Kasson-Mantorville wins Class 2A; Zumbrota-Mazeppa wins Class 1A
Too many times, St. Michael-Albertville has come close to state titles, only to have victory snatched away late.
On countless occasions, Apple Valley proved just one guy too deep to keep the Knights from climbing to the top of the ladder. Even in 2013, when the Knights did win that elusive big school crown, they were forced to share it with the Eagles.
Not on Thursday night. Continue reading at www.twincities.com
By Brian Jerzak
What a great night of wrestling at Foley High School Friday night.
It is always a treat to watch the high-level guys compete up close and personal. The skill possessed by guys like Simley’s Cael Berg, Jake Gliva and Daniel Kerkvliet, Patrick McKee from St. Michael-Albertville and Mitch Trigg from Foley is always a treat.
In a quad with blue blood wrestling programs like Simley, STMA and Foley I came into the night not expecting to come away after the first pair of dual meets most impressed by the only unranked team in the Falcons’ gymnasium Friday night. Although Bemidji lost their opening dual against Simley, they put on a show for the fans.
Trailing 10-0 and then 17-5 the Lumberjacks used a string of bonus point victories together to take a six-point lead with two matches to go. When facing the Spartans however, having a lead late doesn’t mean much when Daniel Kerkvliet and Like Zaiser anchor the lineup. Both Spartans’ wrestlers did what was expected and put up 12 team points to win the dual 37-31.
The January 15, 2016 issue of The Guillotine has arrived! Featured content in this issue includes: Building a Tradition by Building on a Tradition - St. Michael-Albertville, High School Class Rankings, One-on-One with Clint Poster, Where Have They Gone? - Nick Severson, and Life After Wrestling Is Better With Wrestling - Mark LeVasseur.
More content in this issue: The Clash Action, Lace ‘Em Up, MWCA Report, High School Rankings, Officially Speaking, The Mat Grinder, Christmas Tournament Action, Minnesota College Connection, Ask The Doc, Open Tournament Calendar, Upcoming Camps-Clinics-Training.
View this issue below.
By Brian Jerzak
There never has been much doubt in the mind of St. Michael-Albertville wrestler Mitchell McKee. He had a pretty good idea what he wanted to do at a young age. Most kids have an idea of what they want to do when they get older, but few have the talent and drive of a guy like McKee. From the day he invited his friend over for a play date in kindergarten, Mitchell McKee knew he wanted to be a wrestler.
McKee’s goals are much higher now than they were when he invited his friend over for a weekend play date, but big goals always have to start small.
“I invited (Mound Westonka senior) Lee Schmalz over, but his dad said he had a wrestling tournament first,” recalled McKee. “He came over afterward and he brought his trophy with him. Once I saw the trophy I knew I wanted to wrestle. I started that next Tuesday.”
When he had success at his first national tournaments, McKee knew he had a chance to get to an elite level. Watching others succeed heightened his drive.
“I started watching all the Division I championships and when Jake Deitchler was an Olympian I wanted to do that. Just seeing it first hand – as a wrestler – I wanted to do the same thing.”
Elk River, MN – The Minnesota Wrestling Coaches Association today named Tommy Thorn of St. Michael-Albertville High School as Mr. Minnesota, 2014. He is a four-time state champion, finishing his stellar career with a record of 199 wins and just 6 losses.
Mike Thorn of Saint Michael-Albertville was named MWCA Mr. Minnesota of Wrestling at the Dave Bartelma Hall of Fame Banquet held at Augsburg College on April 29, 2006.
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. Judging is based on past performances, citizenship, academics, leadership, and adherence to MSHSL rules.