Titans place at State Wrestling Tournament

The Tri-City United Titans put themselves in the state’s wrestling record books after last weekend’s State Wrestling Tournament, February 28 to March 2 at the Excel Energy Center in St. Paul. 

The Titans sent two wrestlers to the Big Dance. Wrestling at 138 pounds was Mason Brownlee, and at 152 pounds was Josh Selly.

 

Mason Brownlee

According to Coach Brian Mikel, Mason Brownlee had two successful rounds, before losing a heartbreaking round in four overtimes. The athlete came back, won the wrestleback round, then was defeated by a Scott West wrestler in round five, placing him in fourth place overall.

“Overall Mason had a good tournament. I know he's disappointed not making the finals. He was so close this year. Losing in four overtimes is tough, but I know Mason will come back strong and determined next year,” said Mikel. “He knows the areas he needs to improve on to win it all next year.  Mason has had an outstanding career.  This was his fourth state tournament appearance.  He has been  All State three of those four years.  Mason is one of the most dedicated wrestlers I have ever coached.  He loves the sport of wrestling.”

 

Brownlee’s results:

Round 1 - Mason defeated Andy Jackson of South St Paul 5-4

Round 2 - Mason Defeated Dillon Johnson of Morris area 18-3 (technical fall)

Round 3 - Mason lost in 4 overtimes to Brett Stolarzyk of Stewartville (5-4

Round 4 - (wrestleback round)  Mason defeated Zach Beaumaster of Monticello 5-3

Round 5 - (3rd place match)  Mason was defeated by Luke Zilverburg of Scott West 5-0

 

Josh Selly

Mikel said Selly had an outstanding tournament, finishing second, to a number 1 ranked wrestler. Mikel said Josh had had a few disappointing matches in the season, but picked it up at the end of the year and peaked at just the right time.  

“When Josh is on, he's very tough to beat. He's is tremendous in the top position which is where he scored most of his points,” Mikel said. “Josh will be the first one to tell you, though, that there are some areas that he needs to improve if he wants to return back to the finals next year. Josh ran into a buzz saw in his last match against Jake Short of Simley for a second place finish.”

 

Selly’s results:

Round 1 - Josh defeated Dane Ringquist of Fergus Falls 5-1

Round 2 - Josh defeated Joe Weber of Fairmont/Martin County West 7-1

Round 3 - Josh Defeated Carter Holthaus of Albany 4-3

Round 4 - (championship match)  Josh was defeated by Jake Short of Simley by fall.

Josh finished as state runner up.

Overall, Mikel said it was a great weekend for the TCU wrestlers. He gives a special thanks to the parents for all of their support throughout the season.  

“They have been wonderful,” Mikel said. “Also, thanks to all the TCU students and fans for coming up to St Paul and cheering on the boys.  What a great a fun atmosphere they created.  Thanks to all of the assistant coaches for all of the hard work they put in as well:  Joe Selly, Nate Friederich, and Corey Block.  We could not have done it without you.”