Overcoming some adversity, the Varsity Wrestling team was able to accomplish their season goal of qualifying for the State Dual Champions Meet. They finished the regular season with a 22-4 record, and finished second in the Area Dual Tournament. Since top two in the area continue on to state, the Mat Wolves were able to accomplish that goal.
The team has not been to the meet in five years, and this is the first year since Head Coach Dennis Stromie took over the team that they have reached this far. On January 15th, the wrestling team competed in the State Dual Tournament. They wrestled Lovett first and lost 49-19 and then wrestled Jeff Davis and lost 40-31.
When asked what stands out to him so far this season, Stromie said “The injuries the team have had. We have had to overcome a number of injuries, but we are healthy now.” The Wolves still managed to have an impressive season.
There is still a lot more wrestling as the State Qualifying individual tournament starts February 11th and continues through the 13th. After that the qualifiers go to sectionals and then to state. The team has many hopefuls including Juniors William Delk and Chapman Pendery and Seniors Chase Kelly and Haydon Koch.
All of the wrestlers were very excited about achieving this year’s goal. Sophomore Ben Connor says “Coach Stromie told us the first day that our goal was to qualify for state. We were all so happy that we completed that goal!” Many wrestlers consider this season a personal success as well. Connor says “Individually, I would count this season so far as a success because of the improvements I’ve made throughout the season.”
The Wolves look to place a number of individuals in the state meet. The Traditional State Championship takes place at Infinite Energy Center in Duluth. Good luck to them for the rest of the season.
