Wrestlers top Royals; 2nd at TCU tourney

The New Prague Trojan wrestling team remained unbeaten in dual meets last week, taking a 31-27 win over Watertown-Mayer/ Mayer Lutheran. On Saturday the Trojans took part in the Tri-City United Invitational, with several of their top wrestlers sitting out due to match count issues or injuries. That gave several JV wrestlers a chance to gain varsity experience.

New Prague will begin its Missota Conference schedule Thursday, Jan. 17, with a triangular at Northfield. They will face Farmington at 6:15 p.m. and Northfield at 7:30 p.m.

On Friday, Jan. 18, they host Prior Lake in the annual “Highway 13 Collision.” The event features middle school, JV and varsity matches and begins at 4 p.m. in the west gym, with the varsity match scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Prior Lake is ranked No. 3 in Class AAA and the Trojans (14-0) are ranked No. 4 in Class AA.

On Saturday, Jan. 19, New Prague travels to the Tartan Invitational.

Trojans 31, Royals 27 Watertown-Mayer/Mayer Lutheran opened the match with three straight decisions, but the Trojans turned the tide with a pair of pins to take a 12-9 lead. Griffin Parriott got the first one at 5:31 of his match and the second one was an upset as James Berg pinned Matt Elsenpeter, ranked No. 8 in the state, in 1:21.

Richard Reinartz scored a pin at 145 and Morgan Parriott earned a major decisions at 152.

At 170 pounds Andrew Maruska trailed 3-0 with 20 seconds left. In the final seconds he scored a reversal and a three-point near fall to take a 5-4 win.

Mitch Gullickson followed with a decision at 182. The Trojans’ final win came at 220 with Nathan Preston earning a 7-2 decision.

New Prague 285-pounder Zach Lafavor injured his back during the final match. He was taken by ambulance to the hospital where he stayed overnight as a precaution. His condition was reportedly improved by the next afternoon.

TCU Tourney The Trojans had entries in 13 of the 14 weights, with the 285 pound spot vacant due to Lafavor’s injury. Twelve of the 13 entries placed in the top six.

Two Trojans won championships - Berg at 132 pounds and Morgan Parriott at 145. Berg opened by pinning Mick Masso of Medford and Mason Rutt of TCU to advance to the finals, were he earned a 9-0 major decision over Brayden Champman of Farmington.

Parriott opened with a fall over Kyle Williamson of Blooming Prairie, and a technical fall over John Walz of Farmington. He pinned Alex Head of Triton in the championship match in 1:12.

One other Trojan made it to the championship round. Mitch Gullickson won his first two matches with a pair of pins, then lost to Lucas Etchason of Triton in the finals to take second.

Trojans taking third were Sam Reyant (106), Mitch Logelin (113), Darick Kvam (138) and Cameron Schmitz (170).

Finishing fourth were Blaine Bornholdt (120) and Reinartz (152).

Placing fifth were Alek Nelson (126) and Maruska (182).

Joe Heinz placed sixth at 160 pounds.

Lewiston-Altura/Rushford- Peterson won the meet with 202 points, with the Trojans second at 188. Waterville- Elysian/Morristown/Janesvill e-Waldorf-Pemberton was third at 159.5, followed by TCU (139.5), Mankato East (122), Medford (100), Triton (98), St. Clair/Mankato Loyola (94.5), Farmington (75) and Blooming Prairie (65).

Suel Printing Company

Copyright © Suel Printing Company
All Rights Reserved
200 Main St E
New Prague, MN 56071

Phone: 952-758-4435
Fax: 952-758-4135

Latest articles

Thu, 03/28/2024 - 11:40am
Thu, 03/28/2024 - 11:33am
Thu, 03/28/2024 - 10:00am
Tue, 03/26/2024 - 4:12pm

If you would like to receive a FREE digital edition with a paid print subscription please call 952-758-4435.