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By Roger Mischke
February 13, 2004
Mat Rats Top Central Minnesota Class AAA Teams
1. Brainerd Warriors (8)
The Warriors have gotten all their wrestlers in the lineup and they are having one of their best season in recent years. The have topped Central Lakes Conference foes St. Cloud Tech 29-21, Alexandria 43-22 and Sartell 72-6. The Warriors topped the field of sixteen teams at the St. Croix Falls Tourney with 189 points and ten place winner and two championships by Tom Zelinske and Tyler Jensen. Nate Rubin and Greg Strand earned seconds and five thirds by Ryan McKay, Kyle Wilshussen, Adam Hahnert, Kyle Dukowitz and Dan Fleischhacker and seventh by Grant Jaeche. The Warriors split section 8AAA duals with a win over Fergus Falls 48-14 and they dropped a dual to section favorite Bemidji 44-14. The Warriors claimed their first Central Lakes Conference championship since 1995 by topping Willmar 31-20.
2. Willmar Cardinals (2)
The Cardinals have had solid performances all season and they continue to improve with big Central Lakes Conference duals meet wins over Sauk Rapids 48-20, Sartell 58-12 and in a very close dual Little Falls 30-29. The Cardinals had an outstanding performance with 194 points and twelve place winners and two championships by Peter Johnson to claim second. They had a pair seconds earned by Jesse Alonzo and Brandon Gilb and a foursome of thirds by Ben Monson, Brady Gilb, Brandt Hagland and Seth Arnold and a pair of fifths by Tony Neumann and Jake Beyer. The Cardinals topped Central Lakes Conference foe Rocori in a very exciting match 33-30 and New London-Spicer in non-conference action 61-15. The Cardinals had an impressive outing at the Big Ole; despite having three starters at the freshmen state. All whom were place winners, including Brady Gilb's championship. The Cards scored 101 points to claim fourth at the Big Ole with eight place winners including a championship by Kyle Nelson and a pair of seconds by Peter Johnson and Ben Monson. They also had a trio of thirds by Brandon Gilb, Ben Thonvold and Tony Neuman and a pair of fifths by Josh Dahlke and Jared Dahl. The Cardinals lost a chance to gain a tie for the Central Lakes Conference title after losing to Brainerd 31-20.
3. St. Cloud Tech Tigers (8)
The Tigers have been struggling a bit as of late with losses to both Little Falls 37-37 (Fall 4-3) and Brainerd 29-21 to break their streak of eighteen dual wins in the Central Lakes Conference. The Tigers did top Sauk Rapids in a Central Lakes dual 42-22. They did have a solid performance at the Bemidji Tourney with 159.5 points and nine place winners to claim third. Robbie Huot and Montanna Ewers both won championships and Derek Orth, Andy Johnston and Jordan Stracke all earned seconds and David Weller was third, James Ethan fourth and a pair of fifths by John Mailoux and Paul Denne. The Tigers topped host White Bear Lake at their dual meet tourney and they lost to Cenntenial and Coon Rapids. Montana Ewers, Jordan Stracke and David Weller were all 3-0 on the day. The Tigers had a solid performance with wins over a good Fergus Falls team 41-23 and Monticello 55-22.
The Tigers topped Central Lakes foe Alexandria 56-17 and lost to Rocori 31-21.
4. Fergus Falls Otters (8)
The Otters continue to have a very successful season with wins over a strong Class A Barnesville 36-27, over Pelican Rapids 51-13 a team that is having one of their most successful season in recent years and section 8AAA foe Moorhead 35-28. The Otters claimed the championship at the Lake Park/Audubon Tourney with 194 points and twelve place winners including four championships by Brandon Anderson, Levi Stenerson, Drew Haataja and Jared Bangs. Andy Price, Lonnie Gabrielson and Andy Krog all earned seconds and a trio of fourths by Karl Haatja, Mike Swenson and Charlie Revering and a pair of fifths by Zach Leuthardt and Steve Barber. The Otters claimed second at the Detroit Lakes dual meet tourney with wins over Blackduck/Cass Lake/Bena 38-37 and section 8AAA foe Little Falls 33-26 before dropping the championship match to the host Detroit Lakes 34-23. Brandon Anderson, Andy Krog, Jared Bangs and Drew Haataja were all unbeaten of the day. The Otters had tough luck in their dual with St. Cloud Tech dropping the dual 41-23 and they suffered a possible serious injury to Andy Price which was at least a nine point turn around in this dual. They did top Monticello 55-22. With two starters missing the Otters struggled against Brainerd 48-14 and section favorite Bemidji 42-14. With two wrestlers still missing from the lineup the Otters dropped a dual to section 8aaa foe Alexandria 38-25.
5. Little Falls Flyers (8)
The Flyers have finally got their wrestlers all back and are a roll with a huge Central Lakes win over St. Cloud Tech 37-37 (4-3 Falls), St. Cloud Apollo 52-24 and Sauk Rapids 57-16 and in non-conference duals; wins over Aitkin 40-25 and MCRA 58-18. The Flyers claimed fifth place at the Bemidji tourney with 113 points and eight place winners including one championship by Ted Wilczek. Joe Bue earned a third place, fourth by Troy Biermaier and five fifths by Nick Webber, Jason Brill, Jason Bratsch, Brendon Freudenrich and Steve Strack. The Flyers had a solid performance at the Detroit Lakes dual meet tourney by claiming third place with wins over Wheaton/Herman-Norcross 46-22 and Thief River Falls 42-32. They dropped a dual to section 8AAA foe Fergus Falls 36-26. Jason Brill and Aaron Olson were unbeaten for the Flyers on the day. The Flyers dropped a non-conference dual to Foley 39-21.
6. Buffalo Bison (2)
The Bison topped Spring Lake Park in North Suburban Conference action 42-32 and Delano in non-conference action 38-32. They lost duals to NSC foes Cambridge-Isanti 64-3, Totino Grace 44-24 and in non-conference action Dassel Cokato 51-16. The Bison went 1-3 at the Park Center Duals with a win over Chisago Lakes 48-20 and three losses all coming down to 275 to Hibbing 35-30, Osceola, Wis. 39-33 and Chaska 36-33. The Bison topped Maple Grove 54-21 and lost to Centennial 39-21 in North Suburban action. The Bison completed their regular season with a win over Elk River 50-22 and a loss to Coon Rapids 41-26.
7. Alexandria Cardinals (8)
The Cardinals dropped a pair of duals to the top 2AA teams in the area Sauk Centre 53-12 and Minnewaska 48-21. They also dropped duals to Wadena-Deer Creek 43-19 and a close dual to Foley 40-33. The Cardinals dropped duals to Central Lakes Conference foes Brainerd 43-22 and St. Cloud Tech 56-17. The Cardinals went 1-2 at the Staples-Motley Duals with a win over PL/PRB 51-15. They lost to Minnewaska 51-20 in the semifinals and they dropped their place match to Perham 51-18. Jon Amundson won all his matches at the Staples-Motley duals. The Cardinals lost a non-conference dual to a good Class A Bertha-Hewitt/Verndale 39-29. The Cardinals had six wrestlers place at the Big Ole invitational to claim sixth place with 63 points. Jon Amundson claimed a championship, Nate Kelly took third, a trio fourths by Dustin Price, Luke Wevely and Damon Bullock and a fifth by Chris Hobbs. The Cardinals topped section 8AAA foe Fergus Falls 38-25.
8. Sauk Rapids Storm (8)
The Storm have been using a lot of wrestlers in their events; so the younger wrestlers can compete in the freshmen league. The Storm lost duals to Albany 57-6, Litchfield 48-20 and Willmar 78-6. The Storm scored 80 points at the Minnehaha tourney for ninth place and five place winners. Tom Maurer led the way with a third place and a trio of fourths by Mitch Stenger, Wade Cruser and Chris Frenette and Alex Wainright claimed fifth. The Storm split duals topping Kimball 49-17 and they dropped a very close dual to Big Lake 36-33. The Storm topped two Central Lakes foes Sartell 42-27 and St. Cloud Apollo 50-6. The Storm dropped a non-conference dual to Eden Valley-Watkins 46-20. The Storm dropped their final Central Lakes Conference dual to Little Falls 57-16.
9. Princeton Tigers (7)
The Tigers have topped Rush City 42-25 in non-conference action and Chisago Lakes 67-10 and Mora/Pine City 42-29 in Rum River Conference action. They dropped Rum River duals to Milaca 65-9, Foley 50-17 and STMA. The Tigers were 2-2 at the Cambridge duals with win over North Branch 47-27 and Mora 71-6 and they dropped duals to Cambridge-Isanti 53-14 and to Coon Rapids 49-24. Phil Meinert was unbeaten at the Cambridge Duals. The Tigers claimed second at the Orono Duals meet tourney with wins over St. Paul Highland Park 55-21 and St. Charles 48-36 before dropping the championship to Bloomington Jefferson 37-36.
Joey Meinert , Brad Aasen , Matt Jensen , Chad Burkholder , Derek Fay and Peter Beck were all unbeaten for the Tigers on the day. The Tigers lost a non-conference dual to Braham 41-33 and they topped Rum River Conference foe Mora/Pine City 42-23.
10. Moorhead Spuds (8)
The Spuds claimed two dual meet wins over Dilworth-Glyndon/Felton 37-30 and Lake Park/Audubon 42-27. They lost duals to Fertile-Beltrami 46-17, Pelican Rapids 48-18 and to Fergus Falls 35-28. The Spuds ran into some very good teams at the Frazee Quadangular where they went 0-3 on the day. The Spuds have certainly improved as they topped Ottertail Central 55-21 and lost two close duals to Thief River Falls 33-25 and to Wheaton/Herman-Norcross 38-33 at the Detroit Lakes Dual Meet tourney. Andrew Gaughan, Jay Thoreson, Justin Phillippi and Justin Howland were all unbeaten on the day. Just a week ago the Spuds were beaten by WHN 63-15; now that is a huge turn around. The Spuds had a good showing at the Big Ole with five place winners to claim seventh with 54 points. Jay Thoreson claimed second, Andrew Gaughan took third and a pair of fourths by Derek Helmer and Beau Tweten and one fifth by Justin Howland. The Spuds lost a non-conference dual to a very good Detroit Lakes team 47-18. The Spuds dropped a section 8aaa dual to section favorite Bemidji 54-11.
11. Chisago Lakes Wildcats (7)
The Wildcats were 0-4 at the Park Center Duals losing to Buffalo 48-20, Mounds View 45-25, Maple Grove 37-28 and Elk River 36-30. Brian Jones, Luke Anderson, Dan Gemuenden and Aaron James were all unbeaten on the day. The Wildcats dropped Rum River Conference duals to Princeton 67-10, Foley 65-11 and Milaca 64-9. The Wildcats won a pair of Rum River Confernce duals over Mora 39-32, North Branch 40 32 and in non-conference action they dropped a pair to Minneapolis Edison 30-15 and Cooper 55-15. The Wildcats topped non-conference rival Rush City 38-35.
12. North Branch Vikings (7)
The Vikings have had some really key injuries but still manage wins over Braham 36-27 and Ogilvie 51-24. At the Cambridge duals the Vikings topped Princeton 43-27 and Woodbury 39-24. And they lost to Coon Rapids 57-18 and Cambridge 72-6. Jeremy Bergeson was unbeaten at the Cambridge duals. They lost Rum River Conference duals to Milaca 72-6, Big Lake 44-27, Mora 35-30 and Chisago Lakes 38-32. The Vikings topped Elk River 36-24 and dropped duals to Watertown-Mayer 52-19 St. Michael-Albertville 64-6. The Vikings topped their neighbor Rush City 41-21.
13. St. Cloud Apollo Eagles (8)
The Eagles went 1-3 at the Cambridge duals with a win over Woodbury 46-35 and losses to Pierz 56-22, Mora/Pine City 46-35 and Coon Rapids 60-21. Kent Blakeley and Chris Jenderseck were both 4-0 and Than Taylor and Brett Sharmer were both 3-1 on the day. The Eagles dropped Central Lakes Conference duals to Rocori 50-25, Little Falls 52-24 and Sauk Rapids 50-6. They topped Central Lake foe Sartell 47-35. The Eagles claimed two dual meet wins over Holdingford 61-12 and Melrose 42-37.
Mat Rats Top Central Minnesota Class AAA Individuals
Mat Rats Top Central Minnesota Class AA Teams
1. Saint Michael-Albertville Knights (4)
The Knights continue to crush foes with huge wins over Foley 52-3, Becker 54-16, Mound-Westonka 68-0 and Princeton 64-6. The Knights destroyed the field of eight teams at the Monticello tourney by scoring 300.5 points with nine champion. They were Mike Thorn, Brandon Dick, Joe Grygelko, Chad Little, Josh Becker, Jake Grygelko, Chas Betts, Mark Kasper and John Grygelko. The Knights had two seconds by Andy Hackenmueller and Luke Vetsch, a pair of thirds by Tom Duncombe and Mickey Kirk and fourth by Caleb McEachern.
2. Milaca Wolves (6)
The Wolves continue to dominate their foes with Rum River Conference wins over Princeton 65-9. North Branch 72-6, Big Lake 59-16, Foley 29-19, Chisago Lakes 64-9 and they crushed their neighbor Mille Lacs 59-18 and Fridley 65-12 in non-conference action. The Wolves topped three foes at the Stillwater duals to take the championship over Menomonie, Wis. 60-14, Tartan 61-10 and Stillwater 42-17. They had eight wrestlers that were 3-0 on the day including Clay Hoeck, Outstanding Wrestler, Mitch Vedders, John Fradette, Steve Vedders, Steven Yeats, Andy Kotsmith, Mitch Vedders and Steven Jacobson. The Wolves topped the field at the Paynesville duals with wins over Renville County West 67-7 and Awater-Cosmos-Grove City 49-11. In the championship they topped Sauk Centre 38-36. Chuck LeMee, Josh Dehart, Steve Vedders, Clay Hoeck and Mitch Vedders were all unbeaten on the day.
3. Litchfield Dragons (5)
The Dragons have been impressive with big wins over Wright County Conference foes Becker 39-28, Annandale-Maple Lake 44-26, Delano 66-13,Glencoe-Silver Lake 52-21. Also wins over rival Paynesville 54-22, Willmar 44-28, Sauk Rapids 78-6, Osseo 56-15 and Zimmerman 77-0. The Dragons topped the field at the Park Center duals with wins over Maple Grove 68-3, All-Stars 73-6, Hibbing 36-24 and Eagan 36-24. They had several wrestlers with outstanding days including; Beua Penk, Joe Buschette, A. J. Werner, Cory Schlack, Aaron Kromann and Bryar Johnson were all 4-0 and Reed Wimmer and Dan Smith were 3-1. Chase Piepenberg, Blayne Johnson and Jon Malepsy were all 2-0.
4. Minnewaska Lakers (7)
The Lakers continue to have a very solid season with wins over Alexandria 48-21, Sauk Centre 35-30 and New London-Spicer 60-15. The Lakers topped the field of eight teams at their dual meet invitational with wins over Owatonna's JV 42-21, Wheaton-Herman/Norcross 49-18 and Bertha-Hewitt/Verndale 43-23. They had four wrestlers that were 3-0 on the day including Jacob Bryce, Nathan Stoen, Casey Boutain and Joe Swartz. The Lakers claimed the championship at the Staples Duals with wins over Long Prairie-Grey Eagle 47-23, Alexandria 51-20 and Sauk Centre 33-31 in a very good dual. Six Lakers were unbeaten; Joe Swartz, Sam Goracke, Colin Cihlar, Jacob Bryce, Nathan Stoen and Abe Jergensen. The Lakers claimed the West Central Conference Tourney championship with 213.5 points and eleven place winners; including four championships. Those claiming championships were Jacob Bryce, Nathan Stoen, Joe Swartz and Sam Garacke. The Lakers had a pair of seconds by Cody Pahan and Taylor Jergenson, a pair of thirds by Colin Cihlar and Casey Boutain, one fourth by Abe Jergenson and a pair of fifths by David Bond and Cass Kreitlow. The Lakers claimed the West Central Dual Meet Championship by defeating Sauk Centre 42-24. The Lakers had a very impressive outing at the Big Ole tourney scoring 180 points; just 6.5 points behind powerhouse Frazee. Despite missing one regular they claimed four championships by Joe Swartz, Trevor Larson, Jacob Bryce and Nathan Stoen. The Lakers had three seconds by Colin Cihlar, Cody Pahan and Taylor Jergenson, a pair of thirds by David Bond and Sam Goracke and a pair of fourths by Allen Lutterman and Abe Jergenson. The Lakers topped a pair of Section 7AA foes Perham 29-28 and Staples-Motley 60-12.
5. Sauk Centre (7)
The Mainstreeters continue to have a very good season with wins over Alexandria 52-12, Long Prairie-Grey Eagle 45-15 and Melrose. The Mainstreeters topped the field of teams at the Osakis Duals with big wins over Holdingford 75-3, Osakis 63-6 and over a very good Annandale/Maple Lake 43-24. Nine Mainstreeters were 3-0 on the day including Brian Beilke, Jozy Olson, Zach Winter, Darrin Quistorff, Kurt Haakinson, Jake Uphus, Nick Ruegemeur, Ethan Vogt and Matt Groetsch. The Mainstreeters turned in a solid performance at the Staples Duals to claim second with wins over Section 7AA foes Staples-Motley 45-17 and Perham 37-31 before dropping a very close dual to Minnewaska 33-31. Brian Beilke, Darrin Quisstorff, Zach Winter and Ethan Vogt were all unbeaten on the day. The Mainstreeters scored 190.5 points at the West Central Conference tourney to claim second with eleven place winners including three champions. Winning championships were Brian Beilke, Kurt Haakinson and Ethan Vogt, a second by Zach Winter, a pair of thirds by Jake Uphus and Nick Ruegemer, a pair of fourths by Weston Wander and Steve Hollenkamp and a trio of thirds by Jozy Olson, Brad Hartigan and Nate Reynolds. It was unfortunate that Darrin Quistorff was sick and had to withdraw from the tourney. The Mainstreeters minus two starters and a shakey Darrin Quistorff lost the West Conference Dual Meet Championship to Minnewaska 42-24. The Mainstreeters topped Benson and lost to a solid Canby team 39-25. The Mainstreeters turned in one of their top performances of the season by claiming second at the Paynesville Duals with wins over New Ulm 37-25 and Perham 45-30 and in the Championship dropping a very close dual to Milaca 38-36. They were without two of their regulars on Saturday, but they got great leadership from Brian Beilke, Zach Winter, Kurt Haakinson, Nick Ruegemer and Ethan Vogt, they all went unbeaten. The Mainstreeters topped three foes in their quadangular Morris Area/Hancock 43-21, Parkers Prairie 65-16 and Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa 56-16.
6. Foley Falcons (6)
The Falcons topped Rum River Conference foes Princeton 50-17 and Chisago Lakes 65-11 and non-conference foes Alexandria 40-33 and Wadena-Deer Creek 29-27. The Falcons dropped a Rum River Conference dual to their huge rival Milaca 29-19. The Falcons claimed second at the Monticello tourney with 187.5 points with thirteen place winners including five seconds by Travis Miller, Zach Rajkowski, Greg Stumvoll, Josh Freudenberg and Kyle Henry. The Falcons also had four thirds by Jake Jaeckels, Tim Holmgren, Mike Beehler and Jeremy Rau, a fourth by Eric Seppelt and a trio of fifths by Kevin Beehler, Josh Shuller and Nick Kotsmith. The Falcons topped Little Falls 39-21 and Forrest Lake 47-18 in non-conference action.
7. Yellow Medicine Sting (3)
The Sting continue to have a very strong season with a 212 Conference win over MACCRAY 50-15 and losses to powerful Minneota 43-24 and Wabasso 21-42. The Sting topped the field at the 212 Conference with 216.5 points and twelve place winners; this included four championships by Chad Listul, Nick Cole, Jordan Stock and Tyler Santjer. They also had four seconds by Ryan Tongen, Spenser Sannerud, Justin Stoks and Travis Berg, a trio of thirds by Blaine Webber, Erick Isfeld and Ben Khali and one fourth by Tom Jacobson. The Sting had a very strong performance to win the Plum Creek tourney with 211 points and ten wrestlers in the top four. Three champions led the way; Chad Listul, Blaine Webber and Nick Cole and one second by Tyler Santjer and four thirds by Ryan Tongen, Jordan Stock, Justin Stoks and Ben Khali and a pair of fourths by Tom Jacobson and Spenser Sannerud. The Sting topped Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City 44-7 and then ACGC turned around and defeated Paynesville. The Sting crushed Marshall 76-0 and Benson 57-13 to complete a great regular season.
8. Becker Bulldogs (6)
The Bulldogs topped section 6 rival Big Lake 55-15, Braham 51-19 and MCRA 48-25 at their quadangular. They had six go unbeaten on the evening including Robert and Jon Koranda, Brandon Backes, Nick Houle, Mike Hopkins and Jeremy Pederson. They dropped duals to Wright County foes Litchfield 39-28, Watertown 34-21 and Waconia 34-25. The Bulldogs lost to a very good STMA team 54-16 and topped Annadale/Maple Lake 34-32 in a very exciting dual. The Bulldogs topped section 6AA rival Big Lake in a very good match 35-33 and crushed Royalton 71-3.
The Bulldogs topped Wright County Conference foe Dassel Cokato in a excellent dual 32-28.
9. Annandale/Maple Lake Lightning (5)
The Lightning continue to have a very good season with a win over Wright County Conference foe Glencoe-Silver Lake 53-16, Monticello 42-23 and long time rival Paynesville a big win 35-26. This is the first win over Paynesville in 29 years for Coach Bartels. The Lighting dropped a tough Wright County Conference dual to Litchfield 44-26. In a very good dual in Wright County Conference action the Lightning dropped a very close dual to Becker 34-32. The Lightning claimed second at the Osakis duals with wins over Melrose 65-10 and Albany 43-25 before dropping the championship to Sauk Centre 43-24. Ben Anderson and Nate Roemer were both unbeaten at the Osakis duals. The Lightning topped Mound-Westonka 43-23 in non-conference action. Mound is possibly the number two team in section 4AA. The Lightning topped Kimball 56-9 in what was the last match to be coach by retiring Head Coach Bruce Bartells after 33 years at that position.
10. Rocori Spartans (6)
The Spartans are starting to get their lineup set; with their wins over St. Cloud Apollo 50-25 and Albany 40-25. They also went 2-1 at the Minnewaska Duals with wins over Glencoe-Silver Lake 47-24 and Long Prairie-Grey Eagle 42-27. They dropped a very close dual to Mille Lacs 35-33. Darren Nathan, Sam Howe, Matt Hesse and Chris Magendanz were all unbeaten at the Minnewaska Duals. The Spartans keep improving; but lost a close Central Lakes Dual to Willmar 33-30 in an excellent match. The Spartans scored 98 points at the Big Ole to claim fifth with nine place winners; including second by Grant Johnson, four thirds by Darren Nathan, Max Johannes, Kyle Schroeder and Matt Hesse, one fourth by Nate Klein and a trio of fifths by Chuck Aho, Chris Mackendanz and Darrin Massman. The Spartans topped their big rival in Central Lakes Conference action by crushing St. Cloud Tech 31-21; they won nine matches in the dual.
11. Albany Huskies (6)
The Huskies continue to have a solid season with dual meet wins over Sauk Rapids 57-6, Holdingford 63-15, Sartell 55-11 and Royalton 60-15. They dropped a dual to section 6 foe Rocori 40-25. The Huskies claimed third place at the Osakis Duals with wins over Browerville/Eagle Valley 54-16 and Osakis 43-30. They dropped their semifinal match to Annandale/Maple Lake 43-25. The Huskies had four wrestlers go unbeaten at the Osakis Duals; Brad Maciejewski, Alex Plantenburg, Aaron Blackmore and Jeff Dirkes. The Huskies despite some injuries had a good showing at the West Central Conference tourney with 91 points and five wrestlers placing in the top five. They had one second by Aaron Blackmore, a third by Alex Plantenberg, a pair of fourths by Brad Maciezewski and Kris Doll and fifth by Jeff Dirkes. The Huskies topped Kimball 51-19 and lost to Pierz 42-25.
12. BOLD/Buffalo Lake Hector Warriors (5)
The Warriors are starting to get their lineup set as they turned in a solid performance by claiming second at the 212 Conference with 158 points and eleven place winners. They had two champions Brendan Schmoll and Dan Elfering, five thirds by Jon Kramer, Chris Harmon, Josh Mages, Nick Bauman and Dustin Fischer. Also they had a fourth by Ben Aeseth and a trio of fifths by Trent Squibb, Bailey Reittmann and Pat LeVasseur. The Warriors topped Class 3A Elk River 34-33 in a big win for the Warriors. They went 2-1 at their quadangular with wins over Madelia-Truman 52-18 and Crosby-Ironton 72-9; before dropping a very good dual to Bertha Hewitt/Verndale 31-28. The Warriors dropped a dual to section 5AA foe Dassel Cokato 46-16 and former section 4a rival Canby 46-15. The Warriors topped Class A foe Sibley East 41-21. The Warriors lost to former Section 4a rival Adrian 56-9.
Mat Rats Top Central Minnesota Class AA Individuals
Mat Rats Top Central Minnesota Class A Teams
1. Pierz Pioneers (6)
The Pioneers claimed second at the Cambridge Duals with wins over St. Cloud Apollo 56-22, Woodbury 68-9, Mora/Pine City 71-6 and they dropped the championship match in a close one to Cambridge 28-26. Craig Luberts, Kyle Bednar, Kyle Girtz and Matt Mrnek were all 4-0 and Hank Vernig, Nathan Janson, Tony Andres and Nathan Britz were all 3-1 on the day. The Pioneers topped section foes Mille Lacs 54-12 and Mora/Pine City 58-6. The Pioneers topped the field of teams at the Frazee quadangular with the crushing of Moorhead 78-0 and Wheaton-Herman/Norcross 59-14. The Pioneers then topped a very good Frazee team 37-19; to my knowledge that is the first team in my memory that Frazee has lost a home dual. That does date back to 1971. Seven Pioneers wrestlers were unbeaten on the day including; Hank Virnig, Jon Andres, Kyle Bednar, Scott Janson, Kyle Girtz, Cody Luberts and Matt Mrnek. The Pioneers crushed section 6 rivals Royalton 70-12 and Braham 47-15. The Pioneers topped Central Minnesota foe Kimball 62-12 and non-conference foe Albany 45-25. The Pioneers crushed non-conference foe Long Prairie-Grey Eagle 58-12 to complete the regular season with a 25-2 dual meet mark.
2. New York Mills Eagles (7)
The Eagles topped Park Region Conference and section 7A foes Menagha-Sebeka 51-18, West Central Area 53-24, Ottertail Central 54-12, Browerville/Eagle Valley 54-19, Pequot Lakes/Pine River 56-9 and Breckenridge 64-3. In an impressive outing the Eagles topped AA rival Perham 39-23. Wrestling a little short handed the Eagles dropped a Park Region Conference and section 7 dual to Bertha Hewitt/Verndale 33-31.The Eagles dropped a very exciting dual to a much improved Wadena-Deer Creek 31-29. The Eagles topped non-conference foe Park Rapids 46-22. The Eagles turned in a solid team performance with thirteen place winners in the top four, including ten advancing to the finals. They scored 237.5 points 47 points ahead of Bertha Hewitt/Verndale with five champions; Jeramie Weller, Jared Hotakainen, Jason Burg, Brandon Marsch and Logyn Saewert. The Eagles had five seconds by Dan Malone, Brent Weller, Dustin Geiser, Cody Salo and Devlin Hessig. A pair of thirds by Tim Wegscheid and Zach Hintzman and a fourth by Jake Hendrickx. The Eagles topped non-conference foe Walker 63-6.
4. Bertha Hewitt/Verndale Raiders (7)
The Raiders have really been on a roll with big wins over section 7 foes Ottertail Central 40-18, Wheaton-Herman/Norcross 42-27, Menagha-Sebeka 48-26, Osakis 69-3, Browerville-Eagle Valley 55-25 and New York Mills 33-31 in a huge match for the Raiders. They won the BOLD quadangular with wins over Crosby-Ironton 66-12, Madelia-Truman 61-9 and BOLD 31-28. There were six Raiders that were unbeaten on the day including; Matt Moenkedick, Sam Moenkedick, Seth Moenkedick, Tyler Fuller, Josh Denny and Jared Oyster. The Raiders topped 3A foe Alexandria 39-29 as they continue to roll along, getting better with each outing.
The Raiders scored 190.5 points to claim second at the Park Region Conference tourney with twelve wrestlers placing in the top five including champions Jared Oyster and Seth Moenkedick. The Raiders got seconds by Sam Moenkedick and Tyler Fuller, four thirds by Bud Willis, Jasper Oyster, Joseph Miner and Ethan Kern. They also got a pair of fourths by Aaron Moenkedick and Tony Schul and a pair of fifths by Martin Braaten and Gavin Messer. The Raiders topped section 7A foe Breckenridge 49-21 and in a non-conference match Long Prairie-Grey Eagle 43-24.
5. Atwater Cosmos Grove City Falcons (5)
The Falcons have had solid performances despite missing a couple of their leading wrestlers. They topped MACCRAY in 212 action 43-18 and they finished fifth at the 212 conference tourney with 143 points. The Falcons had one championship by Jason Losing, a trio of seconds by Adam Hoeper, A.J. Fredericksen and Nic Leither. They also have a pair of thirds by Spencer Lund and Joe Hoeper, one fourth by Eric Peterson and a pair of fifths by Kyle Whitcomb and Joe Lies. The Falcons claimed third at the New London-Spicer Tourney with 141.5 points and eleven wrestlers in the top four. Aaron Rouser won the lone championship and Jason Losing, Spencer Lund, Nic Leither and Joe Hoeper claimed seconds, a trio of thirds by Kyle Whitcomb, A.J. Fredericksen and Josh Lies and a trio of fourths by Bill Wheeler, Travis Fredericksen and Mat Leither. The Falcons topped Eden Valley-Watkins 38-24 and Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa 39-31. The win over Eden Valley-Watkins should give the Falcons number one seed in the section tourney. The Falcons topped 212 foe KMS in a very exciting dual 30-27. The Falcons lost to 212 foe Yellow Medicine East 44-7, but they did rebound from that big loss to top Paynesville 36-33 in the quarter finals of the Paynesville duals. They lost to Milaca in the semifinals 49-11 and Perham for third 38-21. Jason Losing was unbeaten on the day. This was a huge day for the Falcons Head Coach Tim Roberg; a former Paynesville wrestler.
5. Paynesville Bulldogs (6)
The Bulldogs claimed fourth at their invitational with 153. 5 points and eleven place winners including three champions; Sean Glenz, Matt Kerzman and Pat Utsch. They had a pair of seconds by Joel Kerzman, Aaron Bachman, a pair of fourths by Joe Sheridan and Keith Klein and four fifths by Jordan Christian, Todd Theilen, Jordan Spaeth and Josh Tebben. The Bulldogs dropped a pair of duals to Litchfield 54-22 and Annandale/Maple Lake 35-26. The Bulldogs had a solid performance at the West Central Conference tourney with 156.5 points and seven wrestlers placing in the top five. Sean Glenz and Joel Kerzman won championships, a trio of thirds by Matt Kerzman, Derek Burris and Josh Tebben, one fourth by Pat Utsch and a fifth by Jack Mueller. The Bulldogs dropped a pair of duals to Blaine 32-31 and Osseo 37-27. The Bulldogs claimed sixth a the their dual meet invitational with a win over Renville County West 52-21. They lost in the opening round to Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City 36-33 and New Ulm in the fifth place match 33-30. Matt Kerzman, Sean Glenz, Pat Utsch and Josh Tebben were all unbeaten on the day.
6. Eden Valley-Watkins Eagles (5)
The Eagles topped Royalton 66-9, Rush City 56-13, Kimball 49-27, Holdingford 66-9, Lester Prairie 69-6. The Eagles claimed second at the New London-Spicer tourney with 156.5 points, with eleven place winners. Winning Championships were Josh Hiltner, Adam Hiltner and Eric Sullinger and claiming seconds were Nick Peterson and Mike Berg. The Eagles had a trio of thirds by Ryan Sullivan, Raymen Rice and Phillip Magedanz and a trio of fourths by Chris Faber, Paul Stommes and Heath Kramer. The Eagles spilt duals topping Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa 43-22 and dropping a dual to section 5A rival Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City38-24. This was for the number one seed in the section tourney. The Eagles crushed MCRA a section 5A foe 60-16 and Howard Lake-Waverly/Winsted 57-17 and in non-conference action Sauk Rapids 46-20.
7. Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunburg Fighting Saints (4)
The Fighting Saints have been on a roll with a 212 conference win over Belgrade-Brooten Elrosa 50-14 and a third place at the 212 Conference tourney with 157.5 points. The had ten place winners including champions Darrin Carlson and Josh Wentzel and a pair of seconds by Tom Rustad and Kole VanHeuveln. They also had a pair of thirds by Kevin Steinhous and Tyson Tofte and a trio fourths by Kordell VanHeuveln, Ben VanHeuveln, Jeremia Sulke and a fifth by Jeremy Merrill. The Fighting Saints claimed the championship at the New London-Spicer tourney with 162 points and eleven place winners including four championships by Kevin Steinhause, Tom Rustad, Darrin Carlson and Josh Wentzel. They also had one second by Jeremy Merrill, four thirds by Tyson Tofte, Kole VanHeuveln, Nick Dahl and Spencer Almen and a pair of fourths by Kordell VanHeuveln and Ben VanHeuveln. The Fighting Saints split a pair of duals to section 4A foes topping Benson 34-31 and dropping one to Wabasso 42-16. The Fighting Saints dropped a very close dual to 212 rival ACGC 30-27. The Fighting Saints rolled over CACG 53-24.
8. Wheaton-Herman/Norcross Bullets (7)
The Bullets claimed third at the Minnewaska Duals with wins over Long Prairie-Grey Eagle 36-30 and Mille Lacs 37-31. They dropped their dual with Minnewaska 49-18. Four Bullets were unbeaten on the day including; Casey Gray, T. J. Severance, Brady Sykora and Jerod Lennox. The lost a dual to section 7a rival Bertha-Hewitt/Verndale 42-27. They topped Moorhead 63-15 and lost to Pierz 59-14 and Frazee 52-16 at the Frazee Duals. Cody Rinke was the lone Bullet to go unbeaten. The Bullets topped Ellendale/Edgeley, ND 60-9 and Lisbon 49-22 at the Kindred duals. The Bullets had a good performance by claiming fourth in a solid field of teams at the Detroit Lakes Dual meet tourney. The Bullets were 1-2 with a win over Moorhead 38-33 and they lost to Little Falls 46-22 and Detroit Lakes 45-24. Brady Sykora, T.J. Severance, Casey Gray and Cody Rinke were all unbeaten. The Bullets dropped a dual to Dawson-Boyd 40-33 and topped section 7A and rival West Central 45-29.
9. Benson Braves (4)
The Braves topped the field at the Parkers Prairie Tourney with 213 points and thirteen place winners including championships by Adam Carruth, Scott Thompson and Abe Miller. They had four seconds by Taylor Atchison, Brad Plumhoff, Ryan Unke and Brian Goff, a third by Wade Miller and four fourths by Brandon Berens, Kevin Wersinger, Tyler Wieland and Tyler Giese. The Braves topped West Central South foe Montevideo 39-35. The Braves scored 120 points at the New London-Spicer tourney to claim fourth place with eight wrestlers in the top four. Adam Curruth, Scott Thompson and Abe Miller won championships and Brady Lee claimed second, Kevin Wersinger claimed third and a trio of fourths by Brian Goff, Trent Lusfield and Tyler Giese. The Braves dropped a pair of duals to section 4A foes Wabasso 44-21 and KMS 34-31. The Braves score 118 points to claim sixth in the West Central Conference tourney with five place winners including a pair of championships by Abe Miller and Scott Thompson, a pair of seconds by Adam Curruth and Kevin Wersinger and a fifth by Brian Goff. The Braves dropped a pair of duals to Canby 45-15 and a close one to Sauk Centre in non-conference action. The Braves dropped their final dual meet to a very good non-conference foe Yellow Medicine East 57-13.
10. Mille Lacs Raiders (6)
The Raiders have struggled as of late with a lone win over Princeton 47-28 and losses to Milaca 59-18, Mora 33-28, Pierz 54-12. At the Minnewaska Duals they claimed fourth place with a win over Rocori 35-33 and losses to lean and mean teams Bertha Hewitt/Verndale 42-24 and Wheaton-Herman/Norcross 37-31. Justin Jones, Nolan Boucher and Jon Odle were all unbeaten at the Minnewaska Duals. The Raiders topped section 6A and Great River Conference foe Rush City 37-27 and lost to their huge rival Aitkin and Great River Conference foe 40-24.
11. Kimball Cubs (5)
The Cubs have been struggling with some injuries as of late; but do have wins over Central Minnesota Conference foes Royalton 57-24 and Rockford 51-27 plus a non-conference win over Melrose 39-30. The Cubs did have losses to section 5a foes Eden Valley-Watkins 49-25, MCRA 42-37 and Trinity 42-36. The Cubs dropped a dual to a very good Watertown-Mayer team 50-18. The Cubs are still missing a few wrestlers as they fell victim in two duals to Big Lake 53-19 and to Sauk Rapids 49-17. The Cubs dropped a pair of duals to Pierz 12-62 and to Albany. The Cubs dropped a non-conference dual to neighbor Annandale/Maple Lake 56-9.
12. Braham Bombers (6)
The Bombers are having another successful season with win over Great River Conference foe Ogilvie 57-24. They lost three duals at the Becker quadangular; Big Lake 40-33, MCRA 43-33 and Becker 51-19. The Bombers lost duals to North Branch 36-27 and to Great River Conference foe Aitkin 43-23. The Bombers did claim third at the Minnehaha Tourney with 158 points with eight place winners including two championships by Matt Morgan and Dan Powell. Ernie Loerzel, David Schockman, Brad Hale and Omar Bukhowa all claimed seconds and Wally Workman earn a fourth and Jake LeClair fifth. The Bombers dropped a section 6a dual to Pierz 47-15 and they topped Hinckley-Finlayson 48-30. The Bombers topped Princeton 41-33 in non-conference action.
Chokio-Alberta-Clinton/Graceville/Bearsley Road Warriors (7)
The Road Warriors are having their best season since the mat rats brother held the head coaching position. They have dual meet wins over Parkers Prairie 48-27, LQPV 48-15, West Central Area 37-36, Ortonville 54-18, Upsula-Swanville 78-3, Osakis 34-33 and Dawson-Boyd 36-33. They did dropped a close dual to Benson 40-32 and Sisseton, SD. 44-22. The Road Warriors also claimed fifth place at the Benson tourney with 131 points and nine place winners including one championship by Tyler Tubbs. Cody Nilson earn a second, Matt Benson and Dylan Schuster were both third, a pair of fourths by Brady Fuhrman and Phillip Wencel and a trio of fifths by Daniel Kleindl, Matthew Burnett and Andrew O'Neil. The Road Warriors dropped a dual to a very good KMS team 52-21.
Rush City Tigers (6)
The Tigers are having a good season with a huge win over Aitkin in the Great River Conference; their first over Aitkin. They topped section 6 foes Royalton 43-27, Hinkley-Finlayson 40-31 and Trinity 43-27 and lost non-conference duals to Princeton 42-25 and Eden Valley-Watkins 56-13. The Tigers lost a very good dual to Section 6A and Great River Conference foe Mille Lacs 37-27 and they topped Ogilvie 51-25. The Tigers lost a close dual to non-conference rival Chisago Lakes 38-35.
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