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By Steve Morris
 It was a successful weekend for three North Branch wrestlers.
At the section meet in Chisago Lakes, Greg Arnt, Jake Kostik and Boyd Suparat advanced to the state wrestling tournament at the Xcel Energy Center starting Wednesday and finishing Saturday.
Right: Boyd Suparat was crowned the champion of the 130 pound weight class at the section meet Feb. 23 in Chisago Lakes.
Suparat, in the 130 pound weight class and Arnt in the 171 weight class were both crowned champions. Kostik, took second place in 103 weight class which qualified him for state.
The boys start wrestling Wednesday at 6 p.m. with the start of the individual first round.
Head coach Tony Aho is excited to have three wrestlers represent the school and the community at the state meet.
“What a great way to end the season. Having three guys make it to the state tournament is great,” he said.
On Jake Kostik’s performance, Aho said,
“Jake lost early and showed a great deal of guts to come back in the wrestle-backs and dominate everyone in the weight class.”
Jake Kostik is the younger brother to senior Erik Kostik. Last year Erik Kostik was the only North Branch wrestler to advance to the state meet, but this year he came up short.
“Erik Kostik ended his fine career by pinning his way through the wrestle-backs. He accomplished great things in the little time he spent in this sport,” Aho said.
In the heavy weight class, John Morrison took third place.
In the 112 pound weight class, junior Tom Mork took fifth.
“Tom wrestled very well but was in one of the best weight classes in the tournament. He had an outstanding season and is a big reason for our success,” Aho said.
Aho liked what he saw from the underclassman who give promise for the years to come.
“Daub Bartylla, Chad Anderson, Zach Frink, and Justin Bergerson all showed the ability to get a medal at sections but just came up short. Those guys are all underclassmen and will definitely have their day,” Aho said.
For complete coverage of the state wrestling tournament visit us online at www.ecmpostreview.com.
Jake Kostik 2nd State entrant
Tom Mork 5th
Erik Kostik- 3rd
Boyd Suparat- Champion
Daub Bartylla did not place
Matt Newham 3rd
Chad Anderson did not place
Zach Frink did not place
171- Greg Arnt Champion
Justin Bergerson- did not place
HWT- John Morrison- 3rd
State schedule
Wednesday, Feb. 27:
6 p.m. Individual First Round
Thursday, Feb. 28:
10 a.m. Individual Quarterfinals
1 p.m. Individual Wrestlbacks
Friday, Feb. 29
11 a.m. Individual Semifinals
11 a.m. Consolation Quarter Finals
1:45 p.m. Consolation Semifinals
Saturday, March 1
12 p.m. Individual 5th and 3rd place
3:30 p.m. Individual Championships and Awards
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