Droegemueller Wrestling Family Hopes to Continue Impressive Streak

Three generations of the Droegemueller wrestling family are hoping to get the chance to continue an impressive streak.

The Droegemuellers have coached in or wrestled in what is believed to be 55 consecutive state tournaments dating to the mid 1960’s.

COVID-19 could put that streak in jeopardy, as it’s uncertain if there will be a state tournament this season.

The run started with Ken Droegemueller. Watch/continue reading at ccxmedia.org →

Wayzata’s Swensen signs with South Dakota State

After committing to South Dakota State University earlier this year, Wayzata High state wrestling champion Cael Swensen made it official recently by signing a national letter of intent.

“South Dakota State is building a great program,” Swensen said. “There are seven recruits in my [graduating] class, and five of us are ranked nationally.”

Swensen, who won the state title at 138 points last season, is not the only Minnesotan headed for South Dakota State. In addition to Swensen, who had a 52-1 record in 2019-20, the Jackrabbits have signed Forest Lake’s two-time state champion Derrick Cardinal (47-0 at 126 pounds last season) and Stillwater’s state champion Roman Rogotzke (46-4 at 182 pounds). Continue reading at hometownsource.com →

MSHSL winter sports to begin in-person practice on January 4th

BROOKLYN CENTER, Minn. — In alignment with Executive Order 20-103 announced today by Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, the Minnesota State High School League will begin in-person practice for winter sports and activities on Mon., Jan. 4, 2021.

Thirteen days ago, the League’s Board of Directors approved a flexible scheduling model, presented by the Return to Participation Task Force, which will adapt to the new Executive Order. The new mandate modifies and is an extension of Executive Order 20-99 that went into effect on Nov. 20 and was set to expire Dec. 18. The first date of competition under the new directive has not yet been determined.

Member schools have the option to begin in-person participation at a later date if it best aligns with their district’s COVID-19 response plan.

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Mavericks Picked to Finish Fourth in NSIC Preseason Wrestling Coaches’ Poll

BURNSVILLE, Minn. — The Minnesota State wrestling team has been picked to finish fourth in the NSIC Preseason Wrestling Coaches’ Poll.

The Mavericks garnered a total of 61 points to claim the fourth spot in the poll. St. Cloud State topped the poll with 81 points and nine first-place votes. Upper Iowa received 68 points and one first-place vote to come in second, with Augustana following right behind in third with 66 points. UW-Parkside rounded out the top-five with 45 points.

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SMSU picked 10th in Preseason NSIC Poll

BURNSVILLE, MINN. – The Southwest Minnesota State wrestling team was picked to finish 10th in the annual Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference Preseason Coaches’ poll released on Tuesday.

St. Cloud State, the nine-time defending NSIC Champion, was the unanimous choice to win the league title with nine first-place votes and 81 points. SCSU has won the past two NCAA team championships (2019 and 2018) and four since 2015. Upper Iowa was voted second at 68 points and earning the other first place vote. Augustana was selected third with 66 points, followed by Minnesota State in fourth place with 61 points and Wisconsin-Parkside rounding out the top five with 45 points. Parkside joined the NSIC as an associate member in wrestling this season.

Jesse Nelson begins his 14th season as head coach of the Mustangs and has 30 athletes on the roster that includes one senior, six juniors, 11 sophomores, six redshirt freshmen and six true freshmen. SMSU returns eight wrestlers who competed at the NCAA Super Region V Championships last February.

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