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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Events this week include a Bemidji Symphony Orchestra concert and a school board candidate forum in Grand Rapids. -
Contributed/Lakeland PBSThe Bemidji Pioneer, Brainerd Dispatch and Park Rapids Enterprise are among the media partners participating in the Northern Minnesota candidate debate series. -
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Lorie Shaull/Special to KAXESmall businesses and private nonprofits may apply for up to $2 million in low-interest loan funding from the U.S. Small Business Administration before April 26, 2027.
