Contact | Subscribe | Advertise | Links | Youth | H.S. | College | Club | News/General
By Roger Mischke
January 15, 2004
Mat Rats Top Central Minnesota Class AAA Teams
1. St. Cloud Tech Tigers (8)
The Tigers topped Central Lakes foes Sartell 64-15, St. Cloud Apollo 51-26 and they topped section rival Elk River 34-32. The Tigers dropped a tough dual to section favorite Bemidji 40-22 and got a surprise by class A Mille Lacs 34-30. The Tigers scored 150 points at the Tartan Tourney where they claimed fourth place with two individual champions Andy Johnston and Montanna Ewers. They had three seconds; Derrik Orth, John Mailoux and Ben Knowles, third by Jordan Stracke, a pair of fourths by Alex Braun and Nathan Bertsch and a pair of fifths by Robbie Huott and Jake Aguillar. The Tigers dropped two duals to two very good Class AA teams, Saint Michael-Albertville 63-6 and Waconia 47-26. The Tigers claimed fourth place at the Kiffmeyer duals with a win over Brainerd 33-32 and dropped duals to very good teams, the champion Albert Lea 49-13 and Hastings 44-21. Derek Orth and Montanna Ewers were both 3-0 to lead the Tigers on the day. The Tigers took a huge step towards another Central Lakes Conference championship by topping Willmar in a very good match 31-28. The keep their unbeaten streak of eighteen matches intact in the conference and Montanna Ewers won his 100th varsity match.
2. Fergus Falls Otters (8)
The Otters crushed the field of teams at the Ottertail Central Duals with wins over Breckenridge 45-21, Ottertail Central 56-16 and Alexandria 53-18. The Otters had eight wrestlers go unbeaten on the day including Andy Price (Outstanding Wrestler Award) Mike Swenson, Billy Oehler, Brandon Anderson, Levi Stenerson, Andy Krog, Jared Bangs and Drew Haataja. The Otters remained unbeaten in duals as they topped rival West Central Area 52-14. The Otters had a slow start at the Little Falls tourney but they stormed back with eleven place winners to show their good team balance. They had one championship by Brandon Anderson and three seconds by Jarrod Bangs, Drew Haataja and Andy Krog. The Otters came back very strong in the wrestle backs and got three thirds by Andy Price, Levi Stenerson and Lonnie Gabrielson, a pair of fourths by Mike swenson and Charlie Revering and a pair of fifths by Karl Haataja and Zach Leuthardt.
3. Willmar Cardinals (2)
The Cardinals topped Class A neighbor Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa 47-21. The Cardinals had an impressive performance at the Montevideo tourney with 183 points to claim third just nine and half points behind the leader Pine Island. The Cardinals had four individuals win championships Peter Johnson, Ben Monson, Brandt Haglund and Tony Neuman. They had two seconds by Brady Gilb, Ben Thonvold and pair of fourths by Kyle Nelson, Drew Larson and three fifths by Josh Dahlke, Ben Martins and Jake Beyer. The Cardinals topped Central Lakes conference foe St. Cloud Apollo 57-15. The Cardinals had a very strong performance at the North Branch tourney with 202.5 points and twelve wrestlers placing in the top four to claim the championship over section rival Wayzata. Brandon Gilb, Peter Johnson and Ben Monson won championships and Kyle Nelson, Aaron Friehl and Brandt Haglund were all second. They also had a trio of thirds by Brady Gilb, Tony Newman and Ben Thonvold and a trio of fourths by Josh Dahlke, Ben Martins and Jared Dahl. The Cardinals dropped a Central Lakes Conference dual to the St. Cloud Tech by a 31-28 margin; with the Cards winning seven matches but Tech gained more bonus points.
4. Brainerd Warriors (8)
The Warriors turned in their finest performance yet this season at the Paul Bunyan Tourney as the hosts claimed third with 167.5 points with nine wrestlers placing in the top five in this twelve team field of teams. The Warriors claimed two championships by Dan Fleischhacker and Tom Zelinske. They had a trio of seconds by Kyle Dukowitz, Nate Rubin and Jake Smith, one third by Tyler Jensen, a fourth by Greg Strand and a pair of fifths by Kyle Wilshusen and Ryan McCay.
The Warriors had a solid team performance at the Cambridge tourney with 144 points to claim third behind Bemidji and Cambridge. The had eleven wrestlers place in the top five including one individual championship by Tom Zelinske. Jake Smith claimed second and they had six fourths by Adam Hahnert, Mike Wachsmuth, Danny Lasher, Grant Jarch, Clinton Stohlher and Ryan McKay and a trio of fifths by Tyler Jansen, Nick Loreno and Kyle Dukowitz. The Warriors dropped a Central Lakes conference dual to Rocori 40-27. The Warriors topped two foes at the Kiffmeyer duals to claim fifth place. They dropped a very close dual to St. Cloud Tech 33-32 and topped St. Cloud Apollo 63-13 and Hutchinson 40-21. The leaders for the Warriors were Tom Zelinske, Kyle Dukowitz, Mike Wachsmuth and Adam Hahnert all were 3-0 and Nick Loreno and Mitch Yeager were both 2-0 on the day.
5. Buffalo Bison (2)
The Bison split section duals with Minnetonka 36-29 and Shakopee 19-52. The Bison scored 102 points at the White Bear Lake tourney with eight place winners including one champion Jeremy Welter, second by Dustin Weege, third by Scott Crawford a trio of fourths by Carter Vogt, Matt Lund and Derek Klatt and a pair of fifths by Tom Maghake and Tyler Reiss. The Bison topped North Suburban foe Irondale 51-20. The Bison claimed third at their invitational dual meet tourney with three big wins over Big Lake 37-31, Mounds View 43-29 and Centennial 34-27. Their only loss was to the champion Rosemount 53-12.
6. Alexandria Cardinals (8)
The Cardinals claimed second at the Ottertail Central Duals with wins over Osakis 45-25 and Montevideo 30-29 and they lost to a very good Fergus Falls team 53-18. The Cardinals claimed another Central Lakes conference dual meet win over Sauk Rapids 41-25. The Cardinals were 2-2 at the Buffalo duals with wins over Ellsworth, Wis. 51-24 and Big Lake 40-32. They lost to a very solid Foley team 43-18 and Centennial 42-24. The Cardinals had four wrestlers go unbeaten on the day John Amundson, Derrick Lanners, Luke Wevley and Damon Bullock to lead the way. The Cardinals topped St. Cloud Apollo in Central Lakes dual meet action 48-34.
7. Little Falls Flyers (8)
The Flyers started the 2004 portion of their season with a Central Lakes dual meet win over Sartell 62-10. The Flyers scored 122.5 points at their invitational to claim sixth with seven place winners including one championship by Ted Wilczek. Other place winners were Brandon Freadenrich was second, a pair of thirds by Jason Brill and Aaron Olson, a pair of fourths by Josh Bue and Mike Lodermeier and a fifth by Steve Newman. The Flyers dropped a Central Lakes Conference dual to Rocori 36-28.
8. Sauk Rapids Storm (8)
The Storm continue to improve with their very young team they did score 73 points at the Paul Bunyan Tourney and they claimed two individuals championships by Tom Mauer and Mike Hines and they had a pair of sixths by Mitch Rau and Spencer Braun. The Storm had an impressive performance at the Royalton tourney with 146 points to claim fourth place with twelve place winners. Leading the way was Chris Allen with second, third by Wes Voight, four fourths by Tyler Spiczka, Keith Rothstein, Wade Cruzer and Chris Fremette and six fifths by Zach Rudolph, Chris Rausch, Mitch Stanger, Chris Rolph, Derek Anderst and Paul Borresch. They dropped a Central Lakes conference dual to a good Alexandria team 41-24. The Storm were 1-2 at the Kimball duals with a win over Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa 48-21 and they lost to a very good Dassel Cokato 64-18 and ACGC 35-25. Mike Hines and big Tom Maurer were both unbeaten on the day.
9. Princeton Tigers (7)
The Tigers had some good performances with a dual win over Ogilvie 55-15. The Tigers scored 184 points at the Andover tourney to claim second with eleven place winners including one championship by Phil Meinert. They had a pair of seconds by Joey Meinert and Brad Aasen, four thirds by Matt Jensen, Chad Burkholder, Scott Chalupnik and Peter Beck and four fourths by Jon Hein, Casey Quinn, Jake Irwin and Nick Peltier. The dropped a pair of duals to section foes Forest Lake and Coon Rapids. The Tigers dropped a dual to Annadale/Maple Lake 49-18 and lost to Big Lake 35-35 (criteria). The Tigers topped two foes including Rum River Conference team North Branch 32-30 and Zimmerman 59-19.
10. Chisago Lakes Wildcats (7)
The Wildcats split duals at the Hibbing tourney with wins over Nashwauk-Keewaton/Greenway 44-31 and St. Paul Highland Park 39-20. They lost a pair of duals to White Bear Lake 44-24 and Hibbing 48-18. Brian Jones and Kevin Marquis were both 4-0 and Mitch Anderson, Bobby Ferrier and Luke Anderson were 3-1 to lead the way for the Wildcats. They dropped a dual to Braham 40-35. The Wildcats had a very good performance at the Hinckley-Finlayson tourney by scoring 183 points to claim second behind Minneapolis Edison. They had twelve place winners including three championships by Brain Jones, Luke Anderson and Aaron James. For the Wildcats Mitch Anderson took second and they had a trio of thirds by John Hogle, Bobby Ferrier and R. J. Rhodes, two fourths by Kevin Margquis and Kyle Hannah and a trio of fifths by Eric Tilly, Chad Stenson and Dan Germaenden.
11. North Branch Vikings (7)
The Vikings scored 149 points at the White Bear Lake tourney to claim fourth place with twelve place winners. The Vikings claimed one championship by John Buchanan a pair of seconds by Jeremy Bergerson and Jeff Holgrem, a pair of thirds by Ryan Decorsey and Sam Suprat. Other place winners included a trio of fourths by Boyd Suparat, Josh Schwab and Cody Galbmeier and a trio of fifths by Zach Backus, Matt Davidson and Jerrod Swanson.
The Vikings scored 122 points at the Tartan Tourney with eight place winners including one championship by Jeremy Bergerson and one second by John Buchanan. Other place winners included a pair of thirds by Jeff Holmgren and Zack Bachus, a pair of fourths by Boyd Suparat and Cody Gallmeier and a pair of fifths by Ryan Decorsey and Matt Davidson. The Vikings topped Spring Lake Park 42-19 and Hinckley-Finlayson 46-24 in non-conference dual meet action. The Vikings scored 150 points at their invitational to claim fifth place with nine place winners. The had two champions; John Buchanan and Ryan Decorsey, one second by Jeremy Bergerson and a pair of thirds by Sam Suparat and Ed Meier. Other place winners include a pair of fourths by Jarrod Swenson and Zach Backus and a pair of fifths by Cody Gallmeier and Matt Newham. The Vikings dropped a very close Rum River Conference dual to Princeton 32-30.
12. Moorhead Spuds (8)
The Spuds scored 65 points at the Big Bear tourney with one champion Andrew Gaughan and eighth by Jared Thoreson. The Spuds lost to neighbor Barnesville 50-6. The Spuds had a good showing at the Central Cass Letterman's Tournament with seven place winners to finish with 98 points. Andrew Gaughan was second, Beau Tweten was third, Jay Thoreson was fourth, and a trio of fifths by Jacob Handegard, Bryan Rodriguez and Justin Howard and Justin Phillippi was sixth.
13. St. Cloud Apollo Eagles (8)
The Eagles had a good performance at the Paul Bunyan tourney with 78.5 points with five place winners. Ken Blakely claimed second, Thane Taylor Third, Chris Jenderseck fourth and Brett Scharmer and Lee Lodermeier both were sixth. The Eagles dropped a Central Lake conference dual to a good Willmar team 57-15. The Eagles were 0-3 at the Kiffmeyer duals where they lost to Albert Lea 63-13, Brainerd 63-13, and Elk River 46-26. The Eagles dropped a Central Lakes dual to Alexandria 48-34.
Mat Rats Top Central Minnesota Class AAA Individuals
Mat Rats Top Central Minnesota Class AA Teams
1. Saint Michael-Albertville Knights (4)
The Knights have continued to turn in impressive performances with dual meet wins over Big Lake 59-5 and Rocori 51-12. The Knights really turned in a great performance at the Christmas Tourney with 158.5 points to claim third behind Apple Valley and Simley. By just a four point margin out of second behind nationally ranked Simley in this thirty-two team field of teams. The Knights had eight wrestlers place including one championship by Mike Thorn, second by Chas Betts, third by Brandon Dick, fourth by Joe Grygelko, a pair of fifths by Jake Grygelko and Chad Little and a pair of sixths by Andy Hackenmueller and Mickey Kirk. The Knights crushed two foes 3A St. Cloud Tech 63-6 and Waconia 46-18. The Knights crushed Rum River Conference foe Mora 64-0. The Knights turned in possibly their best performance of the season by claiming the championship at the Farmington duals with huge wins over South St. Paul 74- (-2), Roseville 58-3, Paynesville 56-15 and in the championship a big win over Scott West 36-20. The Knights had seven wrestlers go unbeaten on the day; Mike Thorn, Brandon Dick, Joe Grygelko, Chad Little, Jake Grygelko, Chas Bets and John Grygelko. The Knights down Rum River Conference foe Mora 65-0 and Braham in non-conference action 55-16.
2. Milaca Wolves (6)
The Wolves topped section foes Mora 61-11 and Sartell 64-15 and No. 2 Class A ranked Pierz 37-20. The Wolves turned in a very impressive performance at "The Clash" a thirty-two team tourney with teams from all over the United States. This is billed as one the elite tourneys in the country. Two great accomplishments were Coach Randy Zimmer winning his 300th dual meet win and Mitch Vedders winning his 150th career match. The Wolves were 5-1 during the weekend with wins over Cimarron Memorial, Nevada (No. 1 in Nevada) 37-30, Skutt Catholic, Nebraska 34-29 (No. 1 in Nebraska) St. Cloud, Florida 44-32 (No. 3 in Florida), Emmetsburg, Iowa 45-30 (No. 2 in Class AA) and over Waterloo West, Iowa 45-30. The Wolves lone lost was their first dual against Wasapsch, Utah 41-24 (No. 1 in Utah); Wasapsch went on to take second overall. Leading the Wolves was Mitch Vedders and Steve Jacobson with six falls each, Clay Hoeck and John Fradette were both 6-0 and Chuck LeMee was 4-2. The Wolves nearly got surprised by section 6AA rival Becker as they defeated them in a very close dual 32-27. The Wolves topped three foes at the quadangular meet in Coach Zimmer's hometown of Wabasso. Their wins were over Murray County Central 64-10, New Ulm 40-30 and a very good class A team Wabasso 33-25. The Wolves had six wrestlers go unbeaten on the day; they were Chuck LaMee, John Fradette, Steve Vetters, Clay Hoeck, Mitch Vetters and Steve Jacobson.
3. Minnewaska Lakes (7)
The Lakers started their 2004 portion of the schedule with a West Central conference dual meet win over rival Morris Area/Hancock 54-24. The Lakers claimed second at the Benson Classic wrestling tourney with 224.5 points with thirteen place winners. They were just a half of point behind Minneota and minus their heavy weight. Claiming championships were Joe Swartz, Jacob Bryce and Nathan Stoen and four seconds by Casey Boutain, Cody Pahan, Collin Cihlar and Sam Goracke. Other place winners include a pair of thirds by Keith Erickson and Trevor Larson, a pair of fourths by Dan Braaten and Jeremy Fischer and a pair of fifths by David Bond and Taylor Jergenson. The Lakers topped Benson in West Central Conference dual meet action 58-15.
4. Sauk Centre Mainstreeters (7)
The Mainstreeters topped West Central North foes Paynesville 36-22 and Albany 38-19. The Mainstreeters scored 203.5 points at the Benson tourney to claim third place with twelve place winners. Championships were won by Brian Bielke, Zach Winter and Ethan Vogt and a pair of seconds by Jozy Olson and Darrin Quistorff. Other place winners include five thirds by Matt Groetsch, Kurt Haakinson, Steve Hollenkamp, Nathan Reynolds and Jake Uphus, a fourth by Nick Reagemer and a fifth by Brad Hartigan.
5. Litchfield Dragons (5)
The Dragons have struggled with injuries this season but look for them to start stepping it up. The Dragons lost a dual to section foe Dassel Cokato 35-31 and they topped a very good Wabasso team 32-31 and MACCRAY 60-22 and Red Rock Central 50-25. The Dragons topped a good 3A Eden Prairie 45-26 and Hutchinson 29-20 in a very solid performance. The Dragons split a pair duals to section 5AA foes BOLD 49-20 and they lost to Waconia 36-33. The Dragons turned in their possibly their strongest performance of the year by scoring 198.5 points to claim second behind a powerful Pierz team with twelve place winners. The Dragons claimed four championships by Beau Penk, Joe Buschette, A. J. Werner and Bryar Johnson. The other place winners include Aaron Kromann, second and four thirds by Reed Wimmer, David Malepsy, Chase Piepenburg and Dan Smith, a fourth by Blayne Johnson and a pair of fifths by Cory schlock and Tony Gutormson.
6. Foley Falcons (6)
The Falcons is another team that has struggled with injuries and sickness and will certainly turn things up as they get their lineup in place. The Falcons scored 127 points at the Paul Bunyan tourney to claim sixth in a twelve team field of teams, with ten place winners. A pair of thirds by Kyle Henry and Josh Fruedenberg, a pair of 4ths by Nick Kotmsith and Zach Rajkowski, five fifths by Zach LaVigne, Jake Jaeckels, Travis Miller, Jeremy Rau and Greg Stumvoll and a sixth by Adam Messer. The Falcons are starting to get their lineup in place as they topped a good Mille Lacs team 42-20. The Falcons claimed second at the Bison duals with wins over Ellsworth, Wis. 71-3, Alexandria 43-18 and Centennial 42-22 before dropping the championship in a good match to Rosemount 32-26. Wrestlers that were 4-0 included: Zack Rajkowski (130), Eric Seppelt(145), Jared Freudenberg(160) Jeremy Rau(171) and Josh Freudenberg(189) and Josh Gondeck(119), Jake Jaeckels (125), Greg Stumvoll(135) and Kyle Henry(215) were 3-1 on the day.
7. Yellow Medicine East Sting (3)
The Sting turned a truly impressive performance as hosts at the "DAM SITE" tourney with 203. 5 points for second place with eleven place winners. The Sting won an impressive five individual championships by RyanTongen, Chad Listul, Nick Cole, Tyler Santjer and Justin Stoks. The runner ups were Ben Khali, Blaine Webber and Travis Berg, a third by Jordan Stock and a pair of fourths by Erik Isfeld and Landon Cole. The Sting topped section foe Fulda/MCC 50-19 and LQPV 60-11 before falling to section foe Adrian 45-15.
8. Becker Bulldogs (6)
The Bulldogs scored 134. 5 points at the Paul Bunyan tourney to claim fifth of out a field of twelve teams with five wrestlers placing in the top four. The Bulldogs claimed two championships by Jeremy Pederson and Jon Koranda, one second by Brandon Backes, third by Mike Rittenour and fourth by Jeremy Nelson. The Bulldogs nearly pulled off a huge upset over section 6AA rival Milaca 32-27. The Bulldogs topped Wright County conference foe Delano 60-12. The Bulldogs had an impressive performance at the Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa tourney with 182.5 points to claim the championship with eleven wrestlers placing in the top four. The Bulldogs claimed five championships by Robert Koranda, Brandon Backes, Jon Koranda, Jeremy Pederson and big Mike Hopkins. Russ Lumley and Mike Rittenour were both second and Nick Houle claimed third place and three fourths by Josiah Lumley, Riley Holub and Carlos Patino. The Bulldogs topped Wright County Conference foe Glencoe-Silver Lake 51-21 and section 6AA foe Mora 50-18.
9. Annadale/Maple Lake Lightning (5)
The Lightning in their first 2004 outing turned in a solid performance with dual meet wins over Princeton 49-18 and Big Lake 50-24. The Lightning continue to have a good season with a huge win over Wright County conference foe Dassel Cokato 31-25. The Lightning turned in yet another impressive performance at the Mora tourney with 204 points, just six points behind Waconia with eleven place winners. Ben Anderson, Stephen Pilgram and Brad Salverson all claimed championships and Aaron Hempel and Adam Michalski were both second. Five thirds by Tyler Wadman, Jake Anderson, Matt Schultz, Nate Roemer and Nick Demarais and a fourth by Kyle Erickson.
10. Long Prairie-Grey Eagle Thunder (7)
The Thunder claimed second at the Melrose duals topping Parker Prairie 40-28 and Delano 50-25 before dropping a close dual to a very good Watertown team 36-30. The leaders for the Thunder were Sam Schad, Travis Pesta, Pat Jenkins, Josh Pesta and Chad Hibbs as they all went unbeaten on the evening. The Thunder turned in a good performance despite having two open weights with 172. 5 points for second place with eight wrestlers in the top three places at the Royalton tourney. The Thunder won three championships by Sam Schad and Travis Pesta (each won their 100th career match) and Pat Jenkins. They also had a pair of seconds by Joseph Pesta and Derek Pesta and a trio of thirds by Josh Pesta, Zake Zeis and Chad Hipps. The Thunder topped West Central North foe Melrose 51-24 and rival Browerville/Eagle Valley 48-24. The Thunder claimed third place at the Perham duals with two big wins over section foe Pelican Rapids 50-24 and Deer River 45-27 before losing to the host Perham 42-31. The Thunder had six unbeaten wrestlers on the day including Joseph, Travis and Josh Pesta, Pat Jenkins and Mitch Ainali. The Thunder dropped a West Central Conference dual to Paynesville 40-24.
11. BOLD Warriors (5)
The Warriors are starting to heat up as they are getting some of their wrestlers back in to the lineup. At the Paul Bunyan tourney the Warriors had 111 points to claim eighth place with eight place winners including champion Brendon Schmoll and runner up Dan Elfering. They had a fourth place by Jon Kramer, a pair of fifths by Trent Squibb and Pat LeVasseur and a trio of sixths by Tom Elfering, Gerald Fredberg and Dustin Fischer. The Warriors topped a good 3A New Ulm 37-36 and River Valley 46-24 in their first action in the 2004 portion of the season. The Warriors dropped a 212 conference dual to ACGC 35-21. The Warriors dropped a pair of section 5AA duals to Litchfield 49-20 and Waconia 43-23.
12. Albany Huskies (6)
The Huskies topped Eden Valley 35-29 in a very good dual and they lost a tough dual to West Central North foe Sauk Centre 38-19. The Huskies scored 172 points to claim fourth with nine place winners at the Mora tourney. They claimed one championship by Scott Schlangen and five seconds by Brad Maciejewski, Alex Plantenberg, Matt Meyer, Aaron Blackmore and Jeff Dirkes and a trio of fourths by Brent Mandel and Gergi Krougov and Ryan Rolfes. The Huskies dropped a dual in West Central Conference action to Paynesville in an excellent meet 37-35.
13. Morris Area/Hancock Tigers (7)
The Tigers scored 64.5 points at the Big Bear tourney with three place winners Champion Kyle Koehntop, fifth by Jared Moser and sixth by Alex Nelson. The Tigers scored 129 points to claim fifth place at the Ogilvie tourney with seven wrestlers placing; including two champions Jacob Nohl and Jared Moser. They had a trio of thirds by Aaron Erdahl, Kyle Koehntop and Alex Nelson a fourth by Dexter Horman and fifth by Mike Hoffman. The Tigers dropped a West Central conference dual to rival Minnewaska 54-24.
Mat Rats Top Central Minnesota Class AA Individuals
Mat Rats Top Central Minnesota Class A Teams
1. Pierz Pioneers (6)
The Pioneers topped Central Minnesota Conference foes Eden Valley-Wakins 52-21 and Rockford 52-24 and they dropped one to one of the top Class AA teams in the state Milaca 37-20. The Pioneers topped the field of twelve teams including all AAA and AA teams except for a themselves with 243 points and with thirteen place winners. The Pioneers claimed three championships by Craig Luberts, Warren Gall and Hank Virnig and seconds by Matt Mrnak, Kyle Bednar, Jon Andres and Kyle Girtz. Other place winners included a trio of thirds by Tony Andrex, Scott Janson and Darren Stangle, one fourth by Nathan Britz and a pair of fifths by Nick Gruber and Cody Luberts. The Pioneers continue to dominate by crushing 2A foe Aitkin 57-10. The young Pioneer team turned in a very impressive performance at the Little Falls tourney with 208 points to claim the championship over a very good Litchfield team with eleven place winners. Craig Luberts, Tony Andres and Kyle Bednar all claimed championships and claiming seconds were Hank Virnig, Warren Gall, Kyle Girtz. They had one third by Matt Mrnak and a pair of fourths by Scott Janson and Jon Andres and one fifth by Nick Gruber.
2. New York Mills Eagles (7)
The Eagles scored 123.5 points to claim seventh place at the Big Bear tourney out of a field of thirty-two teams; just 13 points out of the top four. The Eagles had six place winners, Jared Hotakainen was second, Brent Weller was fourth, Cody Salo and Jeramie Weller both were fifth and Jason Burg and Tim Wegschied were both sixth. Dustin Geiser won three matches, Zach Hitzman and Scott Schornack each won two matches. The Eagles topped Osakis in a Park Region conference dual 52-9. The Eagles turned in a very balanced performance by scoring 196.5 points at the Pine to Prairie tourney at Fertile as they topped this ten team field with eleven place winners in the top four. They had a pair of championships by Jared Hotakainen and Brent Weller, three seconds by Jason Burg, Dustin Geiser and Cody Salo, four thirds by Tim Wegschied, Jeramie Weller, Brandon Marsh and Jake Hendrickx and a pair of fourths by Zach Hintzman and Dan Malone.
3. Paynesville Bulldogs (6)
The Bulldogs dropped a West Central North dual to Sauk Centre 36-22. The Bulldogs lost a dual to rival Canby 37-23. The Bulldogs turned in a strong performance at the Farmington duals as they claimed third in this twelve team field with wins over Fairbault 46-26, Lakeville 37-26 and Blue Earth 48-21 and they lost to a very solid STMA 56-15. Joel Kerzman, Sean Glenz and Pat Utsch were all 4-0 and Joey Sheridan, Jack Mueller, Matt Kerzman and Aaron Bachman were all 3-1 on the day. The Bulldogs topped two West Central Conference foes win a close match over Albany 37-35 and Long Prairie-Grey Eagle 40-24.
4. Eden Valley-Watkins Eagles (5)
The Eagles topped Rockford 51-18 and lost to No. 2 ranked Pierz 52-21. Then despite missing two regulars lost a close match to Albany 37-29. The Eagles had a solid performance at the Ogilvie tourney with 152.5 points to claim third place just 3.5 points behind the runner up Robbinsdale Cooper. The Eagles had eight place winners despite missing two regulars with one champion Eric Sullinger, five seconds by Mike Berg, Adam Hiltner, Nick Peterson and Josh Hiltner, a third by Chris Faber and fifth by Ryan Sullivan. The Eagles had a very impressive performance by scoring 208 points to claim the championship at the Norwood Young America tourney just 4.5 points, with just twelve wrestlers. All twelve placed in the top four with the Eagles winning four championships by Ryan Sullivan, Adam Hiltner, Eric Sullinger and Josh Hiltner. Nick Peterson and Chris Faber were both second, and five thirds by Raymen Rice, Phillip Magedanz, Jason Dorman, Luke Stommes and Paul Stommes and a fourth by Mike Berg.
5. Atwater Cosmos Grove City Falcons (5)
The Falcons have been on a roll with dual meet wins over River Valley 45-25 and in their quadangular Norwood Young America 54-18, MCRA 56-12 and Benson 43-28. The Falcons had five wrestlers go 3-0 on the day Billy Wheeler, Matt Pearson, Adam Hoeper, A. J. Fredrickson and Jason Losing. The Falcons had an outstanding performance when they defeated 212 foe BOLD 35-21. The Falcons turned in a vary good performance at the Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa tourney with 154.5 points to claim third with eleven wrestlers placing in the top four. Jason Losing, Spencer Lund and Nic Leighter all claimed championships and claiming seconds were Adam Hoeper and Aaron Rouser. The Falcons had four thirds by Bill Wheeler, A. J. Fredericks, Matt Leihter and Joe Hoeper and a pair of fourths by Eric Pederson and Matt Pearson. The Falcons went 2-1 at the Kimball duals with wins over section rival Kimball 51-23 and Sauk Rapids 35-25 and they dropped their dual with Blaine 41-26. Jason Losing and Nic Leighter were both 3-0 on the day for the Falcons. The Falcons crushed New London-Spicer 55-6 in non-conference action.
6. Mille Lacs Raiders (6)
The Raiders topped Great River Conference foe Braham 44-27 and two class 3A schools St. Cloud Tech 34-30 and St. Cloud Apollo 56-16. The Raiders showed good balance by scoring 140.5 points for fourth place at the Ogilvie tourney with nine place winners. They had one championship by Nolan Boucher, four seconds by Tyler Walters, Justin Jones, Nick Pfaff and Jon Odle. Other place winners for the Raiders included a trio of fourths by Geoff Springer, Rob Olson and Pat Sullivan and one fifth by Chris Steffenson. In Great River Conference dual meet action the Raiders topped Ogilvie 57-18. The Raiders dropped a dual to a solid Foley team 42-20. The Raiders topped section 6a foe Hinckley-Finlayson 62-14 and Melrose 56-22.
7. Bertha Hewitt/Verndale Raiders (7)
The Raiders topped the field at the Browerville/Eagle Valley tourney with 203 points and ten place winners in the top four. The Raiders won four championships by Jared Osyter, Dustin Denny, Matt Moenkedick and Tyler Fuller. Other place winners included second by Seth Moenkedick and four thirds by Jasper Oyster, Wade Moenkedick, Aaron Moenkedick and Josh Denny and a fourth by Sam Moenkedick. The Raiders continue to improve with a big win over Park Region conference rival Parkers Prairie 50-17. The Raiders topped Wadena-Deer Creek in non-conference action 33-27.
8. Wheaton-Herman/Norcross Bullets (7)
The Bullets topped Pelican Rapids 47-23 and they turned in a great performance at the Valley City tourney by scoring 173 points just 7.5 points behind the leader. The Bullets had thirteen place winners including championships by Brady Sykora, Ryan Schwagel and Casey Grey and two seconds by Jesse Rath and T. J. Severance. Other place winners included four thirds by Shane Fickes, Brett Lennox, Cody Rinke and Tony Roeschlein, a pair of fourths by Nate Mord and Casey Neuman and a fifth by John Doll. The Bullets topped section 7a foes Parkers Prairie 51-21 and Osakis 53-15.
9. Benson Braves (4)
The Braves won two duals at the ACGC quadangular with wins over Norwood Young America 42-29 and MCRA 51-22 and they dropped a dual to a very good ACGC team 43-28. The Brave leaders on the day were Kevin Wersinger, Adam Carruth and Scott Thompson were all 3-0 on the day. The Braves continue to have a solid season with two more dual meet wins over CACGB 40-32 and Parkers Prairie 44-27. The Braves scored 153 points at their invitational to claim fourth place with ten place winners. Adam Carruth and Scott Thompson both claimed championships and Abe Miller was second. They had a pair of thirds by Brady Lee and Brian Goof, a pair of fourths by Wade Miller and Tyler Atchinson anda trio of fifths by Kevin Wersinger, Tyler Giese and Tim Pillatcid. The Braves dropped a West Central South dual to Minnewaska 58-15.
10. Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunburg Fighting Saints (4)
The Fighting Saints topped 212 conference foe MACCRAY 37-29 to open their portion of the 2004 season. The Saints turned in a very impressive performance at the Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa tourney with 158.5 points to claim second with twelve wrestlers placing in the top four. They had one championship claimed by Kevin Steinhaus and a four seconds by Tom Rustad, Kole VanHeuveln, Kordell VanHeuveln and Darrin Carlson. Others that place were Ben VanHeuveln, Jeremy Merrill and Tyson Tofte all took third and a trio of fourths by Jeremie Gulke, Nick Dahl and Joe Radar.
11. West Central Area Knights (7)
The Knights are getting some of their wrestlers back and still have a couple to get back into the lineup. They turned in a solid performance at the Royalton tourney with 153.5 points to claim third with eight place winners. The Knights claimed four championships by Nate Long, Brady Schneeberger, Matt Anderson and Morgan Taylor, a pair of thirds by Jordan Hammer and Denis Sik and a pair of fifths by Ryan Skinemoen and Matt Delong.
12. Kimball Cubs (5)
The Cubs started their 2004 portion of the season with a great team performance as they scored 179 points to claim the championship at the Royalton tourney with ten place winners. The Cubs had one championship by Jeremy Dahnke and a trio of seconds by Dan Barthel, Erich Deutsch and Brandon Hurrle and a trio of thirds by David Dahnke, Gary Salmela and Jacob Kieke. Other place winners were a pair of fourths by Peter Jonas and John Hanley and a fifth by Chris Barthel. The Cubs topped Central Minnesota foe Holdingford 51-16. The Cubs had a rough day with injuries and sickness as they went 0-3 at their dual meet tourney dropping duals to section foe ACGC 51-22, Dassel Cokato 58-9 and Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa 37-30. The Cubs had wrestlers go 3-0 on the day Jerermy Dahnke and Peter Jonas.
Also having good seasons are:
MACCRAY Wolverines (4)
The Wolverines topped Red Rock Central 45-30 and lost to two very good teams Wabasso 56-12 and Litchfield 60-22. They scored 126 points at the Montevideo tourney for fifth place with seven place winners. The Wolverines claimed three championships by Tyler Steen and Trevor Steen and Matt Uttermark and a pair of fourths by Nick Miller and Jeff Horne and a pair of fifths by Robb Grussing and Aaron Tensen. The Wolverines topped two foes at their quadangular with wins over Ortonville 58-18 and Anoka's JV 40-33 and they tied Redwood Valley 33-33 (lost on criteria). Joe DeGrote, Tom Miller, Nate Noble were all 3-0 on the day to led the way for the Wolverines. The Wolverines dropped a 212 conference dual to KMS 37-29.
Braham Bomber (6)
The Bombers lost to Great River conference foe Mille Lacs 44-27 and to open the 2004 portion of the season at the Royalton tourney by scoring 120.5 points for sixth place with six place winners. They had two champion David Shockman and Matt Morgan, a pair of seconds by Ernie Loerzel and Brad Hale, one third by Dan Powell and a fifth by Jason Neville. The Bombers topped Chisago Lakes 40-35 in non-conference dual meet action. The Bombers lost to STMA 55-16 and Mora 44-21.
Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa (6)
The Jaguars lost to a good 3a Willmar 47-21 and they topped section 6 foe Roylaton 56-24 and Osakis 45-30. The Jagaurs had 75 points at their invitational with six place winners including seconds by Tyler Rath and Travis Henry and pair of thirds by Jesse TeBrakke and Jake Loomis and a pair of fourths by Dan Borgerding and Anthony Tullis. The Jaguars were 1-2 at the Kimball duals with a win over Kimball 37-30 and they dropped a pair of duals to Sauk Rapids 48-21 and Blaine 45-33. Travis Henry and Jesse TeBrake were both 3-0 for the Jaguars.
Mat Rats Top Central Minnesota Class A Individuals
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 Guillotine Section Reports. Please send relevant information for Class A individual and team ratings as well. I will also report your results to The Guillotine results page if you would like. Please either fax (1-320-363-4192) or email matrat@astound.net / cmmatrat@hotmail.com those tournament brackets and your dual meet results. Thanks, The Mat Rat Roger Mischke