Vikings wrestlers down Mora

The North Branch wrestling squad picked up a big dual meet win as it defeated Mora 39-33 Dec. 19.
After Chris Newham lost by fall at 103 lbs., Jeff Holmgren won his match at 112 lbs. by earning the fall. The next two matches were lost by the Vikings. At 119 lbs., Jack Xiong lost by fall and at 125 lbs. John Buchanan lost by decision.
Vince Zaffke picked up a win by fall at 130 lbs., as well as Cody Gallmeier at 135 lbs. Joe Holmgren also won by fall at 140 lbs. Zeb Sims lost by major decision at 145 lbs. and Justin Pinna lost by fall at 152 lbs. going into the 160 lb. match.
In that match, Alex Gerszewski won by decision for the Vikings in what was the turning point of the meet.
ìAlex was the hero of the night hanging on to seal the deal and win,î head coach Kevin Jensen said.
North Branch picked up two more wins in the last four matches ñ Jeremy Bergerson won by fall at 215 lbs. and Jarrod Swanson won by fall at heavyweight. Sam Suparat at 171 lbs. and James Kvale at 189 lbs. lost their matches.
Jensen said it was a very intense meet for the Vikings. ìThis was an exciting dual. We are a little depleted right now, but we are very proud of the guys who are replacing kids that are out,î he said. ìVince and Cody did a great job of winning their matches, diging deep when they were tired.î
He credits Xiong, Buchanan, Kvale, Sims and Pinna for saving crucial team points as they faced tough opponents.
Jensen was also pleased with the efforts of Dustin Allen, Ryan Decorsey, Josh Schwab, Derek Turnblad and Nathan Holmes on the junior varsity squad.
The Vikes faced White Bear Lake Dec. 21. Next, they participate in an invitational at Tartan Jan. 4, starting at 10:00 a.m.

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