Northfield’s Graber and Watertown-Mayer’s Friederichs Recognized as MWCA Ms. and Mr. MN Wrestlers of the Year

The Minnesota Wrestling Coaches Association annually presents the Mr. Minnesota High School Wrestler award to the senior who best exemplifies the highest ideals of high school wrestling in Minnesota. Starting in 2022, the MWCA partnered with MN Women’s Wrestling to also recognize the Ms. Minnesota High School Wrestler award. Judging is based on wrestling performance, citizenship, academics, leadership, and adherence to MSHSL rules.

This year, the committees are proud to recognize Northfield’s girls’ state champion Caley Graber and Watertown-Mayer’s boys’ state champion Titan Friederichs.

Ms. MN Wrestler: Caley Graber
A three-time MSHSL Girls State Champion, Caley has helped elevate girls’ wrestling to the next level in MN. Caley has gone undefeated against girls in MSHSL competitions. Her career includes a groundbreaking performance during her sophomore year, where she became the first female wrestler to win a match at the MSHSL Boys State Tournament, ultimately securing a 5th-place finish. While going undefeated against the girls, Caley has continued to push herself by being a valued member of Northfield’s state tournament boys’ team. She has earned All-Conference three times as a member of the boys’ team. Northfield’s Head Coach, Geoff Staab, shares, “Caley is the face of Girls Wrestling in our community and in my opinion, our state. She volunteers her time coaching girls at the club she wrestles at. She also helps out at our youth girls’ practices and helps ref at our youth tournaments. She is currently a captain of our High School Boys team and has demonstrated outstanding leadership qualities in working with our team.” Caley has committed to McKendree University to continue with her studies and wrestling career.

Mr. MN Wrestler: Titan Friederichs
Titan concludes a legendary high school career as a four-time state champion while going undefeated over his final four seasons. His unprecedented 194-match win streak stands as the longest in state history. Perhaps most remarkable, he conceded only a single takedown (in 9th grade) throughout the entire win streak, showcasing dominance that may never be matched. Titan finishes his MSHSL career with an impressive 234-3 record. Watertown-Mayer Co-Head Coach Kurt Becker shares, “Titan is a high-character young man. He leads our local Fellowship of Christian Athletes group. He volunteers with our youth program by coming to and helping at youth practices and tournaments. The youth wrestlers all look up to and adore Titan. He is an extremely positive person and treats others with dignity and respect. Teachers and other students love Titan because he is respectful of others and treats everyone with kindness and respect. He is a leader on our team. He is one of the hardest workers I have ever coached. He is positive with everyone in the room, and is like having another coach in the wrestling room. We will sure miss having him around next year.” Titan, along with his twin brother Joel, will be heading to the University of MN next year to continue his studies and wrestling career.
These individuals represent the best of Minnesota wrestling. Their records speak for themselves, but their impact on the sport and their peers is even greater. We celebrate their historic contributions to our wrestling community.

The MWCA will formally honor both athletes at the upcoming Dave Bartelma MWCA Hall of Fame Banquet on April 11th.