Posted: 3/10/04
Submitted by Tony Aho, NB head wrestling coach
The North Branch wrestling team finished with an 11-18 record but showed much promise for the future. We came into the season with high hopes for success, but were really stuck hard with injuries and illness. Twenty-five different wrestlers spent time on the sidelines because of this.
I think that we can eliminate a lot of the injury problem with better luck, but I do think that the guys need to hit the weight room in the off-season to ensure that their bodies can take the rigors of a very long season.
Some individuals had very solid campaigns this year and others look as though they will have breakout seasons next year. Senior John Buchanan broke the school record with 105 career wins and 60 career pins.
Senior Sam Suparat wrestled for five years and proved to be a very important part of the program. Sam works very hard and is award of what it takes to be a team member and a leader. He leads by example and is probably one of the most coachable individuals I have every worked with. He finished fifth at the section tournament.
Senior Jarrod Swanson wrestled heavyweight this year and ended with a 15-win season. He is a great kid with a good work ethic and a lot of respect for the sport.
Senior Matt Davidson wrestled some matches on varsity, yet always conveyed a positive attitude and worked as hard as anyone on the team. Seniors Justin Clark and Andrew Zitzow had the courage to try wrestling for the first time. Despite being new to the sport, they were very competitive and a joy to have around.
Next yearís team will be led by seniors Jeremy Bergerson, Joe Lofboom, Jeff Holmgren, Zach Backus, Cory Haley, Cody Gallmeir, Bill Oehlers, Justin Pinna, Nathan Holmes, Ed Meier and Vince Zaffke. This group showed a lot of improvement and will lead their team well next season.
We also have several underclassmen that will make their mark. Though their season ended long before the state tournament, many of the junior varsity and even middle school wrestlers continued to show up until the very end.
This dedication will be what helps the Vikings wrestling team see future success. Thanks to all who came out and showed their support this season.
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