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By Roger Mischke
December 18, 2002
Class A Report
The BOLD Warriors started off the season with a very impressive dual meet win over 3A Elk River 40-12; the Elks are co-favorites in 8AAA. The Warriors topped a very tough field of teams at the Litchfield tourney with 252 pts. They had ten in the finals and claimed six championships by Bryan Pietig, Cyle Olson, Clay Olson, Shawn Plumley, Justin Kubesh, Jordan Keltgen and seconds by Brendon Schmoll, Matt Zupke, Matt Jahnke and Mark Revier. The Warriors also had a trio of thirds by Nathan Kubesh, Tom Elfering and Dan Elfering. The Warriors dominated LCWM 53-18 and New Ulm 51-18. The Warriors claimed second at the Paul Bunyan tourney with 227 pts. just 3.5 pts. behind Frazee. This was a battle of the one and two teams, that wasn't decided till the last match of tourney. Champions for the Warriors in this sixteen-team field were Shaun Plumley, Justin Kubesh and Bryan Pietig. The Warriors also got seconds by Nathan Kubesch, Matt Jahnke and Clay Olson and a trio of thirds by Cyle Olson, Dan Elfering and Jordan Keltgen.
The Pierz Pioneers start off the season with a huge win over rival Royalton by a 70-9 margin. The Pioneers claimed fourth at the Litchfield tourney with 154.5 pts. with champion Nathan Janson leading the way. The other place winners for the Pioneers were Kyle Bednar 2nd, Jon Andrews 3rd, Craig Luberts 3rd, Warren Gall 4th, Nick Gruber 4th, Mark Lust 4th, Tim Young 4th and Jesse Zajac 4th. The Pioneers topped Albany 37-33 and lost a close CMC dual to Kimball 34-25. The Pioneers scored 107.5 pts. to claim seventh place in a sixteen field of teams. They had four wrestlers place in the top five places; champion Nathan Janson, Craig Luberts 4th, Kyle Bednar 4th and John Andres 5th.
The Wheaton-Herman-Norcross Bullets started the season with huge wins over section rivals Browerville-Eagle 57-21 and Ortonville 62-12. The Bullets claimed two duals and a tie at the New York Mills quadangular topping New York Mills 34-25 and Staples-Motley 48-27 and a tie with Greenbush-Middle River-Badger 34-34. They had four wrestlers go 3-0 on the day T. J. Serverance, Cody Rinke, Matt Poole and Brandon Arndt led the way for the Bullets. Bullets topped Moorhead 58-17 and Central Cass, ND 55-21.
The New York Mills Eagles started off the season topping two foes Parkers Prairie 40-35 and Pelican Rapids 48-24. The Eagles topped Staples-Motley 48-25 and lost tough duals to Wheaton-Herman-Norcross 34-25 and Greenbush-Middle River-Badger 40-37. The Eagles had five wrestlers that were 3-0 on the day Jeremy Hagen, Jeremy Mursu, Jason Hotakainen, Dustin Geiser and Jacob Malone. The Eagles dropped a dual to top ranked Frazee 43-12 and the Eagles topped PRC rival OTC 50-18. The Eagles topped a solid field of teams at the Barnesville duals. They were 5-0 on the day with huge wins over section rivals Barnesville 38-25, Menagha-Sebeka 37-29, Dilworth/Glyndon-Felton 38-23, Lake Park/Audubon 58-12 and over Detroit Lakes 49-23. The Eagles had Jason Burg, Jeremy Mursu, Jason Hotakainen all 5-0 and Jacob Malone went 4-1 on the day to lead the way.
The Mille Lacs Raiders started off their season with a big win over Princeton 51-16. The Raiders took on two tough 2A teams and came away with a tie with Waconia 30-30 and a tough loss to Dassel Cokato 52-20. The Raiders topped the field of eight teams at the Rush City tourney with 248 pts. They had six champions; Matt Steffenson, Nick Wilkes, Nick Norberg, Nick Pfaff, Dustin Bretzmand and Justin Jones. They had five seconds by Geoff Springer, Ryan Lovaas, Paul Osterman, John Odle, Tom Estrem and taking third was Dan Roeschlein. The Raiders topped St. Cloud Apollo 43-22.
The Menagha-Sebeka Warriors started season with a big win over rival Parks Rapids 57-17 and lost to a tough Cass Lake/Blackduck team 42-31. The Warriors claimed the championship at the Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa tourney with 161 pts. They claimed four championships by Austin Rife, Joel Hendrickson, Justin Cox and Josh Schindeldecker. They had a trio of seconds by brothers Scott and Travis Ahlf and Caleb Oslon. In additon the Warrior's Jordan Anderson claimed 3rd. The Warriors went 2-3 at the Barnesville duals topping Pelican Rapids 42-24 and Detroit Lakes 42-27 and lost duals to Barnesville 58-24, Moorhead 38-24 and New York Mills 37-29. They had five wrestlers go unbeaten; Austin Rife, Scott Ahlf, Joel Hendrickson, Josh Schindeldecker and Justin Cox to lead the way.
The Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City Falcons had a bit of a slow start at their own tourney, claiming seventh place with 90 pts. The Falcons were missing three regulars that all had the potential to be in top three places. The Falcons winners were champion Jason Litzau, Dan Evenson 2nd, Dain Kalkbrenner 2nd, Josh Litzau 4th, Aaron Rouser 4th and Matt Pearson 4th. The Falcons got two of those three back and they topped Lester Prairie 65-9 and Rockford 66-6. The Falcons claimed third place at the Buffalo Lake-Hector tourney with 141.5 pts. They claimed four championships by Jason Losing, Aaron Rouser, Spencer Lund and Dain Kalkbrenner. The other place winners for the Falcons were Isaac Fordyce 2nd, Jason Litzau 3rd, Dan Evenson 3rd, Matt Pearson 4th, Adam Hoeper 4th and Josh Litzau 4th. The Falcons top two 212 foes River Valley 40-30 and Renville County West 60-11. The Falcons continue to roll as they flew over BBE 56-12 and Holdingford 69-10.
The Bertha Hewitt/Verndale Raiders started off their season at the tough Wadena-Deer Creek tourney, minus two of their top wrestlers. The Raiders managed to score 128.5 points to claim a 7th place. Their place winners were champion Jared Osyter, Cullen Captian 2nd, Tyler Fuller 3rd, Brian Braaten, Seth Moenkedick, Keith Bowman and Josh Denny all claim 4ths for the Raiders. The Raiders claimed second at the Long Priaire-Grey Eagle tourney behind host Long Priairie-Grey Eagle with 81 pts. Taking championships for the Raiders were Jared and Jasper Oyster, Cullen Captian and Keith Bowman. The Raiders rolled over the field of eight teams at the Browerville/Eagle Valley tourney with 226 pts. with eleven wrestlers placing in the top three places. They had four champions; Jared Osyter, Cullen Captian, Casey Finck, Jasper Oyster and four wrestlings claimed seconds; Joseph Miner, Brian Braaten, Joe Cottrell and Dustin Denny. The Raiders also had a trio of thirds by Adam Wutzke, Keith Bowman and Seth Moenkedick. Casey Finck won the fall award with three falls in 1:46.
The KMS Fighting Saints started their season with a very impressive showing by claiming second with 156 pts. at the Atwater tourney. The Fighting Saints claimed four championships by Kordell Van Heuveln,
Kasey Van Heuveln, Tom Rustad, Troy Weets. The other place winners were Gary Kneisl 2nd, Tom Paulson 3rd, Ryan Carlson 3rd, Kole Van Heuveln 4th, Josh Wentzel 4th and Nathan Wentzel 4th. The Fighting Saints opened their dual meet season with big wins over LQPV54-20, Marshall 58-12 and RCW 66-16.
The West Central Area Knights claimed 4th at their twelve-team tourney by scoring 143.5 pts. The Knights had a pair of champions Phillip Beaumia and Brady Schneeberger. The other place winners were seconds by Tom Lohse and Kenny Montonye and a 3rd by Matt Anderson. The Knights topped section rival Osakis 63-13 and Breckendridge 61-12 and Parkers Prairie 52-18. The Knight dropped a dual to 3A Moorhead 42-32.
The Kimball Cubs started off their season at the Atwater tourney where they claimed 4th place with 112.5 pts. Claiming championships for the Cubs were Tom Libbesmeier, Kyle Winter and Gary Samela. They had a pair of thirds by John Hanley and Jeremy Dahnke and a pair of fourths by Brandon Hurrle and Dan Barthel. The Cubs topped rival ANML 35-34 and former Central Minnesota Conference foe Big Lake 43-29. The Cubs had a huge night topping Albany 36-34 and CMC favorite Pierz 34-25. The Cubs claimed fourth at the Milaca duals with a win over Mound -Westonka 51-28 and dropping close matches with Blaine 45-27 and Elk River 30-29. The Cubs had five wrestlers go 3-0 on the day Gary Salmela, Blaine Lemke, Jeremy Dahnke, Tom Libbesmeier and Kyle Winter led the way on the day.
The Eden Valley-Watkins Eagles started the season at the Atwater tourney by scoring 101 pts., for fifth place with six wrestlers placing in the top four. The Eagles had three seconds by Eric Sullinger, Adam Hiltner and Jeff Magendanz and a trio of thirds by Ryan Sullivan, Raymen Rice and Josh Hiltner.
The Eden Valley-Watkins Eagles turned in a strong performance at the Willmar tourney by advancing five wrestlers to the finals and claiming three championships Eric Sullinger, Nick Peterson and Jeff Magedanz and claiming seconds were Adam Hiltner and Josh Hiltner. The Eagles dropped duals to Mound-Westonka 56-21, Montgomery-Londsdale 45-33 and topping Lester Prairie 72-5.
Class AA Report
The Litchfield Dragons started their season with a win over Wright County conference foe Delano 63-18. The Dragons claimed second behind a tough BOLD team at their own tourney with 203 pts. The Dragons send eight into the finals, where they claimed five championships by Jake Ziegler, Joe Bushette, Travis Gottschalk, Bryar Johnson and David Malepsy. Those claiming seconds were A. J. Werner, Cory Schlack and Louis Riehle and third by Joe Schoolmeesters. The Dragons topped former WCN foe Albany 53-16 and section foes Watertown-Mayer 50-7 and Rocori 61-12. The Dragons topped the field at the Wayzata duals with wins over Osseo 60-9, Moundsview 54-18 and Wayzata 49-18. The Dragons had Jake Ziegler, Joe Buschette, Devin Blom, Travis Gottschalk and Bryar Johnson were all 3-0 on the day.
The St. Michael-Albertville Knighs started their season with their first Rum River conference dual and a win over Princeton 52-21. The Knights claimed second at their own tourney by scoring 184 pts. With out one of their outstanding wrestlers they were four points behind champion Eden Prairie. The Knights claimed three championships by Brandon Dick, Chad Little and John Grygelko, a trio of thirds by Jake Grygelko, Jake Bjorkland and Mike Thorn. They also have Joe Grygelko, Mickey Kirk and Mark Kasper claim fourths for the Knights. The Knights topped rival Monticello 53-19. The Knights topped the sixteen team field of teams at the Seratoma Duals in Grand Forks. The topped Larimore, ND 72-3, Bismark Century 41-25, Jamestown 38-22 and for the championship West Fargo 36-33. The Knights had two wrestlers go 4-0 Brandon Dick and Joe Grygelko and eight wrestlers go 3-1; Mike Thorn, Chad Little, Kurt Schumm, Mickey Kirk, Jake Grygelko, Jake Bjorklund, John Grygelko and Adam Roden to lead the way during this two day event.
The Becker Bulldogs started their season by defeating two opponents that the Bulldogs had never beaten; they topped section rival Foley 36-28, Paynesville 38-30 and Foley Junior Varsity 55-0. The Bulldogs claimed the championship at the Foley duals with Russ Lumley, Kent Backes, Jon Koranda, Eric O'Brien, Jadain Foley and Jeremy Pederson all going 3-0 to lead the way. The Bulldogs topped tough Wright County conference foe Watertown-Mayer 40-23 and in a huge section match with Milaca; the Bulldogs topped them 36-30. The Bulldogs were on a roll as they went to the Coon Rapids duals and claimed three wins over three good 3A schools to win the championship. They topped Eastview 27-26, Coon Rapids 38-23 and Rosemount 48-13 with Russ Lumley, Kent Backes, Jadian Foley and Jeremy Pederson leading the way as they went 3-0 on the afternoon. The Bulldogs continued on a roll topping two section 6 foes Big Lake 59-16 and Mora 59-14. The Bulldogs topped WCC foe Glencoe-Silver Lake 59-14. Becker turned in possibly their strongest showing yet this year at the Paul Bunyan tourney by claiming third out of a field of sixteen teams with 197 pts. The Bulldogs had ten wrestlers place in the top seven with three champions Jon Koranda, Jeremy Pederson, Eric O'Brien and three runner-ups Kent Backes, Russ Lumley, Jadian Foley. The Bulldogs also had a pair of thirds by Robert Koranda, Jason Shierts and Javian Foley 5th and Josh Saba 7th.
The Foley Falcons had a tough start to their season dropping a section dual to Becker 36-28, before topping a tough Hibbing team 36-23 at their dual meet tourney. The Falcons topped Rum River conference foe Mora 52-18 and Braham 56-10. In a big dual with rival St. Cloud Tech the Falcons came away with a very impressive win 48-21. The Falcons dominated the field of eight teams at the Spring Lake Park duals where they claim wins over Andover 71-12, St. Paul Johnson 54-13 and Spring Lake Park 52-12. These Falcons were all 3-0 on the day Josh Gondeck, Ryan Holthaus, Greg Stumvoll, Jeremy Rau, Josh Freudenberg, Greg Frank and Jeremy Ridnitski to lead the way. The Falcons claimed sixth at the Paul Bunyan tourney with 108.5 pts. They had five place winners; Greg Frank 1st, Ryan Holthaus 2nd and a trio of fifths by Josh Gondeck, Greg Stumvoll and Eric Seppelt.
The Milaca Wolves had a tough start with their season; they opened up with section rival Becker and dropped a close dual 36-30. The Wolves claimed third at the St. Michael-Albertville tourney with 156 pts. With nine wrestlers placing in the top four. Leading they way was champion Mitch Vedders, Chuck LaMee and Clay Hoeck were both second, thirds by Steven Vedders, John Fradette, Andy Kotsmith. They also had a trio of fourths by Steve Jacobson, Torin Erickson and Josh De Hart. The Wolves claimed second at their dual meet tourney with wins over Ogilvie 76-0 and Blaine 62-10, before dropping the championship to Elk River 36-25. There were seven Wolves that went 3-0 on the day Mitch Vedders, Andy Kotsmith, Clay Hoeck, Nick Ziegler, John Fradette, Steve Vedders and Josh De Hart to lead the way.
The Paynesville Bulldogs had a tough start to their season dropping a dual to Becker 38-30, they came back to down Hibbing 36-25 and Foley Junior Varsity 5-12. The Bulldogs leaders were Marty Engen, Adam Christian, Sean Glenz and Pat Noonan were 3-0 on the day. They down West Central conference foe Long Prairie-Grey Eagle and Melrose 78-0. The Bulldogs went 3-1 at the Edison duals to claim second place with wins over Columbia Heights 80-0, Mankato West 45-23 and Hastings 49-12 before falling to Owatonna 40-24. They had five wrestlers go 4-0 on the day Marty Engen, Ryan Glenz, Adam Christian, Brad Person and Pat Utsch.
The Minnewaska Lakers topped Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa and CACG to start the season. The Lakers topped a twelve-team field by scoring 258 pts. And placing eleven wrestlers in the top four. Champions Jacob Bryce and Nathan Stoen and runner-ups Trevor Larson and Mark Mitchell led they way. The other Laker place winners were five third place finishes by Joe Swaratz, Cody Pahan, Jeremy Fischer, Cory Cihlar, Taylor Joregenson and Casey Boutain and Sam Goracke claimed fourth. The Lakers topped WCS foe NLS 55-9, CACG 72-9 and BBE 55-15. The Lakers topped WCS foe Montevideo 51-22. The Lakers claimed the championship at the Willmar tourney with 190 pts. They had ten wrestlers placing in the top four including a trio champions Jacob Bryce, Nathan Stoen, Joe Swartz and 2nd by SamGoracke. They also had four thirds by Trevor Larson, Mark Mitchell, Jeremy Fischer, Corey Cihlar and a pair of fourths by Taylor Jergenson and Casey Boutsain.
The Sauk Centre Mainstreeters turned in a strong performance at the Wadena-Deer Creek tourney by scoring 165.5 pts. To claim 3rd place. A pair of champions Ethan Vogt and Zach Winter and runner-up Jamie Messer led the way. The Mainstreaters claimed a trio of thirds by Darrin Quistorff, Cody Olson and Jake Uphus and a fourth by Steve Hollenkamp. They topped West Central North foe Melrose 68-6. The Mainstreeters turned in an excellent team performance by scoring 172.5 pts. to claim the championship at the Buffalo Lake-Hector tourney. They advanced seven wrestlers into the finals and won four championships by Ethan Vogt, Zach Winter, Kurt Haakinson, and Cody Olson, Taking seconds were Brian Beilke, Steve Hollenkamp and Matt Groetsch and a pair of thirds by Brian Ruegemer and Darrin Quistorff. Also a pair of fourths by Nick Ruegemer and Pat Stephan. The Mainstreeters scored 150.5 pts. at the Willmar tourney to claim third place. They had eight place winners in the top four with championships by Ethan Vogt and Zach Winter and second by Cody Olson. Sauk Centre also had a third place by Nick Ruegemer and four fourths by Darrin Quistorff, Steve Hollenamp, Kurt Haakinson and Pat Stephan.
The Long Prairie Thunder started out the season with some strong performances at the Wadena-Deer Creek tourney by placing sixth with 137 pts. The Thunder placed seven wrestlers in the top four, Champion Kurt Jenkins, a pair of seconds by Scott Twardowski and Travis Pesta, a pair of thirds by Sam Schad and Pat Jenkins. The Thunder also had a pair of fourths by Grant Schad and Josh Pesta. The Thunder won their own tourney topping the field of four teams with 91 pts. They claimed seven championships by Brad Twardowski, Sam Schad, Travis Pesta, Josh Pesta, Pat Jenkins, Scott Twardowski and Kurt Jenkins. The Thunder top three teams at the Princeton quad with wins over Little Falls 33-31, Princeton 55-19 and St. Benilde St. Margrets 63-16, they had Sam Schad, Grant Schad, Travis Pesta, Brad and Scott Twardowski and Pat Jenkins go 3-0 on the evening to lead the Thunder.
The North Branch Vikings opened their season with an impressive win over Rum River Conference foe Chisago Lake 51-21. The Vikings went 2-2 at the Monticello duals with wins over AN/ML and Sauk Rapids 57-24. They dropped a pair of duals to Hutchinson and New Ulm. The Vikings had Jeremy Bergerson go 4-0 and Jeff Holmgren, John Buchanan and Josh Villella were all 3-1 to lead the way on the day. The Vikings claimed second at the Big Lake tourney with 194 pts. , they placed six wrestlers in the finals and came away with three champions; John Buchanan, Joel Holmgren and Jeremy Bergerson. Getting seconds were Jeff Holmgren, Chris Newham and James Kvale.
Yellow Medicine East Sting turned in a strong performance at the Buffalo Lake-Hector tourney by scoring 149 pts to claim second. The Sting had eleven wrestlers place in the top four; with Zach Stock, Justin Randall and Chad Listul claiming championships. They had a pair of seconds by Scott and Tom Jacobson; a trio of thirds by Ryan Tongen, Blaine Weber and Tyler Santjer and a pair of fourths by Nick Cole and Matt Carpenter. The Sting topped Marshall 51-23. The Sting turned in a very strong performance at the Willmar tourney tying Willmar for second with 161 pts. The Sting had nine wrestlers in the top four with a championship by Ryan Tongen and four seconds by Scott Jacobson, Nick Cole, Zach Stock and Justin Randell. They also got a trio of thirds by Chad Listul, Tom Jocobson and Tyler Santjer plus a fourth by Jordan Stock.
The Albany Huskies topped Hodingford 6-12 and lost to LPGE 46-22 and Litchfield 53-16. The Huskies also competed at the Monticello duals with two wins over Big Lake 61-13 and ANML 45-27. The Huskies dropped duals to class A school Pierz 37-33 and Kimball 36-34. The Huskies took fifth place at the Milaca duals; after dropping a very close match to Blaine 34-32 they came back to top Mound-Westonka 43-20 and Ogilvie 66-15. The Huskies were led by Adam Goebel, Aaron Blackmore, Jake Zierden, Scott Schlangen and Alex Pantenberg they were all 3-0 on the day.
Class AAA Report
The Willmar Cardinals opened their season with a strong showing at the Atwater tourney by claiming the championship with 158.5 pts. The Cardinals claimed three championships by Peter Johnson, Brady Gilb and Matt Wetterling. They also had a trio of seconds by Vernon Mc Cray, Luke Cruze, Lance Hauser along with a pair of thirds; Ben Monson and Brandon Gilb and a pair of fourths by Kyle Nelson and Ross Rooda. The Cardinals started their dual meet season with big wins over CLC foes over Brainerd 40-25 and Rocori 44-25. The Cardinals tied for second at their own tourney with 161 pts. , with nine wrestlers placing in the top four. One championship by Matt Wetterling (Matt won his 100th career match in the semifinals) four seconds by Peter Johnson, Brandon Gilb, Ben Monson and Ryan Rieckman. They also had a third by Brady Gilb and a pair of fourths by Vernon McCray and Lance Hauser.
The St. Cloud Tech Tigers had a very strong showing as they started their season with a big win over rival and CLC foe Rocori 60-14 and also CLC foe Sartell 59-18. The Tigers dropped a dual to a very good Foley team 48-21. The Tigers claimed fifth place with 142.5 pts at the STMA tourney. They had eight wrestlers place in the top four with Josh Boelz leading the way with a championship, a pair of seconds by Bronson Hatch and Jimmy Weiman, trio of thirds by John Mailloux, Jordan Stracke and James Ethan. The Tigers also had a pair of fourths by Derrick Orth and Montana Ewers. The Tigers scored 220.5 pts. at the Fargo South tourney to claim third place; claiming two championships by Montana Ewers and Jordan Stracke. The Tigers also had a runner-up by Derrick Orth, third by Bronson Hatch and a pair of fourths by James Ethan and John Mailloux.
The Fergus Falls Otters started their season with a huge win over rival OTC as they crushed them 54-14. The Otters turned in a strong performance at the Grant Count tourney by claiming third with 167.5 pts. The Otters claimed two champions Mitch Gabrielson and Drew Haataja a trio of seconds by Adam Schlepp, Jared Bangs and Travis Halling. The Otters also had Levi Stenerson claim a 3rd place and a pair of 4ths by Brandon Anderson and Tom Good. Fergus Falls crushed DGF 45-25. The Otters crushed their competition at the Otter Central Duals as they topped three foes Montevideo 55-9, Osakis 77-0 and Alexandria for the championship 51-22. The Otters had seven wrestlers go 3-0 on the day; Adam Schlepp, Levi Stenerson, Mitch Gabrielson, Tom Good, Travis Halling and Mike Swenson. The had two awards go to Otter wrestlers; Mitch Gabrielson was the Most Valuable wrestler and Travis Halling the fastest fall with a :05 fall.
The Buffalo Bison started their season with a pair of dual meet wins over section foes Prior Lake 60-21,Wayzata 40-33, GFW and Sauk Rapids. They dropped duals to St. Francis, New Prague and Hutchinson, but the Bison are without some of their key wrestlers.
The Little Falls Flyers topped Sauk Rapids 52-27 to open the season in CLC dual meet action. The Flyers were 2-2 at the Monticello duals with wins over Monticello 60-22 and Sauk Rapids 75-6. They dropped a pair of duals to Dassel Cokato 50-21 and Cambridge 52-21. Ted Wilczek and Adam Gosiak led the Flyers, as they both were 4-0 on the day. The Flyers went 2-1 at the Princeton triangular with wins over Benilde St. Margaret 66-7 and Princeton 42-33; the Flyers dropped a close dual to Long Prairie-Grey Eagle 33-31. They had Ted Wilczek, Josh Bue, Mike Ashby and Adam Gosiak go 3-0 on the evening to lead the way for the Flyers.
The Brainerd Warriors dropped a season opening dual to CLC foe Willmar 40-21 and topped CLC foe St. Cloud Apollo 45-21. The Warriors claimed fourth place at the Coon Rapids duals with a win over Osseo 42-24 and a pair of losses to Rosemount 40-25 and Coon Rapids 33-25, both teams are in the lean and mean ratings. Andy Pickar, Dan Flesischhacker and Tom Zelinske were all 3-0 on the day to lead the Warriors. The Warriors score 81.5 points for tenth place at the Paul Bunyan tourney in a very strong field of sixteen teams. They had four wrestlers place in the top six with Andy Pickar 3rd, Konrad Abramo 4th, TomZelinske 5th and Chad Weiss 6th.
The Monticello Magic started their season with their dual meet tourney going 1-3 with a win over Big Lake 39-33 and dropping duals to Little Falls 60-22, Sauk Rapids 42-31 and ANML 51-26. The Magic had Jon Dahlheimer and Ryan Mergen who were unbeaten and Dave Michaelis and Justin Davis were both 3-1 to lead the them on the day. The Magic topped section 8 foes St. Cloud Apollo 39-36 and dropped a dual to STMA 53-19. The Magic scored 142 pts. at the Big Lake tourney for a fifth place finish. They had two champions John Dalheimer and Ryan Mergen and a second by Glen Belde.
The Alexandria Cardinals had a solid performance to start the season with a win over CLC foe Sartell 53-18. The Cards claimed sixth place at the Grant County tourney with 113.5 pts. With five wrestlers placing in the top for places Ryan Logan 3rd, Jaron Lammie 3rd, Nate Kelly 4th, Derrick Lanners 4th and Luke Wevley 4th. The Cardinals claimed second at the OTC duals with wins over OTC 56-21 and Breckenridge 51-28 before falling to Fergus Falls 51-22. Three wrestlers went unbeaten Paul Norling, Ryan Logan and Damon Bullock led the way on the day for the Cardinals.
The St. Cloud Apollo Eagles had a tough start at the Atwater tourney having two place winner Neil Russel 2nd and Blake Schwegel 3rd. The Eagles have dropped duals to Monticello 39-36, Brainerd 45-21 and Mille Lacs 43-22. The Eagles had a great performance at the Big Lake tourney by claiming fourth place and scoring 165 pts. The Eagles advanced three wrestlers into the finals and came away with one championship Blake Schwegel and a pair of second by Neil Russell and William Cooper Kelly. The other place winners for Eagles were four thirds by Thane Taylor, Shaun Hemminger, Ken Blakely and Tony Abrego and a fourth by Joe Fruth.
The Sauk Rapids Storm dropped two CLC duals to Little Falls 52-27 and Rocori 55-23; the Storm went 1-3 at the Monticello duals and 0-3 at the Wayzata duals. No report from the coach on how the individuals did at these events.
Coaches please keep me informed of your team's success throughout the season; with each edition I would like to share their success in the mat rat reports. Please either fax (1-320-363-4192) or email (matrat@astound.net) those tournament brackets and your dual meet results. Thanks, The Mat Rat Roger Mischke