LHS wrestlers grapple their way to fourth-place finish

Luverne wrestlers started the new year with a fourth-place finish out of 12 teams at the Jesse James Invitational Saturday, Jan. 7, in Garretson, South Dakota.
Having placed 10th as a team last year, the Cardinals showed great improvement, according to coach Jordan Kopp.
“The kids wrestled well and it was good to get back to wrestling after the long break,” he said.  
Individually Luverne had 11 wrestlers reach the podium at the event.
DJ Rock took home first place in the 160-pound weight class.
Second-place finishers were Hudson Hough at 132, Sam Rock at 170 and Jacob Madison at 182.
Placing third were Matthew Gangestad in the 120-pound weight class and Josh Stroh at 132.
The Luverne girls each claimed a place at the Jesse James tournament.
Bernie Rock took home first place in the 113-pound weight class.
Placing second were Zakada Bradley at 106 and CeCe Rock at 142.
Third-place finishers were Julie Hoogland in the 122-pound class and Andi Luitjens at 142.
Other Cardinal wrestlers contributing team points but not placing were Brody Kopp at 103, Leif Ingebretsen at 126, Cameron McCrary at 138, Cash Bonnett at 170, Kane Ackerman at 220 and Masyn Ackerman at 285.
“Super proud of this group of athletes and looking forward to the rest of the season,” Kopp said. “We’re just getting started.”
Luverne was scheduled to travel to wrestle against Adrian Tuesday, Jan. 10, and then participate in the Marshall Triangular Thursday, Jan. 12, where they will wrestle against Marshall and Pipestone.