Central Minnesota 2013-2014 High School Wrestling Preview

Well, wrestling fans, the leaves have fallen and the temperature is dropping. It’s been eight long months, but the season is finally here!

Practices got going all over Minnesota last week and we’re going to take a look at some local kids that I feel could contend for a State Title come March.

Quinten Berres

Grade: Junior
School: Kimball Area
Last Year: Class 1A State Champion @ 126 pounds, 39-1 record

Last year Quinten entered the state tournament as one of the early favorites and he didn’t disappoint. He took care of business in the first 3 rounds, winning each match by at least 3 points. That trend continued in the State finals when he defeated BBE’s Tyler Tensen by a score of 5-2. Opponents scored a total of just 5 points against Berres at state last year. Berres is a 3-time state entrant placing 3^rd in 2012, and 6^th in 2011. He will once again look to top the podium at the X come March.

Mitch Lange

Grade: Senior
School: Royalton/ Upsala
Last Year: 4^th place in Class 1A @ 160 pounds, 42-3 record

Mitch, who impressively has qualified for State since 8^th grade, is coming off his best finish at the X. He won his first match before falling to the eventual state champion in the quarterfinals. However, he battled his way back and got on the podium for the first time in his career. Lange brings a physical style to the mat that allows him to compete with anyone in the state.

Tyler Funk

Grade: Senior
School: Foley
Last Year: Class 2A State runner up @ 120 pounds, 34-6 record

Tyler qualified for his second state tournament last season, and he made it count. He won his first 3 matches of the tournament, including a 3-2 decision over highly decorated freshman Griffin Parriott, on his way to the state finals. His finals match was arguably the most exciting of the final day, as it took 3 overtimes for a champion to be crowned. Funk was an escape away from winning, before ultimately being defeated on a quick near fall. Tyler looks poised to top last year’s performance, and bring a state title home to Foley.

Some other area wrestlers to keep an eye on…

Blaine Tschida - Junior-Kimball Area-42-5 last year - 3^rd at State

Daniel Vitalie - Junior- Sartell/ Saint Stephen- 29-3 last year - Did not place at State

Bryce Kirchner - Senior- St. Cloud Apollo- 31-12 last year - 5^th at State

Tyler Midas - Senior- Foley- 38-10 last year -  4^th at State

Best of luck to all the local teams and individuals this upcoming season!  It looks like Central Minnesota will once again be represented by some outstanding wrestling programs this season. One thing I do know wrestling fans -- dig those school colors out of the closet, blast "Lunatic Fringe" from your speakers, and get those vocal chords ready to yell, "TWO!" because wrestling season is finally here!