The final days before the holidays are busy with many activities, including wrestling tournaments. The Chaska–Chanhassen StormHawks host one of the larger pre-holiday events each year: the Ethan Herman Tournament, which honors the former Eastern Carver County wrestler. This year’s tournament, which has been held for more than 25nyears, drew more than 400 athletes representing 30 teams, including boys, girls and JV squads from 15 schools across the metro area and Wisconsin. The event was impressively supported with many dedicated StormHawk wrestling parents and volunteers.
The StormHawks had 42 wrestlers competing across 10 weight classes in this year’s event. Beginning at 9 a.m. and running late into the afternoon, more than 1,000 matches were contested across three divisions. Wrestling is an individual sport, yet everyone involved in Saturday’s tournament was striving for the best for their team.
Wayzata captured the boys varsity title with 193 points, followed by Lakeville North (179) and Elk River (135). The StormHawks finished eighth with 100.5 points. Twenty- one StormHawks wrestlers placed in either JV or varsity competition. Individual champions included sophomore Jaden Neunsinger at 133 pounds and senior Dane Krull at 145 pounds in varsity competition, while Camden Rogers won at 107 pounds in the JV division.
The StormHawks are 4–1 on the young season, with wins over Benilde-St. Margaret’s, Minneapolis Camden, Minnetonka and Eden Prairie, and a tough loss to Waconia. Head coach Erik Rogness, now in his 12th year, is enthusiastic about the team’s efforts to date.
“We’re off to a great start, and we have some great matches coming up,” Rogness said. “This sport is great for kids. It teaches technique, effort and how to put in the work to make a difference. It also builds mental toughness and helps wrestlers learn how to adjust, read and adapt to their opponents. Every day, at practice and at each meet, a wrestler learns something. It’s the day to day improvement that is so encouraging to watch. This is a sport that sticks with you for life, makes you a better person and makes you a better teammate.”
Girls wrestling continues to be one of the fastest-growing sports in Minnesota and across the country. The Herman Tournament featured nearly 75 girls. While the StormHawks do not currently have girls on the team, Coach Rogness noted growing interest and participation within the Stallions youth program.
Girls competition follows the same match format as the boys—three two-minute periods with the highest score winning—though weight classes begin lower and include fewer divisions. The same grit, determination and toughness were on display throughout the day.
The StormHawks’ next event will be the Rogers Invitational on Jan. 2. Their next home meet is scheduled for Jan. 8 against New Prague at Chaska High School.
