High School News

Changing The Game – Gavin Nelson

By Brian Jerzak

After moving to Wisconsin as a baby, Gavin Nelson put together a stellar youth record wrestling and training in Wisconsin. When he entered junior high, Gavin and his family decided to move back to Minnesota – in part – to try to further Gavin's wrestling career. When Nelson first stepped into the Simley wrestling room as a 7th grader, the coaching staff threw him right in with the varsity. The new Spartans' first practice did not go well.

"My first Simley practice in 7th grade," Nelson said, "I got right into it with all the varsity guys. In my first practice, I threw up so much because I was not ready for that level of practice. Coach (Will) Short got me into shape quickly. I was not ready for that grind, but once I got used to it, it was a huge game-changer for me."

The game changed to the tune of becoming a three-time state place winner, a one-time state champion, and a member of the 2021 U.S. Cadet World Championships team.

Long before entering the Spartans' wrestling room, Nelson was playing youth soccer.

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High School Class A Preview

Section 1A

Favorites: GMLOS Bulldogs and Kenyon-Wanamingo Knights
Dark Horses: Chatfield Gophers and Goodhue Wildcats

GMLOS Bulldogs
Head Coach: Randy Smith
Three River Conference: 7-2 | Overall: 30-5
The Bulldogs graduated seven very good seniors last spring, including five with 28+ wins. This included six section placewinners, five super section placewinners, and a pair of state medalists. The Bulldogs return six with a great deal of experience, all with 21+ wins, including five section placewinners and a super section placewinner. The Bulldogs should challenge those very good dual meet marks if they stay healthy and they can fill in with some junior varsity. They could move up in the conference standings. Look for steady improvement from this young crew. They are in a good position for section 1A dual meet honors, in what should be a pretty balanced section dual meet campaign. The Bulldogs key leaders should include Cohen Wiste (37-8) 3rd Super Section, Donavon Felton (32-2), James Jacobson (26-13), Braxton Wiste (23-17), Aiden Quintana (23-14), and Christian Luthe (21-13).

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