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By Roger Mischke
December 17, 2003
Mat Rats Top Central Minnesota Class A Teams
1. Pierz Pioneers (6)
The Pioneers topped the field of teams at the Foley duals with wins over Parkers Prairie 51-22, Becker 63-16 and the host Foley 29-29 on criteria. The Pioneers were led by Kyle Bednar, Craig Luberts, Hank Vernig and Kyle Girtz with 3-0 marks on the day. The Pioneers continued their strong start by crushing their foes at the Hinckley-Finlayson Quadangular with wins over the host Hinckley-Finlayson 69-12, North Branch 60-15 and Meadow Creek River Academy 67-3. Pioneers with 3 falls in the Tri included Hank Virnig, Kyle Bednar, Craig Luberts and Nathan Britz and Jon Andres defeated David Cunningham from MCRCA. The Pioneers dominated Holdingford 72-0 and Zimmerman 65-10 in dual meet action.
2. New York Mills Eagles (7)
The Eagles started their season with two very convincing wins over Pelican Rapids 45-27 and Park Region Conference foe Parkers Prairie 66-15. They had a strong showing at their quadangular with wins over Staples-Motley 52-27 and section rival Wheaton/Herman-Norcross 54-24. They did drop a close dual to Greenbush-Middle River-Badger 37-28. The Eagles had four wrestlers go 3-0 on the night: Jeramie Weller, Scott Schornack, Jared Hotakainen and Cody Salo to lead the way.
The Eagles topped the field at the Barnesville dual meet tourney with two wins over lean and mean teams River Valley 49-20 and for the championship the host Barnesville 42-21. They also topped Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton 47-21 and Lake Park/Audubon 54-18. The Eagles had Jared Hotakainen and Scott Schornack were both 4-0 and Jason Burg and Brent Weller were both 3-0 and Dustin Geiser was 2-0. They had three wrestlers that were 3-1 on the day; Jeramie Weller, Scott Schornack and Tim Wegscheid.
The Eagles dropped a very close dual to No. 1 ranked Frazee 33-31 in a match up of section favorites.
3. Paynesville Bulldogs (6)
The Bulldogs started the season with strong performances at the Foley duals by claiming 5th place with big wins over Rocori 45-28 and Boyceville, Wis. (No. 4 ranked in Wis.) 51-27. Leading the way for the Bulldogs by going 3-0 on the day were Sean Glenz, Pat Utsch and Matt Kerzman. In the Bulldog triangular that claimed three dual meet wins over West Central North foe Melrose 39-18 and two section 6A foes Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa 34-19 and Rush City 41-21. Jack Mueller and Joel Kerzman were both 3-0 for the Bulldogs.
The Bulldogs claimed fifth place at the Edison dual meet tourney with wins over Edison 50-30, and Nicollet 54-21. They dropped a pair of duals to Eagan 34-33 and Owatonna 45-28. The Bulldog leaders were Jack Mueller, Joel Kerzman, Matt Kerzman were 4-0, Sean Glenz went 3-0 and Pat Utsch and Josh Telben were both 3-1.
The Bulldogs topped a section 6 foe in a very close dual over Mille Lacs 42-39.
4. Eden Valley-Watkins Eagles (5)
The Eagles started the season with an impressive performance at the Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa Tourney by topping the field of eight teams with 156.5 points with eleven wrestlers placing in the top four. Four Eagles won championships, Ryan Sullivan, Adam Hiltner, Eric Sullinger and Josh Hiltner. The Eagles other place winners included Nick Peterson was second, Mike Berg and Raymen Rice were both third, Sean Topp, Paul Stommes and Dustin Kramer were all fourth.
The Eagles turned in their second solid performance despite leaving three starters at home claimed second with 119.5 points at the ACGC tourney. They had nine wrestlers in the top four with three championships by Nick Peterson, Eric Sullinger and Josh Hiltner. They also had a second by Ryan Sullivan, a third by Adam Hiltner and four fourths by Mike Berg, Raymen Rice, Phillip Magedanz and Dustin Kramer.
The Eagles topped two foes at the Johnson duals with wins over St. Paul Johnson 47-25 and Nicollet 55-21.
The Eagles scored 98 points for seventh place at the tough Willmar tourney claiming one championship by Adam Hiltner. They had a runner up finish by Nick Peterson, a pair of thirds by Josh Hiltner and Eric Sullinger, fourth by Paul Stommes and fifth by Mike Berg.
5. Mille Lacs Raiders (6)
The Raiders started their season with an impressive performance at the Rush City tourney by claiming the championship with 200 points. They claimed seven championships by Justin Jones, Tyler Walters, Nolan Boucher, Jon Odle, Nick Pfaff, Kevin Pederson and Rob Olson. Geoff Springer placed third and Kyle Prickett placed fourth for the Raiders.
The Raiders made a very strong showing at the Grant County tourney by scoring 136.5 points to claim fourth out of a field of thirteen teams. They had seven place winners in the top five with seconds by Jon Odle, Nolan Boucher and Tyler Walters. The Raiders also got a third by Justin Jones, fourth by Geoff Springer and a pair of fifths by Nick Pfaff and Derek Kighlinger.
The Raiders dropped a very close dual to section 6 rival Paynesville 42-39.
6. Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City Falcons (ACGC) (5)
The Falcons had a good showing at the ACGC invitational despite missing a couple of their wrestlers. The Falcons claimed four championships by Matt Pearson, Aaron Rouser, Spencer Lund and Nic Leither, the Falcons also had a third by Joe Hoeper and a pair of fourths by Isaac Fordyce and Kyle Whitcomb. The Falcons dropped a close dual to topped ranked 2A Litchfield 38-30.
The Falcons totally dominated the field at the Trinity at Rivers Edge tourney with 265 points to outdistance section rival Norwood Young America by over fifty points. They had thirteen wrestlers in the top four; they claimed six championships by Matt Pearson, Adam Hoeper, Jason Losing, Matt Leighter, Spencer Lund and Nic Leighter. The Falcons had six seconds by Bill Wheeler, A. J. Frederickson, Kyle Whitcomb, Aaron Rouser, Dave Nelson and Joe Hoeper and Andy Bierman was fourth.
The Falcons continue to improve with huge wins over section foe Lester Prairie-Holy Trinity 65-10 and Rockford 51-21.
7. Bertha Hewitt/Verndale Raiders (7)
The Raiders made a good showing by scoring 131.5 points to claim fifth among a very strong field of teams at the Wadena-Deer Creek tourney. The Raiders had nine wrestlers place in the top five. Jared Oyster was their lone champion, Jasper Osyter, Seth Moenkedick and Tyler Fuller were all second. They had a trio of fourths by Dustin Denny, Bud Willis and Matt Moenkedick and a pair of fifths by Josh Denny and Joseph Miner.
The Raiders topped two foes in dual meet action at the Park Rapids duals to claim third place with wins over Park Rapids 49-30 and Wadena-Deer Creek 36-36 (Criteria). They dropped a 51-17 dual to top ranked Frazee. They had three wrestlers go unbeaten Jasper and Jared Osyter and Ethan Kern to led the way on the day.
8. Wheaton-Herman/Norcross Bullets (7)
The Bullets started their season with a fifth place finish with 134.5 points in a field of twelve teams. They had seven place winners; seconds by Cody Rinke and Casey Gray, a pair of thirds by T. J. Severance and Brady Sykora, a pair of fourths by Shane Fickes and Jerod Lennex and a fifth by Casey Neuman. The Bullets topped section 7A foe Chokio-Alberta/Clinton Graveville 39-25.
The Bullets went 1-2 at the New York Mills quadangular with a win over Staples-Motley 42-36. They dropped duals to section rival New York Mills 54-24 and Greenbush-Middle River-Badger 55-24. Four Bullets were unbeaten: Shane Fickes, T. J. Severance, Casey Gray and Cody Rinke to led the way.
The Bullets topped section foe Browerville-Eagle Valley 48-30 and Ortonville 63-15. They dropped a close dual to Yellow Medicine East 35-30. Jess Rath, Shane Fickes, T. J. Severance, Casey Grey and Cody Rinke were all 3-0 at the quadangular.
9. Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunburg Fighting Saints (4)
The Fighting Saints had a strong showing to open their season at the ACGC tourney by claiming fourth place with 117.5 points just two points out of second. They claimed three championships by Kordell VanHeuveln, Darrin Carlson and Tom Rustad. The Fighting Saints had four thirds by Josh Wentzel, Kevin Steinhaus, Spencer Almen and Ben VanHeuveln and a fourth by Nick Dahl. The Fighting Saints dropped their 212 conference dual meet opener to Yellow Medicine East 44-24.
The Fighting Saints turned in a good performance at the tough Willmar tourney by scoring 114 points for sixth place with nine place winners. They were second by Darrin Carlson, third by Kevin Steinhaus, four fourths by Tom Rustad, Kole VanHeuveln, Tyson Tofte and Josh Wentzel and a trio of fifths by Kordell VanHeuveln, Ben VanHeuveln and Jeremy Merrill.
10. Benson Braves (4)
The Braves have had a very strong start to their season with dual meet wins over MACCRAY 41-31 and Renville County West 56-21. The Braves started their WCN action with a huge win over LQPV 51-18.
The Braves turned in a strong performance at the tough Willmar tourney with 115 points for fifth place and seven wrestlers in the top four. The Braves won three championships by Adam Carruth, Scott Thompson and Abe Miller. Brady Lee claimed third place and a trio of fourths by Taylor Atchinson, Kevin Wersinger and Brian Goff.
The Braves continue to improve with a big WCS win over Morris Area/Hancock 47-28.
10. Kimball Cubs (5)
The Cubs started their season with a solid performance at the ACGC tourney by scoring 99.5 points for fifth place. The Cubs had four wrestlers in the top four with two runner ups Gary Salmela and Jeremy Dahnke, four thirds by Dan Barthel, Eric Deutsch, John Hanley and Peter Jonas and one fourth place by Chris Barthel. The Cubs dropped a close match to Central Minnesota Conference foe BBE 39-41. The Cubs dropped their Central Minnesota Conference opener to BBE 41-39.
The Cubs were 1-2 at the Milaca duals with a win over Ogilvie 48-25 and two losses to Mound-Westonka 43-26 and Albany 36-34. Gary Salmela and David Dahnke were both 3-0 on the day to lead the way for the Cubs.
The Cubs dropped a close dual to section 5 rival Norwood Young America 36-29.
11. MACCRAY Wolverines (4)
The Wolverines had a slow start with some of their starters out at the BLH/BOLD tourney with 65 points for sixth place. They had six place winners with a pair of seconds by Tyler Steen and Mitch Grussing, a third by Matt Uttermark and fourth by Nate Noble, AaronTenson and Robb Grussing. The Wolverines topped 212 foe RCW 51-24 and dropped a 41-31 dual to Benson. The Wolverines topped BBE 40-36 and lost a dual to Redwood Valley 50-21.
12. Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa Jaguars (6)
The Jaguars had a strong showing despite missing their one of their best wrestlers at their invitational with 106 points for a fourth place finish. They had a trio of seconds by Tyler Rath, Matt Breitbach, Jesse TeBrake and four thirds by Travis Henry, Anthony Tullis, Dan Borgerding, and Travis Rath. The Jaguars had two dual meet wins over Rush City 36-27 and Melrose 46-21 and dropped a good match to section foe Paynesville 34-19. The Jaguars topped Central Minnesota Conference foe Kimball 41-39. The Jaguars dropped two duals to MACCRAY 40-36 and Redwood Valley 40-35. The Jaguars dropped a dual to CACGB and topped LQPV 48-24.
Tied for 12. Braham Bombers (6)
The Bombers started their season with a second place finish at the Rush City tourney with 190 points with nine wrestlers in the top three. They won four championships by Matt Morgan, David Shockman, Ernie Loerzel and Omar Bukhowa, second by Allen Kelling and four thirds by Brad Hale, Dan Powell, Jason Neville and Walley Workman.
The Bombers were 1-2 at the Milaca duals with a win over Ogilvie 58-18 and two losses to Elk River 38-23 and a close one to Albany 35-33. David Shockman and Omar Bukhowa were both unbeaten on the day to lead the way.
Mat Rats Top Central Minnesota Class AA Teams
1. Saint Michael Albertville Knights (4)
The Knights started their season with a very outstanding performance by topping the field of eight teams at their invitational with 274 points. The Knights had all fourteen wrestlers place in the top four including seven championships by Andy Hackenmuelller, Mike Thorn, Brandon Dick, Chad Little, Jake Grygelko, Josh Becker and Chas Betts. Other place winners include four seconds by Kurt Schumm, Mickey Kirk, John Grygelko and Joe Grygelko; one third by Steve Heglund and a pair of fourths by Mark Kasper and Caleb McEachern. The Knights topped their neighbors Buffalo 69-4 and Monticello 73-6.
The Knights had strong showing at the Seratoma duals in Grand Forks, North Dakota with four dual meet wins over Mayville-Portland 77-6, Fertile-Beltramin 58-6, Turtle Mountain, ND 54-6 and highly ranked West Fargo, ND 47-22. The Knights had seven wrestlers go unbeaten over the weekend: Andy Hackenmueller, Mike Thorn, Joe Grygelko, Brandon Dick, Jake Grygelko, Chas Betts and Mark Kasper.
2. Litchfield Dragons (5)
The Dragons started their season with a very impressive showing at their invitational by topping AAA foes Totino Grace and Anoka handily. The Dragons scored 230 points and had they thirteen place winners. Four Championships by David Malespsy, Beau Penk, Bryer Johnson and Cory Schlack and a pair of seconds by A. J. Werner and Dan Smith. They also had four thirds by Reed Wimmer, Dan Kapotz and Blayne Johnson and Aaron Kromann, one fourth by Jon Malepsy and a fifth by Chase Piepenburg.
The Dragons topped Tartan 55-18 and North Branch 66-10 before dropping the championship to highly ranked 3A Cambridge-Isanti 46-15. Beau Penk, Cory Schlack and Bryar Jonnson were all unbeaten on the day to lead they way for the Dragons.
3. Milaca Wolves (6)
The Wolves started their season with dual meet wins over Aitkin 50-15 and Virginia 72-10. They topped a strong field of teams at the Waconia duals with wins over Orono 45-4, Lac qui Parle Valley51-11, and Waconia for the championship 42-27. Wolves that went 3-0 on the day were Torin Erickson, Cody Kragt, John Fradett, Mitch Vedders, Clinton Swenson, Steve Jacobson and Chris Peterson.
The Wolves topped Grand Rapids 59-7 and No. 12 3A St. Cloud Tech 51-15 in their top performance of the season thus far. The Wolves topped the field at their dual meet invitational with wins over Ogilvie 78-3, Mound-Westonka 53-15 and Elk River for the championship 52-20. Eight Wolves were unbeaten on the day; Josh Dehart, Chris Kragt, Cody Kragt, John Fradette, Clay Hoeck, Stephen Vedders, Mitch Vedders and Steven Jacobson.
4. Minnewaska Lakers (7)
The Lakers started their season with a very good showing with dual meet wins over four AAA schools; St. Francis 42-30, North Branch 58-18, Sauk Rapids 69-3 and New Ulm for the championship 36-29. Grapplers leading the way with 4-0 records were Joe Swartz, Sam Goracke, Trevor Larson, Jacob Bryce and Nathan Stoen. Lakers with 3-1 records on the day were Jeremy Fischer, Jason Anderson, Taylor Jergenson and Casey Boutain.
The Lakers started defending their West Central Conference title by topping Montevideo 60-17.
The Lakers turned in a strong performance to top the field at the Willmar tourney with 221.5 points and placing twelve wrestlers in the top four. They claimed two championships by Jacob Bryce and Nathan Stoen, five seconds by Casey Boutain, Taylor Jergenson, Colin Cihlar, Trevor Larson and Joe Swartz. Four thirds by Sam Goracke, Dan Braaten, Jeremy Fischer and Cody Pahan and a fourth by Cass Kreitlow.
The Lakers dominated WCS foe LPQV 68-6 and CACGB 71-3.
5. Foley Falcons (6)
The Falcons topped two teams at their dual meet invitational with wins over Rocori 57-6 and Hibbing 30-27. The Falcons lost by the narrows of margins to Pierz 29-29 on criteria. Wrestlers going unbeaten on the day were Greg Stumvoll, Josh Foss, Jeremy Rau, Kyle Henry, Josh Freudenberg and Eric Seppelt.
The Falcons topped AAA foes Brainerd 30-28 and Sauk Rapids. In a very good match the Falcons won a 31-30 dual to number twelve ranked AAA St. Cloud Tech.
The Falcons claimed third at the Edison duals with wins over St. Paul Highland Park 64-6, Nicollet 57-15 and Eagen 31-28 and losing a dual to highly ranked 3A Eden Prairie 38-22. The Falcons had two wrestlers go unbeaten Greg Stumvoll and Zach LaVigne and five go 3-1 one the day; Zach Rajkowski, Jeremy Rau, Josh Freudenberg, Nick Kotsmith and Josh Foss.
6. Sauk Centre Mainstreeters (6)
The Mainstreeters had a very good performance at the Wadena-Deer Creek tourney by scoring 172. 5 points to claim second behind powerful Greenbush-Middle River-Badger. They had eleven place winners with two claiming championships; they were Kurt Haakinson and Nick Ruegemer, a trio of seconds by Ethan Vogt, Zach Winter and Brian Beilke. They also had a pair of thirds by Darrin Quistorff and Jozy Olson; a pair of fourths by Jake Uphus and Matt Groetstch and a pair of fifths by Steve Hollenkamp and Brian Ruegemer.
The Mainstreeters turned in a strong performance at the Willmar tourney to claim second with 206 points and with twelve place winners. They claimed four championships by Brian Beilke, Zach Winter, Darrin Quistorff and Kurt Haakinson and a pair of seconds by Nick Ruegemer, Jozy Olson and Ethan Vogt. Matt Groetsch and Steve Hollenkamp both claimed thirds, a pair of fourths by Adam Helgeson and Jake Uphus and a pair of fifths by Brad Hartigan and Nathan Reynolds.
The Mainstreeters had a huge win over WCS foe New London-Spicer 63-6.
7. Bold Warriors (5)
The Warriors claimed fourth place at their invitational tourney with 128.5 points and placing nine wrestlers in the top four. They won two championships by Brendan Schmoll and Tom Elfering and a pair of seconds by Dan Elfering and Dustin Fischer. Other place winners included four thirds by Josh Mages, Bailey Rettmann, JonKramer and Pat LeVasseur and a fourth by Cole Newbauer. The Warriors dropped a dual to old section four rival Minneota 35-31.
8. Yellow Medicine East Sting (3)
The Sting started their season with a strong showing despite missing two starters with 132 points to claim third place. The Sting won three championships by Chad Listul, Ryan Tongen and Tyler Santjer and had a trio of thirds by Justin Stoks, Casey Field and Jordan Stock. They also had four fourths by Tom Jacobson, Landon Cole, Travis Berg and Ben Khali. The Sting started their dual meet season by defeating 212 conference foe KMS 44-24.
The Sting turned in a strong performance at the tough Willmar tourney with 147 points to claim third despite missing two of their top wrestlers. The Sting had ten place winners with two claiming championships by Chad Listul and Tyler Santjer and a pair of seconds by Ryan Tongen and Tom Jacobson, a third by Jordan Stock, a fourth Ben Khali, and four fifths by Nick Rolfing, Erich Isfeld, Justin Stocks and Travis Berg. The Sting topped three foes Wheaton-Herman/Norcross 35-30, Browerville-Eagle Valley 54-18 and Ortonville.
9. Becker Bulldogs (6)
The Bulldogs topped Boyceville 42-39 and lost duals to number two ranked Pierz 63-16 and to top ten ranked Hibbing 54-27 to claim fourth place. The Bulldogs had Jon Koranda and Jeremy Pederson go unbeaten on the day to lead the way. The Bulldogs topped Sibley East 41-27 and Princeton 53-24 and lost a very close dual to Little Falls 34-33. Jeremy Pederson, Jon Koranda, Robert Koranda, Russ Lumley and Jeremy Nelson were all 3-0.
The Bulldogs went 1-2 at the Coon Rapids duals with a win over Woodberry 49-18 and they lost to Eastview 38-27 and Brainerd 41-21. Jeremy Pederson, Jon Koranda, Robert Koranda and Brandon Backes were all 3-0 on the day.
10. Albany Huskies (6)
The Huskies started their season by going two and two at the Monticello duals to claim sixth place in a twelve team field. They topped Big Lake 35-35 on criteria and Little Falls 41-30. The Huskies lost to AAA foes New Ulm 43-22 and St. Francis 48-14. The Huskies leaders on the day were unbeaten Scott Schlangen and Aaron Blackmore and 3-1 wrestlers were Kris Doll, Alex Plantenberg and Matt Meyer.
The Huskies defeat West Central Conference foe Long Prairie-Grey Eagle 45-27.
They were 2-1 at the Milaca duals with wins over Braham 35-33 and Kimball 35-34 and they lost a tough match to Milaca's JV 38-32. Aaron Blackmore, Scott Schlangen and Matt Dowell were all 3-0 on the day to lead the way for the Huskies.
The Huskies topped WCN foe Melrose 52-14.
11. Long Prairie-Grey EagleThunder (7)
The Thunder opened their season at the tough Wadena-Deer Creek tourney with out the services of three starters, despite that they did score 103.5 points to claim seventh place. The Thunder won two impressive championships by Travis Pesta and Sam Schad and claimed a pair of thirds by Pat Jenkins and Brad Twardowski. Other place winners included Chad Hobbs was fourth and Joseph Pesta was fifth. The Thunder dropped their opening West Central Conference dual to Albany 45-27. They still were missing three regular starters.
The Thunder claimed fourth place at the St. James tourney with 162 points by placing eleven in the top five. The Thunder won three championships by Derek Pesta, Sam Schad and Pat Jenkins and four thirds by Travis Pesta, Brad Twardowski, Joe Morisch and Josh Pesta. Doug Jackson and Craig Kern both claimed fourths and a pair of fifths by Joe Pesta and Jake Zeis.
12. Annandale/Maple Lake Lightning ( 5)
The Lightning started their season at the Monticello duals by claiming seventh place with two dual meet wins over Monticello 53-19 and AAA Little Falls 41-39. They lost to a pair of AAA foes Hutchinson 41-28 and St. Francis 40-18. The leaders for the Lightning with 4-0 records on the day were: Ben Anderson, Phillip Roemer, Stephen Pilgrim and Nathan Roemer. The Lightning opened their Wright County Conference season with a big win over Delano 52-20.
The Lightning had an excellent performance at the Grant County tourney by scoring 149 points to claim third out of a field of thirteen teams. They had eight wrestlers place in the top six; including a championship by Stephen Pilgram and a pair of seconds by Ben Anderson and Phil Roemer. Adam Michalski and Matt Schultz both claimed fourths and Aaron Hempel and Nathan Roemer were both fifth and Jake Anderson was sixth.
The Lightning lost a very close dual with WCC foe Watertown 34-27.
Mat Rats Top Central Minnesota Class AAA Teams
1. St. Cloud Tech Tigers (8)
The Tigers started their season with a strong showing at the St. Michael-Albertville tourney with 176 points to claim third place with eleven wrestlers placing in the top four. The Tigers claimed one championship by Robbie Huot and four seconds by Derek Orth, Montanna Ewers, John Mailloux and Jordan Stracke. Paul Denne, Dave Weller, Alex Braun and Andy Johnston all earned thirds and they had a pair of fourths by Gew Gatjeak and Ryan Cameron.
The Tigers dropped their first dual meet of the season to a very good AA Foley 31-30. They also took on another very good AA team Milaca and dropped a 51-15 match. The Tigers did claim their first dual meet win of the season over Grand Rapids 45-33.
2. Fergus Falls Otters (8)
The Otters had a very impressive performance to start their season at the Wahpeton tourney where they scored 180 points to claim second in a field of eleven teams. They were beaten by the top rank class A school Frazee; but they came away with eleven place winners including a trio of seconds by Jared Bangs, Brandon Anderson and Billy Ohler, five thirds by Levi Stenerson, Andy Krog, Andy Price, Drew Haataja and Zach Leuthardt. Lonnie Gabrielson took fourth and a pair of fifths by Karl Haataja and Mike Swenson rounded out their place winners. The Otters started their dual meet season with a big win over their rival OTC 40-25.
The Otters for the second week in a row ran into a very good class A team Greenbush-Middle River-Badger at the Grant County tourney where they claimed second again with 207 points. Out of a field of thirteen teams the Otters claimed twelve place winners including four championships by Brandon Anderson, Levi Stenerson, Jared Bangs and Drew Haataja. What was just as impressive was six wrestlers came back to claim thirds, they were Andy Krog, Lonnie Gabrielson, Karl Haataja, Mike Swenson, Zach Leuthardt and Andy Price. The Otters also had a fifth place by Scott Barber and a sixth by Billy Oehler.
The Otters topped a section 8a foe Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton 38-27.
3. Willmar Cardinals (2)
The Cardinals started their season with a tourney championship at the ACGC tourney by scoring 163 points and nine wrestlers in the top two. They claimed four championships by Peter Johnson, Ben Monson, Brandt Haglund and Ben Thonvold and five seconds were by Kyle Nelson, Brady Gilb, Josh Dahlke, Seth Arnold and Tony Neuman. The Cardinals topped section rival Hutchinson 34-32 to open their dual meet season.
The Cardinals claimed fourth at their own invitational with a 144.5 points in this tough field of eight teams. They had seven wrestlers in the top four with championships by Brady Gilb and Kyle Nelson and two seconds by Peter Johnson and Ben Thonvold. The Cards also had a pair of thirds by Aaron Freihl and Ben Monson and a fourth by Brandt Haglund.
4. Brainerd Warriors (8)
The Warriors had a strong performance at the Blue Earth tourney where they scored 149 points to claim third just eleven points behind the leader. With six place winners in the top four they claimed one championship by Nate Rubin and they had four seconds by Tom Zelinske, Kyle Dukowitz and Tyler Jenson and a third by Mike Wachsmuth and a fourth by Kyle Wilshusen.
The Warriors had topped two CLC foes with wins over Sauk Rapids 45-18 and Little Falls 37-28. They lost a very close dual to a very good Foley team 30-28.
The Warriors went 1-2 at the Coon Rapids duals with a win over Becker 41-24 and they drop two duals to Rochester Mayo 59-16 and Osseo 39-27. Tyler Jensen and Tom Zelinske both were unbeaten on the day to lead the Warriors.
The Warriors topped two section foes Moorhead 48-18 and St. Cloud Apollo 56-9.
5. Buffalo Bison (2)
The Bison of Buffalo started the season with a dual meet win over section foe Prior Lake 60-12 and they lost a very close dual to another section foe Wayzata 40-39. The Bison claimed fourth place with 134 points at the Osseo tourney. They had seven wrestlers place in the top four including a championship by Dustin Weege and three seconds by Mike Christianson, Tyler Reiss and Jeremy Welter. They also had a trio of fourths by Matt Lund, Derek Klatt and Erik Rogness.
The Bison topped NSC foe Monticello 51-20 and lost a pair of duals to NSC foe St. Francis 48-18 and to rival and highly ranked STMA 69-4.
6. Alexandria Cardinals (8)
The Cardinals dropped their opener to Rocori 44-28 in CLC action. The Cardinals scored 131 points for fifth place at the Grant County tourney in a field of thirteen teams. They had eight place winners including two champions; Damon Bullock and Derrick Lanners. Other place winners included fourth by Dan Kirscht and four fifths by Mike Kirscht, Dave Kirscht, Luke Wevley and Brett Ripley and a sixth place by Chris Hobbs. The Cardinals are hoping to get a couple of their experienced wrestlers back into the lineup. The Cardinals topped CLC foe 33-33 on criteria by winning more matches.
7. Little Falls Flyers (8)
The Flyers dropped their opener to section foe Bemidji 50-27 and they were 1-3 at the Monticello duals with a lone win over St. Cloud Apollo 57-24 and they dropped duals to Albany 41-30, ANML 41-39 and Sauk Rapids 35-28. They were all pretty close despite missing a couple of their top wrestlers. The Flyers had two wrestlers go 4-0 Jason Brill and Brandon Freudenrich and Jake Gobel was 3-1 to lead the way for the Flyers. The Flyers topped two foes at the Princton quad with wins over Princeton 57-24 and Becker 34-33 before losing to Sibley East 35-30. Jason Brill was 3-0 for the Flyers. The Flyers tied with CLC foe Alexandria 33-33 and lost on Criteria (matches 6-8).
8. Sauk Rapids Storm (8)
The Storm started the season at the Monticello duals going 2-2 with wins over St. Cloud Apollo 51-17 and Little Falls 35-28. They lost duals to Hutchinson 48-24 and Minnewaska 69-3. Jeremy Rau was 4-0 on the day to lead the way for the Storm.
They dropped a dual to Brainerd in CLC action 45-18 and they were went 1-2 at the Wayzata duals with a win over Mounds View 38-28 and losses to Henry Sibley 48-34 and Cambridge 67-11. The Storm continue to improve with a big CLC win over Rocori 40-28.
9. Princeton Tigers (7)
The Tigers claimed fifth place at the Chisago Lakes duals with a win over host Chisago Lakes 41-31. They lost duals to Stillwater 39-31 and Goodhue 56-19. Phil Meinert was the lone Tiger to go unbeaten on the day. The Tigers lost a close dual to Blaine 40-33 and they topped Andover 50-15.
The Tigers were 0-3 at their quad where they lost three duals to Little Falls 57-24, Becker 53-24 and Sibley East 42-31. Phil Meinert was 3-0 for the Tigers.
10. Chisago Lakes Wildcats (7)
The Wildcats started their season 0-3 at their dual meet invitational with losses to Kenyon-Wanamingo 51-27, Grand Rapids 48-36 and Princeton 41-36. Brian Jones and Mitch Anderson were both unbeaten on the day to lead the way for the Wildcats.
The Wildcats topped the field of eight teams at the Prior Lake tourney with 177 points with eleven place winners. The Wildcats won four championships by Brian Jones, Mitch Anderson, Adam Semuenden and Luke Anderson. They had a pair of thirds by Dan Semuenden and Bobby Ferrier, a fourth by Scott Creen and four fifths by Chad Stenson, Kevin Marquis, Josh Fagan and Kyle Hannah.
The Wildcats dropped a pair of duals to Hinckley-Finlayson 38-34 and St. Croix Falls, Wis. 39-26.
11. St. Cloud Apollo Eagles (8)
The Eagles lost to Monticello in their opening dual meet of the season 45-36. The Eagles were 1-3 at the Monticello duals topping North Branch 39-39 on criteria and dropping duals to Little Falls 57-24, Sauk Rapids 51-17 and Monticello 42-36. Brett Scharmer was 4-0 and Shane Taylor and Ken Blakely were both 3-1 to lead the way for the Eagles.
The Eagles turned in a strong performance at the Big Lake tourney by scoring 152 points, just four points out of second, to claim third place with eleven place winners. Thane Taylor won a championship and they had a trio of seconds by Chris Jedersack, Brett Scharmer and Tony Abrego. The Eagles also had a pair of thirds by Justin Pulliam and Ken Blakely, a pair of fourths by Cam Jacobson and Isaac Pence and a fifth by Mark Mueller. The Eagles dropped a pair of section duals to Moorhead 41-31 and Brainerd 56-9.
12. North Branch Vikings (7)
The Vikings went 0-4 at the Monticello duals with losses to Big Lake 39-36, St. Cloud Apollo 39-39 (Criteria) Minnewaska 58-18 and St. Francis 61-6. John Buchanan was 4-0 on the day to lead the Vikings.
The Vikings topped Hinckley-Finlayson 43-23 and lost two duals to MCRA 45-25 and Pierz 60-15. The Vikings were 0-3 at the Wayzata duals with losses to Mounds View 52-27, Henry Sibley 41-39 and Litchfield 66-10. John Buchanan was 3-0 on the day to the lead the Vikings.
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