WCAAE Wrestling Awards

By: Kevin Fick

To all the coaches, statisticians, managers and most importantly the wrestlers themselves…thank you from your families and communities.  The season provided plenty of reason to be proud of hard work, effort and sacrifice.  The hours put into the program do not go unrecognized and no matter the outcome of an individual’s season hold your head up with pride.  You were part of something much larger than yourself…that was both a team and the brotherhood of wrestlers.  If a current grappler were to talk to an alumni of the sport about ‘was it worth it’, I have my doubts that a no it wasn’t would ever be given.  This is a group of people that prides itself on virtues such as character, courage and honor.  When each of you report for practice, to train, or for a match remember…you wrestle for those before you, those after you and for those that never will or had the chance.  Some of you wrestle for a family legacy, some of you are building your own.  Some wrestle for the extreme competition of one on one while others wrestle for gold.  Whatever your reason for being on the mat we as your families wish you to remember the most important reason of all…you wrestle for you.  Enjoy your time as it is short, the lessons you learn will serve you well.

Monday, April 21^st found the WCAAE wrestling program in its final official night of business for the 2013-14 season.  The athletes and families shared a meal and met in the Barrett auditorium to listen to KKOK radio personality Ron Erickson share some thoughts about the sport and how it has impacted his life. 

Coaches  Brandon Gruchow and Troy Lohse led the elementary program which consisted of 70+ wrestlers.  Little Knight awards were as follows…’Most Wins’-Colbe Tappe,’ Most Pins’-Colbe Tappe, ‘Dominant Wrestler’-Jon Dingwall.

Coach Chad Lorenson discussed the junior varsity season and handed out the JV awards which were as follows…’Most Improved’-Alex Butcher, ‘Hardest Worker’-Hunter Mickelsen, ‘Most Valuable Wrestler’-Chris Onstad.

At the beginning of the season the team decided to take part in a service project called ‘Takedown Cancer’.  The team sought pledges for each takedown in a match throughout the year.  Coach Gruchow and the team presented Evansville’s Jordan Nohre, sister to wrestler Jake Nohre, a check for $3,388.  Well done wrestlers and sponsers!

The team had 24 members receive the ‘Spotlight on Scholarship’ award for gpas at or above a 3.0, this set up the team receiving the Minnesota Coaches Association Gold Academic Award with the wrestlers averaging a 3.49 in the classroom.

Perfect attendance throughout the year was given to Jake Larkin, Royal Crow, Kyle Mickelsen, Levi Larkin and Chris Onstad.

The team wrestled 518 matches winning 306 of them which gave them a record of 17-5.  They were Park Region Conference runner-ups and went to the semi-finals for section 6A as a team.  Coach Gruchow received conference and section ‘Coach of the Year’ honors.

Varsity wrestling awards went as follows….’Statistician Award’-Taylor Weiss, ’Rookie Wrestler of the Year’-Drake Swanson, ‘Team Spirit Award’-Buzz Miller,’ Hardest Worker’-Hunter Fick, ‘Most Improved’-Sid Kamrath, ‘Most Valuable Wrestler’-Royal Crow.

The following is a list of all varsity wrestlers including grade and win loss record.  Jake Nohre (9) 36-8 state participant, Hunter Fick (11) 36-9 state participant 5^th place, Royal Crow (11) 35-7 state participant, Levi Larkin (8) 29-15 state participant, Anthony “Buzz” Miller (10) 28-12, Keaton Long (9) 24-16, Jake Larkin (10) 22-11 state participant, Kyle Mickelsen (11) 19-17, Braedon Long (12) 16-10, Tyler Onstad (10) 15-18, T.J. Waskosky (10) 12-16, Sid Kamrath (10) 12-16, Koel Seifort (11) 6-17, Drake Swanson (9) 6-4, Blake Amundson (10) 3-11,  Aiden Winter (8) 2-3, Zack Salo (10) 1-2, Kode Seifort (9) 1-0, Alex Butcher (7) 0-2, Wyatt Olson (7) 0-4.

Top five statistical finishers…

Wins-Hunter Fick (36), Jake Nohre (36), Royal Crow (35), Levi Larkin (29), Buzz Miller (28)

Team Points-Hunter Fick (178), Royal Crow (173), Jake Nohre (172), Buzz Miller( 142), Keaton Long (135)

Pins-Hunter Fick (17), Buzz Miller (16), Royal Crow (12), Jake Nohre (12), Keaton Long (12), Jake Larkin (12)

Takedowns-Jake Nohre (96), Royal Crow (77), Hunter Fick (51), Keaton Long (46), Braedon Long (43)

Escapes-Royal Crow (35), Keaton Long (25), Kyle Mickelsen (22), Hunter Fick (20), Jake Nohre (20)

Reversals-Jake Nohre (17), Levi Larkin (15), Keaton Long (11), Kyle Mickelsen (11)Koel Seifort (8)

Near Fall Points-Jake Nohre (76), Kyle Mickelsen (52), Levi Larkin (46), Buzz Miller (44), Tyler Onstad (42)

NYWA State Tournament

Amazing, what a great way to end a season!!!  The past four days have been nothing but exciting for the WCAAE wrestling program!  Eight of our area youth competed in one of the largest tournaments held in the state!!!!!! . Over 4,000 Wrestlers from preschool through eighth grade from all over the state wrestled in the 25 individual tournaments to advance their way to regions.  Approximately 2,500 wrestlers qualified to the regions and just short of 1,000 wrestlers earned a chance in vying for their own state title in Rochester Minnesota at the Mayo Civic Center April 3th-6th.

Left to Right Jon Dingwall 2nd place, Jake Norby 2nd Place, Colton Lindquist 6th place, Brady Lindquist 6th place, and Colbe Tappe 1st place

WCAAE also had great representation in the Invite tournament which is in its 4th year in existence and provides wrestlers who may want to extend their season and wrestle with other wrestlers from all around the state.  Three of our area youth competed in this portion of the tournament. Hunter Norby went 2-2, Hunter Gruchow went 1-2, and Owen Gruchow went 2-1.

In the NYWA State Tournament not only did eight wrestlers compete, five of the wrestlers place in the top 6 in their brackets.  In fact, three of them were in the finals and one took home the State Title.  Levi Larkin in his last year eligible for the NYWA state tournament competed at 120 lbs in the 7th and 8th grade division.  Levi went 2-2 just falling one round short of the medal round.  Anthony Sykora wrestled very well and went 2-2 in his 72 lb. 3rd-4th grade bracket. Will Rustan got his feet wet with some State Tournament action.  In his first ever NYWA State appearance Will went 1-2 in the 130 lb. 1st-2nd grade division. In their first shot at NYWA State brothers Colton and Brady Lindquist both brought home 6th place medals.  Brady was 1-2 in the 90 lb. 1st-2nd grade division, while his older brother Colton was 3-3 in the 100 lb. 3rd-4th grade division.  Jake Norby won his first three matches which landed him in the finals of the 80 lbs 1st-2nd grade division.  He lost in his finals match but sure had a great two days on the mat!  Kindergartner Jon Dingwall also showed up ready to wrestle.  Jon who competed at the 60 pound weight class won his first three matches before losing in the finals.  Kindergartner Colbe Tappe wrestled confident and smart which in-return earned him the 1st place honors at the 50 pound weight class.

Colbe Tappe with a 7-4 victory in his Finals Match vs Cavin Carlson of Willmar

I am proud of all these guys for all their hard work they have put in.  All of their hard work, sweat, blood and tears have finally paid off.  Their parents dedication to the sport has also been a huge aid in their success.  Each of these wrestlers have wrestled forty, fifty, sixty, even seventy plus matches this year and their parents drove them all around the state to get those matches!  We have a lot great talent in the youth program. I have to say this is largely due to the  commitment that our families continue to give to the program and our youth.  2014 will go down in the books as another successful season for the Knights Wrestling Program.

West Central Wrestling Club

West Central Wrestling Club is now in its second year of existence.  We now have wrestlers from WCA-A-B-E, OTC, and West Central Area that belong to the club.  This is has been a great way for our area wrestlers to gain more wrestling experience in the off season! 

Long Is on Track in his Pursuit of a National Title!

While the Five Knight wrestlers were competing at the Excel Energy Center this past weekend there was a graduated Knight Wrestler competing at the Augsburg College Field House for a Division III West Region Title at 149 pounds.  Jake Long was no stranger to the Excel himself.  It was only 4 years ago when Jake was competing at the state tournament.  He had made the finals and was looking for his second State Title.  Jake who had won his weight class at the state tournament his junior year, didn’t finish in first place his senior year.  Falling just a little short on his goal of being a 2x State Champion has given him extra drive and desire for his ultimate goal in wrestling…..to be a National Champion.

In order for a wrestler to qualify for the NCAA National Meet they must finish in first, second or third place in their weight class.  Jake Long kept his standards high pushing through the tournament and took home the 149 lb NCAA Division III West Region Title.  Jake was seeded second in the region tournament.  Jake was not going to let anyone get in his way; he didn’t care where he was seeded.  By the time the tournament ended Saturday evening, Jake was on top of the podium.  Once again….that’s just Jake not being satisfied. 

Jake’s mind is way beyond a regional title.  Since he started at Concordia four years ago he has wanted a National Title.  He finished in fifth place last season at the National Tournament.  That finish helped him become more aware of how close he was to a National Title.  He decided to stay in Moorhead over the summer so he could train and pushed himself to the max in preparation for the upcoming season.  Jake has had a great season and now has the team best with 27 wins on the season.  His hard work and efforts throughout the years, the past summer, and this season has led him to the top of his team and weight class.

According to the College News an article posted by the Concordia College, “Jake Long methodically made his way through the 149-lb bracket. He posted bonus-point wins in his first two bouts and then earned an 8-3 decision in the semifinals and a 5-3 victory in the championship match.”

Jake and six of his other Cobber Teammates qualified for the national tournament.  This is a new school record for Concordia.  Jake Long is a Captain on the Team and plans on leading his team in an excellent National Tournament.  Good luck Jake!

Results

149 – Jacob Long (27-8) placed 1st and scored 18.00 team points.
Champ. Round 1 – Jacob Long (CC) 27-8 won by fall over James Warren (MBU) 1-9 (Fall 1:09)
Quarterfinal – Jacob Long (CC) 27-8 won by maj. dec. Adam Woitalla (STO) 13-17 (MD 11-1)
Semifinal – Jacob Long (CC) 27-8 dec. Jacob Maechtle (LC) 9-9 (Dec 8-3)
1st Place Match – Jacob Long (CC) 27-8 dec. Will Keeter (AC) 27-15 (Dec 5-3)

6 Knights Place at MN USA Folkstyle Tournament

Ashlyn Lohse wins state title!

Levi Larkin Makes it to the Finals!

Drake Swanson with 6th place!

There were 13 Knight wrestlers participating in the Mn USA Folkstyle State Tournament March 7th-9th. These wrestlers accounted for part of the grand total of 1793 competitors.  There was a total of 3290 total bouts among all the age groups.  Our Placers included Ashlyn Lohse 1st in the girls peewee division, Levi Larkin 2nd in the schoolboy division, Colbe Tappe 4th in the Bantam Division, Owen Gruchow 5th in the Peewee division, Anthony Sykora 5th in the Intermediate division, and Drake Swanson 6th in the Cadet division.   Other wrestlers that competed were Kaleb Getz, Hunter Gruchow, Chris Onstad, Tyler Onstad, Jake Nohre, Adam Lohse, and Jordan Lohse.  This is a great experience for our wrestlers.  It gives them a chance to wrestle in a large venue with huge brackets.  There are a lot of talented wrestlers.  Some would argue this is the toughest tournament in the state for our MN Wrestlers.  I am proud of our wrestlers for going out and trying there best.  Taking the time to gain valuable experience is going to pay off somewhere down the line.  They all wrestled well and should be proud of there efforts!

Colbe Tappe taked 4th place!

Anthony Sykora taked 5th place!

Owen Gruchow takes 5th place.

Fick Places 5th at State

By: Kevin Fick

St. Paul, MN

Several months ago the first recap of the 2014 wrestling season was posted.  In it the wrestling season was compared to a book.  Just like any book there are chapters that develop characters, describe plots and set the tone with the necessary drama to keep followers interested.  The chapters were in the form of weeks of competition, the wrestlers themselves starred as the main characters with a supporting cast of coaches and other teams.  The plots developed as the weeks passed with the team setting itself up for a conference title and a deep into section playoffs.  There was plenty of drama and as with any sports team there were highs and lows.  Goals were set and sometimes met while other times the team fell just short.  Individually wrestlers set their personal goals which ranged from milestone wins to reaching and placing in the state tournament.  Just like any story there is always an ending, a last chapter that is the pinnacle of the tale…..in this storyline that ends with the Minnesota High School State Wrestling Tournament.

The state tournament is held at the XCEL Energy Center in St. Paul, MN.  Thursday, February 27^th it all began with a day of team wrestling.  The top teams from all eight sections in all three classes compete to find out what team is top dog in its class in the state of Minnesota.  In class A, which is where West Central Area/Ashby/Evansville wrestles, section 6 was represented by Bertha-Hewitt/Verndale.  The Raiders were dispatched by Frazee whom lost to Chatfield.  Chatfield defeated Atwater/Cosmos/Grove City for the team championship.  Class AA was won by Simley and Apple Valley secured AAA. 

The individual tournament took place Friday, Feb. 28^th and Saturday March 1^st.  In all it took 1,050 matches to find the place winners in all 14 weight divisions for the three classes.  That is a lot of wrestling.  If a person thinks there is intensity and emotions at the section level that individual should take a trip to the state competition.  These kids leave it all on the mat each time they get a chance.  The level of talent is obviously incredible as is the will of each wrestler to win.  Having viewed what was going on before during and after the matches a large amount of credit is given to the coaches who are able to keep their boys calm and cool enough to compete in the next match.  Most of these boys at this level are not used to losing and it can be devastating at the worst possible moments.  There isn’t much time after a loss to think about it, the wrestler needs to quickly focus and be ready for the next person and not look past him to the next person.  That may all sound fairly simple but these kids, who look like men, rely heavily on their coaches to guide them through emotionally while they pit everything they’ve got physically against their opponents.  Sometimes it’s enough, sometimes it’s not.  No matter what the outcome any competitor should feel honored to wrestle with the best of the best as the top 16 athletes in each weight class go toe to toe.  For each of the five WCAAE entrants there is plenty of room to improve next year and goals are already being set. 

Jake Nohre wrestled at 106 lbs.   In Jake’s first match he was defeated by # 4 ranked Tanner Pasvogel (Sibley East) per decision 7-0.  Jakes second match in wrestle backs ended in a defeat to Ethan Cota (Kenyon-Wanamingo) per decision 7-1. 

Coach Brandon Gruchow…”Although Jake didn’t finish the way he wanted he wrestled hard and pushed the pace against both of his opponents.  He definitely wants to and will improve. I know he is already planning his off-season tournaments which will help him find a place high on the podium next season.”

Levi Larkin wrestled at 113 lbs.  Levi Caught a bit of a break in his first match as #3 ranked Tanner Reetz (Frazee) didn’t make weight.  Levi’s second match was in the quarter-finals against #4 ranked Jared Goldsmith (Chatfield).  Levi was defeated by fall in :44.  Levi next wrestled in the wrestle backs against Lucas Reiplinger (Blackduck/Cass Lake-Bena).  Levi won his match 4-2 .  Levi was next defeated by #2 Trenton Coyer (Osakis) per decision 5-1. 

Coach Gruchow…”Levi  may have had a little luck involved in getting him to the spot he had but he sure wrestled like he belonged in the state tournament.  He didn’t back down to anyone.  I was really impressed with the eighth graders composer over the course of the tournament.  He will be ready to repeat his appearance and watch out, he is going to be older and stronger.”

Jake Larkin wrestled at 138 lbs.  Jakes first match was a defeat to Ryan Engfer (Osakis) per decision 4-1.  Jake’s opportunity to compete in wrestle backs ended when Engfer lost in the quarter-finals. 

Coach Gruchow…”Jake pushed through some serious and nagging pain from a torn meniscus injury for the last month of the season.  It’s not the tournament you want to enter injured… kudos to Jake for pushing through the pain and trying his best.  I can’t wait to see his finish next year when he is healthy and back in tip top shape!”

Royal Crow wrestled at 152 lbs.   Royal defeated Jake Magnell (Red Lake County Central) per decision 2-1.  Royal was defeated in the quarter-finals by #4 Brady Bos (Pipestone) per decision 4-1.  In the wrestle backs Crow was defeated by Devin Meagher (Paynesville) per fall 4:52. 

  Coach Gruchow…”Crow battled fiercely against some tough competition.  I know Royal was giving it his all out there.  He will be another one you can bet that will be putting in many extra hours training, wrestling, and improving in the offseason.  He knows some of his techniques he wants to improve on.  I am confident he will work and improve on them so that he can take home some hardware in next season’s state tournament.”

Hunter Fick wrestled at 195 lbs. placing 5^th in the tournament.  Fick opened with a win over Tanner Templin (Blackduck/Cass Lake-Bena) per decision 7-2.  In his quarter-final match Fick beat #10 Derek Ludwig (Paynesville) per decision 8-2.  Hunter lost in the semi-finals to #4 Vince Johnson (Windom/Mountain Lake) per decision 4-3.  In the consolation semis Hunter went down to #2 Tyler Patron (New York Mills) per decision 6-3.  In his final match Hunter defeated #6 Jake Denn (Madelia/Truman/Martin Luther) per decision 6-4 to secure 5^th place. Coach Gruchow…”Hunter Fick had an outstanding tournament and wrestled better than he has all year.  Falling just a point short in the semi-finals really has given Hunter a whole new outlook on how he wants to finish next season.  In Hunter’s 5th place finish (very deserved) he just plain out wrestled well.  Goals have already been set to be the #1 wrestler at 195 pound for Class A in the 2015 state tournament.  What a great expectation to have going into a new season.  I am so happy and proud of his accomplishments.”

Coach Gruchow goes on to say…”What a weekend!  Talk about emotional.  With 5 wrestlers competing it’s a much  different experience than 1 or 2 that  we have been taking recently, with the exception in 2010 when we had 5 guys as  well.  We wrestled pretty well.  We got some wins, brought home some hardware (which hasn’t been done since 2010), and made some more memories that will continue to drive the future success of our wrestlers and program.

Thanks boys for all your hard work, perseverance, and dedication you have shown throughout this season.  You are all very deserving of your accomplishments this season.  These 5 wrestlers have set a good base for next year’s expectations.   This year’s state entrants along with the twenty-two other members of the 2014 team and next year’s incoming 7th graders have some high expectations to fill in 2015.  Once again…I can’t wait for next season to begin!

It’s crazy to think the high school wrestling season is over. I feel like the season just started.  I guess that’s what happens when you are having fun.  I feel like we accomplished so many great things this season as both a team and as individuals. I can already feel an emptiness starting to develop; it’s a feeling I get every year at the end of the season.  I know the feeling will hit extra hard with all the improvements, memories, and fun we have put together this season.  Come Monday, there won’t be any JV/Varsity practice to attend.  It will be different but thank goodness I have the Elementary and MN USA Club wrestling to keep me busy while I anticipate next season to start.”

Place winner from section 6A

106 lb. Anthony Kern (Bertha-Hewitt/Verndale) 6^th place

120 lb. Cameron Sykora (Border West) 1^st place

120 lb. Conrad Kondos (Breckenridge) 3^rd place

145 lb. Devin Barthel (Wadena-Deer Creek) 6^th place

170 lb. Austin Maanum (Border West) 4^th place

195 lb. Tyler Patron (New York Mills) 4^th place

195 lb. Hunter Fick (West Central Area/Ashby/Evansville) 5^th place

220 lb. Dillon Card (Bertha Hewitt/Verndale) 3^rd place

Area Place Winners

113 lb. Trenton Coyer (Osakis) 6^th place  Class A

120 lb. Brenden Coyer (Osakis) 5^th place  Class A

160 lb. Dane Ringquist (Fergus Falls) 5^th place Class AA

195 lb. Abram Aho (Fergus Falls) 5^th place Class AA

195 lb. Justin Cumberbatch (Alexandria) 1^st place Class AAA