The State rankings are really heating up! After our third event there has been some significant changes:
1. New Prague – The Trojans are filled with hammers and it looks like the program is only getting started. New Prague has been in the lead since the start of the season and the Wildcat Rumble added new wrestlers like Kinley Jabas (1st grader) and Lennox Theis (3rd grader) who both went undefeated. Leading the team is Aeralyn Palmer (6th grade) and Livie Kallal (4th grade) who both have not lost yet this season. This team always has numerous great coaches from their school on the sidelines. It’s going to take a Trojan Horse type attack from these other schools to catch this team.
2. Waconia – The Wildcats are coming off their biggest showing yet from their home event this weekend. They added a couple wrestlers to the squad and held strong at number two. Breslyn Kirkpatrick (6th grade) is leading the way still undefeated. These kitties are scrappy and young with talent like sisters Caroline (3rd grade) and Marissa Moyer (1st grade). They are both on pace for All State. The future looks bright for Waconia girls wrestling to keep purring.
3. Chaska/Chanhassen – With only 4 total girls competing so far this season, the Stallions have been able to hold on to the #3 ranking for the 3rd week in a row. This team is led by Kalia Rodgers (3rd grade) who only has one loss this year. Right behind her is Claire Kennedy (5th grade) and sisters Evelyn (6th grade) and Naomi (3rd grade) Wechter who are all on pace to be All State. We know they have one of last year’s coaches of the year with Coach Rogers in their corner, but can these race horses keep it up without adding any other wrestlers or will this Cinderella story fade?
4. Pine Island – The Panthers did something this week we have never seen before. They managed to climb up the rankings 5 spots in one week. Kinsley Kothenbeutel (4th grade) and Morgan Mohlke (4th grade) are leading this charge and are both undefeated in the two events they have wrestled at. Addi Ponclet (6th grade) and Finley Kann (Kindergarten) are also boosting this young team. Both are on pace for Elevate and possible All State Awards this year. We all know Panthers are stealthy, with a full roster at the last 2 events they could be eyeing a top 3 spot or possibly pouncing for a state title.
5. Big Lake – The Hornets were swarming this weekend in Waconia. They managed to move up 2 spots and secure a top 5 ranking. Lead by a couple of sister pairs, Rebekah (4th grade) and Naomi Smith (2nd grade), also Graycen (5th grade) and Briella (3rd grade) Mayer, it looks like a nest is growing in Big Lake. Word on the street is they have a few other wrestlers getting added to the roster and could start making an even bigger buzz.
6. Northfield – The James Gang is a true dark horse team. They have the 2nd largest amount of girls that have competed in at least one event. After their home Christmas Clash they were ranked 2nd with a very small margin from New Prague. Lead by Alleena Johnson (6th grade) who is undefeated and CeCe Johnson (4th grade), this team can do some damage in the upcoming events. Unfortunately injuries and conflicting events have prevented some of their team to compete. If they can mount-up and ride north we expect them to steal some top spots in the future.
7. Princeton – The Tigers are moving up a spot after adding a couple new wrestlers in the Wildcat Rumble. Led by Alice Kohler (2nd grade), Kassidy Bragg (4th grade) and Zoey Marstein (4th grade) all 3 of these hammers are on pace for All State and Elevate Awards. We have received many compliments from other schools wrestlers for Coach Braggs efforts and we know Princeton girls wrestling is in good hands. Will they add more cubs for the upcoming events or risk being on the endangered species list?
8. Stillwater – The Ponies are one to watch as the season finishes up. They have the ladies to gallop to the front, but most their rankings came from their home dual the Pony Stampede. Lead by Monroe Eggum (6th grade) and Crosby Smith (5th Grade) who are both undefeated, they have the numbers to be dangerous. Alyssa Leonard (6th grade) has been scoring points at every event and could still win All State or Elevate Awards. Giddyup Ponies!
9. Farmington – This Tiger team has us all excited to see how the season ends! Coming from the bottom of the rankings, this team battled their way to 9th place. Coaches at Farmington got the pride together and it’s no wonder they thrived in the Wildcat Jungle. Lead by 6th graders Sophia Graham and Serenity Halverson who are both currently All State, this team has an ambush of tigress cubs like Zoey Flynn (3rd grade) and Molly Raasch (4th grade) that will keep them roaring for years to come.
10. Kasson Mantorville – The Komets have fallen 4 spots, but still have a solid hold on 10th place. Unfortunately, they didn’t have any wrestlers compete in The Wildcat Rumble, but there are still 2 events left and one is in their backyard (Byron Bear County). Their galaxy is held together by three 6th grades Kamryn Berge who is All State eligible, Eliana O’Donoghue, and Kaydee Fitch. Also Sadie Christianson (5th grade)who is knocking on All State doors. We are hoping to see these Komets shine bright the rest of the season!
