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By Steve Morris
A championship team was born last week in the North Branch gymnasium.
The Vikings wrestling team, needing a win against Spring Lake to secure
its first ever North Suburban Conference Title, bulldozed the Panthers
by more than 40 points in front of a robust group of home fans. (If the
boys lost, they would have tied for the conference title with
Totino-Grace.)
The
North Branch wrestling team together moments after officially winning
the North Suburban Conference last week at home. Up next, the boys
prepare for the section tournament, where the team or an individual may
qualify for the state tournament. This year’s state tournament is Feb.
27 through March 1 at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul.
It was the school’s second conference title in any sport since joining
the North Suburban Conference in 2005. The Viking girls cross country
team won the school’s last conference title in the fall.
The North Branch wrestling program had two previous conference titles, in 1977 and 1965.
Head coach Tony Aho said Spring Lake Park had a few kids out for various reason, and they were aggressive.
“That combination made for a great night,” he said. “These guys have fought hard all year and deserve to be the champions.”
Fending off a aggressive attack by the Panthers, the boys preserved the conference title, winning 60-18.
In the 130 pound weight class, Boyd Suparat lost in a rare pin to Jamon Brunette.
“I had a pretty tough kid, but to me, I think I just wrestled pretty
slow on my feet. Not a big deal, I will probably just turn it up next
match,” Suparat said.
In the 145 weight class, Luke Levasseur had a come-from-behind win to
get the Vikings rolling, while Chad Anderson and Zach Frink earned key
wins to make it official.
For Aho, one key to the match was the home crowd.
“I would like to personally thank the amazing wrestling fans here in
North Branch for all of their support this season. I know that
everyone thinks that their fans are the best, but the students,
parents, teachers, administrators, and community members that come out
and support us are truly the best I have ever seen.”
For a video of the conference title, visit us online at www.ecmpostreview.com
103 Jake Kostik (NB) pinned Tyler Chapple at 3:05
112 Tom Mork (NB) won by FF
119 Matt Weber (SLP) won by TF over Jake Kalkbrenner
125 Erik Kostik (NB) pinned Kyle Kaminski at 3:29
130 Jamon Brunette (SLP) pinned Boyd Suparat at 5:09
135 William Baker (SLP) defeated Matt Lutgen 8-2
140 Matt Newham (NB) pinned Zach Dykes at 3:26
145 Luke Levasseur (NB) pinned Jake Juusola at 3:12
152 Chad Anderson (NB) pinned Aaron Horsager at 3:05
160 Zach Frink (NB) pinned Devon Fleck at 2:53
171 Jeremy Lacina won by FF
189 Greg Arnt (NB) pinned Cory Strasser at 3:19
215 Brian Leonhardt (SLP) won by TF Justin Bergerson
HWT John Morrison pinned DJ Johnson at 5:40
Mora
Minutes after winning the conference title, the boys faced off against Mora, winning big 60-18.
“Though the score was lopsided, we need to be very cautious about
becoming over-confident and underestimating Mora next Tuesday at
sections.,” Aho said.
103 Jake Kostik (NB) pinned Alex Dahms at 3:04
112 Tom Mork (NB) defeated Ethan Purdy 1-0
119 Jake Kalkbrenner (NB) pinned Brent Schroeder at 5:37
125 Erik Kostik (NB) pinned Quade Vanfleet at :36
130 Boyd Suparat (NB) won by TF over Sam Newton
135 Matt Lutgen (NB) defeated Zane Vanfleet 13-3
140 Matt Newham (NB) pinned Jon Koehn at 1:03
145 Luke Levasseur (NB) defeated Quentin Vanfleet 8-1
152 Chad Anderson (NB) won by FF
160 Terry Ross (M) won by TF over Zach Frink
171 Greg Arnt (NB) pinned Cody Rundle at 3:12
189 Tyler Carlson (M) pinned Mickey Price at 1:26
215 Justin Bergerson (NB) pinned Roger Mattson at :43
HWT John Morrison (NB) pinned Britt Drews at 3:04
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