The annual Pittsburgh Wrestling Classic took place on Saturday at Peters Township High School, pitting a Pennsylvania all-star team against a national all-star team. New Prague’s Koy Buesgens and Simley’s Gavin Nelson both picked up wins for Team USA.
High School News
College Recruiting: state placewinner Henningson to Concordia College
Logan Henningson of Winona has committed to wrestling for Concordia College next season.
This year’s Pittsburgh Wrestling Classic includes two Minnesota standouts
A pair of three-time Minnesota state champions are on the national all-star team taking on a Pennsylvania all-star team tonight at Peters Township High School outside of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. New Prague’s Koy Buesgens and Simley’s Gavin Nelson are set to compete at 145 and 215 pounds, respectively at the annual Pittsburgh Wrestling Classic.
College Recruiting: two-time state qualifier Fischer to Concordia College
Bryce Fischer of Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton has committed to wrestling for Concordia College next season.
March National Girls High School Rankings Released, Pound-For-Pound Rankings Updated
The National Wrestling Hall of Fame, USA Wrestling, and FloWrestling have released the National Girls High School Rankings for February. This national ranking evaluates all girls enrolled in grades 8-12, and athletes from all 50 states are eligible for selection.
All of the annual state high school championships, both official and unofficial, have been held. These state championships had a major impact on the current rankings in all weight classes.
In addition, the first of the major postseason national events, the USA Wrestling Girls Folkstyle National Championships, were held in Omaha, Neb., earlier this month and also affected the ranking.
Shakopee’s Joel Makem Ratzinger and Waconia’s Max McEnelly 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 that 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 past performances, citizenship, academics, leadership, and adherence to MSHSL rules. This year the committees are proud to recognize Shakopee’s two-time girls’ state champion Joel Makem Ratzinger and Waconia’s four-time boys state champion Max McEnelly.
MWCA Recognizes 2023 State Individual Team Champions
Since 2013, the Minnesota Wrestling Coaches Association has recognized the Team Champions from the MSHSL Individual State Tournament. The winning team and runner-up from each class (A, AA, AAA, and Girls) earns a trophy/plaque to display at their respective schools.
This year the MWCA is proud to recognize Apple Valley as the Girls Champion, Jackson County Central as the Class A Champion, Simley as the Class AA Champion, and Saint Michael-Albertville as the Class AAA Champion. The top 10 teams per class are shared below.