ST. PAUL — Staples-Motley wrestlers back-to-back state champs.
The Cardinals once again beat Chatfield on Thursday, Feb. 26, in a rematch of last year’s Class A team finals. This year’s win was even more dominant than last year’s, with Staples-Motley winning 41-14.
Dominant is the best word to describe Staples-Motley's run, losing four matches in the finals and just one in the semifinals against Jackson County Central and two in the quarterfinals against Kenyon-Wanamingo.
United North Central finished fifth as the consolation champions, beating West Central Area 38-28. The Warriors lost a close matchup against Jackson County Central in the first round, and they just barely held on to advance to the consolation finals, beating Kenyon-Wanamingo 33-29.
Staples-Motley's Garrett Bjerga, Gage Bjerga, Eli Greenwaldt, Colbe Tappe and Luke Bjerga were named to the all-tournament team.
The Cardinals and Warriors were back on the mats Friday for the individual tournament, joined by dozens of other Northland wrestlers.
You can follow along for free using the online brackets or by subscribing to NSPN to stream the matches.
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Contributed/AP Photo / Rod Lamkey, Jr. via MinnPostThe demand comes after the House Oversight and Government Affairs Committee released a report that said Walz and Ellison ignored rampant fraud in the state’s social service programs. -
Contributed/Alyssa Chen / Minnesota ReformerThe state abruptly paused payment to thousands of care providers in May in a rush to meet a federal deadline. -
Contributed/Brian DowThe number of detainees has not been confirmed. Bemidji police and Beltrami sheriff's deputies did not take part, leaders say. Some community members gathered to protest.
