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Third place all sealed up with wins over Braham, SaukBy Danielle Strenke Okay, so itís not a conference title. Itís not even a second place finish. But when you are third behind powerhouses like Milaca and Foley, it is a significant accomplishment for any team, particularly one that started the year with a roster dominated by very little varsity experience. So when the North Branch wrestlers defeated conference foe Sauk Rapids last week, they clinched the third place slot in the Rum River Conference, with an impressive 5-2 conference record in dual meets, and 10-4 overall. And proved to everyone that hard work matters so much more than varsity mat time. The grapplers ended their regular season with dual meet wins over Braham, 38-21, and Sauk Rapids. In the Braham meet, Joe Lofboom (112), Tony Tourville (119) and Josh Davidson (189) earned pins for the squad. Also picking up wins for the Vikes were Jeff Holmgren (103, won by major decision), John Buchanan (125, won by major decision), Matt Krier (140, won by decision), Josh Villella (145, won by forfeit), and Chris Engel (152, won by decision). There were several exciting matchups in the Sauk Rapids dual, which the Vikes won 34-31. The man of the hour, however, was Joe Lofboom, who fought hard through three periods and eventually won his match in overtime. Also picking up wins for the Vikes were Jeff Holmgren, Tony Tourville, John Buchanan, Joe Holmgren, Josh Villella, and Josh Davidson. Aho was pleased with how the entire team performed against a tough opponent. ìZack Backus, Ed Meier, and Jed Shanley all faced state-ranked wrestlers but went out and did their best for the team. Josh Villella faced a good wrestler and emerged with a nice win,î he said. The junior varsity also looked sharp in their parentís night match. ìThe parents of these wrestlers have raised quality young men and should be proud of the season the boys have had,î Aho said, adding a thank you to all the parents. Aho said he expected his team to finish in the top three, but admits he didnít know if it was a realistic goal starting the season. The difference, he said, comes in the dedication of the entire team. ìThey come out and go hard every time, whether they think they can win that match or not,î he said. ìItís the same in practice, nobody has to push them, they just go hard all the time.î
The top four teams at sectionals make it to the final round, but Aho said their focus right now is to pick up victories in the individual playoffs. The individual sections will be Feb. 22-23 at Mora. ©ECM Post Review |