Skip to main content

Cardinal wrestlers bow out of team tournament, prepare for individuals

Lead Summary
By
Canaan Petersen for the Star Herald

The Cardinal wrestling team traveled to Adrian to take on Wabasso Thursday, Feb. 17, and came up short against the Rabbits 51-24.
The team has been preparing since then for the 3A Individual Section Tournament starting Friday, Feb. 25, in Wabasso.  
Wabasso jumped out to a 27-0 lead after four pins between 106 and 126 pounds before Gavin Marotzke won by a 9-7 decision over Luverne’s Hudson Hough.  
Luverne’s Noah Mehlhaff at 138 pounds stopped the run by pinning Adryen Tietz in 2:54. Braydon Ripka bested the Rabbits’ Garret Marotske by pinning him in 3:26 bringing the team score closer at 27-12.
At 152 pounds, Wabasso’s Reston Remiger received the first of four Luverne forfeits before Cash Bonnet won in an 8-2 decision over Mason Kampsen at 160 pounds.
Wabasso picked up another forfeit at 170 pounds, but Luverne’s Jacob Madison responded by securing a narrow 5-4 decision over Ezekial Olson at 182 pounds.
The Rabbits would receive two more forfeits at 195 and 285 pounds securing the team win.
The Cardinals’ Ayden Bonnett got the fifth and final individual victory by pinning Wabasso’s Wyatt Irlbeck in 53 seconds at 220 pounds. 
The team score ended up 51-24 in favor of the Rabbits.  
“Just like in most team matches, forfeits hurt us badly tonight,” said head coach Jordan Kopp.
“We won five matches which is as many as Wabasso did, but it’s tough to overcome a 24-0 advantage especially when their lower weights are tough.”
The Cardinals now prepare to travel to Wabasso on Feb. 25 for the individual section tournament.
“We need to see where our guys get seeded, but I’m confident we can come home with some medals and maybe even a trip to the state tournament,” Kopp said.
“Our boys have been working hard all season and now we can make all that effort pay off.”

You must log in to continue reading. Log in or subscribe today.