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For a variety of reasons, Aaron James didn’t even step onto the mat until the season was halfway over. Injured at times, the senior had to work his tail off to get back to 100 percent. Last Saturday at the section 7AAA individual wrestling meet, James’s hard work paid off, taking first at 189 pounds, giving him a state berth at the state wrestling tournament this weekend.

“He definitely had a struggling point in the middle of the season,” said Shawn Frederixon. “He was a little out of shape. He’s worked really hard to get where he’s at right now.”

James also exacted some revenge in the process. The senior lost to Billy Blumhoefer earlier in the season, accounting for his only loss at 189 pounds. Last Saturday in the 189 pound championship match, James defeated Blumhoefer 3-1 in overtime, giving him the title. James will face Bloomington Kennedy’s Josh Holforty (36-4) in the state at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday (March 4) at the Xcel Energy Center.

“He’s facing a guy who is rated seventh in state, so I expect it’s going to be a good, tough match,” remarked Frederixon. “I really believe Aaron could be rated anywhere from 5 to 10 if people knew about him. As coaches, we really don’t promote ratings as much as some other schools. So, I think he has the opportunity to go really well.”

Elsewhere, Luke Anderson finished the section meet with a 3-2 record, placing him third at 160 pounds. In addition, Brian Jones ran fourth at 103 pounds, going 2-2. The remaining seven Chisago Lakes wrestlers did not place.

Section 7AAA

Individual Wrestling Meet

(CL only)-

103- Brian Jones 4th

112- John Hogie DNP

119- Scott Creen DNP

125- Eric Tilly DNP

130- Chad Stenson DNP

135- Dan Gemuenden DNP

140- Bobby Ferrier DNP

152- Josh Fagan DNP

160- Luke Anderson 3rd

189- Aaron James 1st

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