Grapplers represent well at state tourney

North Branch and Rush City high schools were well represented at the State Wrestling Tournament last weekend by four wrestlers.
Josh Villella, a junior at North Branch, made his third state appearance and came away with third place in the 145 lb. Class AA meet.
Villella defeated Matt Schrupp of Watertown-Mayer in a 6-4 decision to open the tourney and defeated Jon Priess of Waconia 5-2 in the second round. He fell to Jeremy Anderson of Thief River Falls 8-4 in the next round, then went on to win both matches in the consolation bracket; a 3-0 decision over Ramsey Miller of Park Rapids and an 8-5 decision over Nate Kleespie of Morris.
ìIt was a great tournament for Josh,î said head coach Tony Aho. ìAnytime you can win four matches and win a medal at state you know you have accomplished something special.
At 103 lbs., Viking Jeff Holmgren was unable to place in his second straight state appearance.
He pinned Travis Rutt of New Prague in the first round, then lost to Mike Thorn of St. Michael-Albertville. He picked up another pin against Isiah Hrulseby of Roseau in consolations, but fell to Seth Flodeen of Cannon Falls to be eliminated from receiving a medal.
ìHe had a good tourney, winning two matches,î Aho said. ìHe needs some time to get his knee healed up and get started on working for next year.î
At heavyweight, Jeremy Bergerson did not place, after being pinned by Phillip Shequen of Pequot Lakes and losing to Elliot Osterhoudt of Hibbing.
ìHe received valuable experience at state,î Aho said. ìIf he dedicates himself to becoming heavier in the off-season he will be a force to be reckoned with at state next year.î
Aho thanked the fans for their support during the season.
Mike Wuorinen of Rush City wrestled at 160 lbs. He lost by a 7-0 decision in the opening round to Josh Hiltner of Eden Valley-Watkins.
Head coach Kevin Jensen said Hiltner was a very strong wrestler. ìMike just couldnít get in a position to score. At state, you have to get a takedown to win.î
Wuorinen, with 93 takedowns, was trying to pass the schoolís record, but he wasnít able to and had to leave the record at 96.

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