Takes 5th at state wrestling
For the second time Tri-City-United (TCU) junior Tucker Skluzacek had a chance to stand on the podium at a Class AA State Wrestling Tournament.
Skluzacek, wrestling at Class AA 145 pounds, won three of his five matches to place fifth overall this past weekend at Grand Casino Arena in St. Paul. He finished his outstanding junior season with a 43-8 record.
Skluzacek opened with a 15-4 major decision over Foley sophomore Jacob Demarais.
“I had the feeling that Tucker would place once he won his first match,” head coach Shaun Timmerman said. “We didn’t know much about that wrestler, but Tucker went out and controlled the entire match for a 15-4 victory.”
In his quarterfinal match, Skluzacek pinned st. Paul Johnson junior Gabe Park in 1:41. Park came into the tourney with only two losses. This set up a semifinal match against one of the best wrestlers in the state regardless of class.
Simley junior Jake Kos, the No. 1 seed, No. 1 rated, and defending State Champion, handed Skluzacek a 16-4 major decision loss. Kos, 51-3 overall, went on to pin Becker senior Levi Thompson in 3:47 for the State title.
In the wrestleback semifinal, Pequot Lakes-Pine River senior Parker Zutter caught Skluzacek in an early move and pinned him in 19 seconds, sending Skluzacek into the fifth place match. Zutter was the No. 2 ranked wrestler in this weight division. He finished fourth overall.
Read the full story by picking up a copy of the print edition of the March 5, 2026, Montgomery Messenger at a newsstand.
Did you know that the e-edition of our papers is FREE with your regular subscription?
Simply send an email to circulation@newpraguetimes.com with the name on the subscription and what email address you want it sent to. You will still receive your print subscription, but you will also receive an email weekly with a link to the PDF e-edition of the papers you are subscribed to! This is great for if your mail is delayed or lost, and if you prefer to view it on your electronic devices.
Tri-City United High School junior wrestler Tucker Skluzacek (right) stands at the podium where he placed fifth in the state after five matches, ending with a win over Sam Roiko.
Titan Tucker Skluzacek works the mat inside Grand Casino Arena at the Minnesota State High School League State Individual Wresting Tournament on Saturday, Feb. 28, in his second round of competition against Gabe Park of the Eastside Wrestling Club from Oakdale. Skluzacek won the match 7-0. He would go on to place fifth in the Class AA 145 pound individual category.