4th in Greco-Roman and 6th in freestyle in Las Vegas, and won 2nd place in LaCrosse in freestyle in 2002. He was a Cadet Greco All-American at 132 pounds in Fargo. Michael and Gayle Dretsch are Gabe's parents. 
Drew Hruska, 125Rochester Mayo, 11thDrew Hruska is a four-time wrestling letter winner with a varsity career record of 106-42 and counting. He is a four-time Section 1AAA placer, winning the top spot in 2003 and going on to reach 3rd place at the State Tournament at 125 pounds. He is a team captain and ended this season with a 33-7 record. He is a member of the National Honor Society with a 3.67 GPA. He has been named Big Nine All-Conference twice. He is also a two-time State freestyle runner-up (Cadet and Junior). Drew's parents are Sue and Ed Hruska and Coach Dwight Gingerich anticipates Drew's return to the mat next season. Drew plans to attend a four year college in the Midwest area. He's undecided as yet as what he will study. 
Kelly Janke, 130Frazee, 11thKeith and Betty Janke are the parents of State Champion Kelly Janke. He is a junior with a 3.28 GPA and has, "always been on the B Honor Roll." So far he has compiled a 91-28 varsity career record and his season record was 42-6. He has been a Section 8A placer three times, this season placing first. He has helped his team advance to State three times - 3rd place in 2001, 2002 State champions, and 3rd place in 2003. Coach Clay Nagel welcomes him back again next season. 
Nick Philippi, 275Dassel-Cokato, 12thNick Philippi lettered three years in wrestling and track, and once in football (in his senior year). He won the Dassel-Cokato Ultimate Iron Man Award (the only wrestler to go five years without missing a practice). Nick was named team MVP and earned the Most Team Points Award. He was a team captain, won four academic achievement awards and has a 3.81 GPA. He is a three-year academic letter winner. He was named first team All-Conference and sports a 52-18 varsity career record. A two-time Section 5AA Champion, he capped off this season with 35 wins and placed 4th at State. Ronald and Janelle Philippi are Nick's parents and Kip Lynk is his wrestling coach. "I plan to attend a four-year college and attain a degree in an engineering field," says Nick, "I am unsure if I am going to wrestle in college, but I know I will come back and contribute to the future wrestlers in my community."
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Other Year Academic All-State Wrestlers |
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