Wrestling in central Minnesota remains as strong as ever. That made itself apparent once again when three local wrestling teams punching their ticket to the Minnesota State Team Wrestling Tournament.

Bertha-Hewitt/Verndale/Parkers Prairie will represent Section 6A. The Raiders came into the section tournament ranked no. 12 in Class A with four wrestlers in the state ranks with Mason Hoffman (no. 10 at 107lb.), Hudson Truax (no. 8 at 104lb.), Evan Jares (no. 9 at 139lb.), David Revering (no. 2 at 160lb.).

Staples-Motley wrestling continues to dominate by winning Section 7A. The no. 5 state-ranked Cardinals took down Holdingford, the top-ranked team in the section tourney, 32-25 to advance to state! Staples-Motley boasts five state-ranked wrestlers in Gage Bjerga (no. 1 at 107lb.), Caden Kramer (no. 9 at 114lb.), Eli Greenwaldt (no. 2 at 121lb.), Blake Neelan (no. 10 at 145lb.), Colbe Tappe (no. 1 at 152lb.).

United North Central repeats as champions of Section 8A. It was another close battle with Section 8A rival Frazee but the Warriors came out on top with a 27-23 win in the section title match!

Seeding for the team tournament will be announced on Tuesday, February 20.

The MSHSL State Wrestling Tournament will take place from February 29-March 2 at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul. Hubbard Radio – Wadena will be down there for all the coverage of the three team’s matches and the individual tournament as well.