The StormHawk wrestling team hosted a three-way meet on Jan. 8. Between Chaska/Chanhassen, New Prague and Lakeville North. Each team individually faced the other two teams in a full night of wrestling at Chaska High School.
While the team results did not favor the StormHawks in either of the face-to-face meets, many individual wrestlers continued their strong season with both opponents. Here are some highlights:
- Junior Jake Feuerlhelm (121 lbs.) got a decision win over his New Prague opponent.
- Sophomore Jaden Neusinger (133 lbs.) continued his undefeated season with a take down against New Prague. Jaden also won with a fall over his Lakeville North rival and remains undefeated for the year.
- Senior Meldin Kuric (139 lbs.) earned a shut-out decision over his New Prague opponent.
- Senior Dane Krull (145 lbs.) not only got a decision win over his New Prague opponent but also notched his 125th varsity win with the StormHawks. He also got a dominant win in his Lakeville match. Krull has 22 pins this season and is going for the team record of 28.
- Senior Michael Gillette (172 lbs.) dominated his New Prague opponent and won his match. He would go on to win with a pin at 0:53 over his Lakeville opponent and go 2-0 for the night.
- Senior Josuha Schmidt (189 lbs.) got a takedown win over his Lakeville opponent
- In one of the more exciting matches of the New Prague meet, senior Caelen Rupert (285 lbs.) trailed his New Prague opponent for most of the match. With a minute left in the third period, he executed some exemplary moves and with the 4-3 decision.
Gillette and Rupert both played football for Chaska and shared that being a two-sport athlete helps them both in each sport.
“Wrestling is an individual sport, and it’s just you. Football is a team sport, but I am better at football because I wrestle,” said Gillette.
Both were enthusiastic that competition wrestling offers a required discipline and the camaraderie of their teammates.
“Wrestling is getting better each meet and we have to adjust against different opponents. It requires a lot,” Rupert added.
Coach Eric Rogness had some encouragement for the team after the New Prague meet, including insights on technique getting out to get the first move and not giving up “empty points.”
“We had some good matches in the meet, so I’m happy with a lot. Take some time and review your efforts and look for ways to bring your best to each match. Look for ways you can take control of your match and be mentally on top of your game,” he said.
The StormHawks hit the mat again on Jan. 9 at Annandale High School against Annandale and Hutchison and have a dual with Orono back home at Chanhassen High School on Jan. 14.
