Posted: 1/9/08
Wrestlers No. 1 at Tartan Invite
 Junior Boyd Suparat makes pinning his opponent look easy during one of his matches at the Tartan Invitational Jan. 5. Suparat was crowned the champion is his weight class. Suparat is a short number of wins shy of becoming North Branch's all-time winning wrestler. |
By Steve Morris
At the Tartan Invitational Jan. 5, the North Branch wrestling team took first place out of eight teams.
North Branch finished with 198 points, 18 points more than the next closest competitor.
Why all the success? Head coach Tony Aho points the finger at team unity and hard work.
"These guys are so close it is fun to watch how well they work together and motivate each other," Aho said.
Boyd Suparat, Erik Kostik, and John Morrison were each crowned champions in their respective weight class.
Sean Mukunza also had a solid tournament, which impressed Aho.
"Mukunza stepped in at 112 and won two big matches for us ... He has loads of talent and speed, and this experience is going to make him very competitive," Aho said.
In the heavy weight class, John Morrison continues to do well, with the help of teammate Mike Johnson.
"These two push each other every day and we are lucky to have both of them," Aho said.
1. North Branch 198
2. Rosemount 180
3. Tartan 164.5
4. Chaska 140.5
5. Amery 125.5
6. Roseville 124.5
7. Andover 96
8. Irondale 95
9. Unattached 11
Individuals:
Jake Kostik 3rd
Sean Mukunza 5th
Tom Mork 2nd
Erik Kostik Champion
Stuart Frink DNP
Boyd Suparat Champion
Daub Bartylla 6th
Matt Lutgen 4th
Matt Newham 3rd
Chad Anderson 4th
Zach Frink 5th
Greg Arnt 3rd
Jeremy Lacina DNP
Justin Bergerson 3rd
HWT John Morrison Champion
HWT Mike Johnson 4th
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