Grapplers struggle against perennial powerhouses
Several capture top spots at North Branch Invite
The North Branch wrestling squad took on two state powerhouses in a triangular meet last week, falling to Foley and Mille Lacs. In a 42-12 loss to the Falcons, the Vikings started the match with two wins. At 103, Jeff Holmgren won by fall, and at 112, Joe Lofboom won by decision. Josh Villella at 140 was the only other victor in the match, winning by decision. ìFoley is a very good team year in and year out. We went into this one without Joe Holmgren and Sam Suparat so we knew it would be even more difficult to win matches against them,î head coach Tony Aho said. He said the team may have been intimidated by such a tough squad. ìWe were a little disappointed in the way we responded when the Foley guys came after us,î he said. ìWe need to be as aggressive as we are against the less powerful programs in the conference.î Next up, the Vikes fell to Mille Lacs in a very close match, 36-33. Holmgren, Lofboom, and John Buchanan at 119 put the Vikings on top with wins in their matches. At 135, Quin Shanley also picked up a win by decision, Villella won by fall at 140, and Josh Davidson won by fall at 189. The heartbreaking match came as Cody Ekstrom, 171, lost in double overtime. The key to the loss was giving up falls in five matches. ìAlthough the effort was better, we still did not find a way to stay off our backs to give ourselves a chance to win,î Aho said. ìItís hard to fault the guys, however. They are young and the rigors of the high school schedule are starting to get to them. We are confident they will fight through it and look better as the season goes on.î Saturday, the team hosted the North Branch Invitational, featuring teams from Montevideo, Mahtomedi, Minneapolis Edison, and Apple Valley. Only individual scores were kept during the invite. On the varsity side, Joe Holmgren, 130, and Villella, 140, both claimed first at their weights. Capturing second place were: Jeff Holmgren, Joe Lofboom, John Buchanan, and Jed Shanley. Zeb Sims, Josh Davidson and Joe Winberg all finished fourth. On the J.V. squad, Cody Gallmeier, Matt Krier, and Matt Davidson took first at their weights. Cory Haley, Alex Gerszweski, Justin Pinna, Mike Levoir, James Kvale, and Jeremy Bergerson captured second. Vince Zaffke and Josh Ruff took third at their weights. On the schedule this week, the Vikes take on Mora Thursday and South St. Paul Saturday.
Top of Page
©ECM Post Review
6448 Main Street
North Branch, MN 55056
Telephone: 651-674-7025
Fax: 651-674-7026
E-mail: editor.postreview@ecm-inc.com
|
