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NB 54, Columbia Heights 24

The Vikings took a 21-0 lead after the first four weights and never looked back. They pummeled Columbia Heights 54-24 in the last dual meet of the regular season Tuesday, February 13 at North Branch.

The Vikings got pins from Erik Kostik (119), Zach Smith (145), Greg Arnt (171), Justin Bergerson (215) and John Morrison (Hwt.) in the victory.

"This was a really nice win for us," said Viking head coach Tony Aho. "Columbia Heights has given fits to a lot of conference opponents, so we were really proud of our guys. Tom Mork was back in the lineup for us and got a nice win against a tough opponent. John Wickoren wrestled one of their better kids and really looked good. He has put in a lot of extra time and is showing great potential for the future. Our young big guys, Justin Bergerson and John Morrison looked sharp to finish off the match."

Individual Results

103- Rett Long won by forfeit 6-0

112- Tom Mork defeated Neil Manns 10-7 9-0

119- Erik Kostik pinned Jake Aguilar 15-0

125- Boyd Suparat won by forfeit 21-0

130- Nick Salo was pinned by Spencer Worden 21-6

135- Luke Levasseur was pinned by Andy Reinartz 21-12

140- Matt Newham defeated Jared Knox 5-2 24-12

145- Zach Smith pinned Mike Crepps 30-12

152- David Kowarsch won by forfeit 36-12

160- Zach Frink was pinned by Scott Roggenbuck 36-18

171- Greg Arnt pinned Paul Lange 42-18

189- John Wickoren was pinned by Andy Mixer 42-24

215- Justin Bergerson pinned Andrew Hodynsay 48-24

Hwt. - John Morrison pinned Jamal Haidari 54-24

North Branch 43, Blaine 23

The ninth-seeded Vikings opened the Section 7AAA tournament against eighth-seeded Blaine and staged a mild upset, beating the Bengals 43-23 at Cambridge Thursday, February 15.

Boyd Suparat's pin at 125 opened up a 12-point lead for the Vikings. After a loss at 130, Luke Levasseur's pin at 135 increased the Viking lead to 15 points. Matt Newham won by major decision at 140 and pins by Greg Arnt (171), John Wickoren (189) and John Morrison (Hwt.) gave the Vikings a decisive win.

"Coming into the section tournament," said Viking head coach Tony Aho, "we were not expected to advance into the next round. But we knew we had the wrestlers to get by Blaine. They had a couple of kids out, but we wrestled well regardless. Nick Salo is coming back from an injury and is still working on getting his wind back and is progressing well. Luke Levasseur is showing why we think he will be a superstar."

Individual Results

103- Rett Long was defeated by Pao Thao 7-11 0-3

112- Tom Mork defeated Chris Hintz 6-0 3-3

119- Erik Kostik won by forfeit 9-3

125- Boyd Suparat pinned Kevin Anderson 15-3

130- Nick Salo was defeated by Matt Brisbois 3-5 15-6

135- Luke Levasseur pinned Ben Synker 21-6

140- Matt Newham defeated Luke Kennedy 16-3 25-6

145- Zach Smith was defeated by Omar Morey 5-13 25-10

152- David Kowarsch was defeated by Deven King 8-14 25-13

160- Chad Anderson was defeated 0-14 25-17

171- Greg Arnt pinned Nate Kreckelberg 31-17

189- John Wickoren pinned Chris Heil 37-17

215- Justin Bergerson was pinned by Keng Lor 37-23

Hwt. - John Morrison pinned Adel Morey 43-23

Anoka 50, North Branch 19

The Vikings' next opponent at sections was a tall order. They faced Anoka, ranked fourth in the state, at Cambridge Thursday, February 15. Anoka, who won the section the next night, defeated the Vikings 50-19 to end the Vikings' dual-meet season.

The Vikings kept it close at the lower weights, but the Tornadoes outpinned the Vikings 5-2 the rest of the way and came away with a decisive victory.

"Anoka sat out a few kids against us," said Viking head coach Tony Aho. "But, again, our guys went out very hard. Matt Newham proved that if you keep going hard in a match you have a chance, as he pinned his opponent after trailing by eight all match long. John Morrison continued his winning ways with a nice pin over another older opponent."

Individual Results

103- Rett Long was defeated by Kyle Begin 2-5 0-3

112- Tom Mork was defeated by Paul Tellgren 3-13 0-7

119- Erik Kostik defeated Jake Waste 13-0 4-7

125- Boyd Suparat defeated Jon Redman 6-2 7-7

130- Nick Salo was defeated by Jake Begin 1-18 7-12

135- Luke Levasseur was pinned by Andy Hildre 7-18

140- Matt Newham pinned Lucas Ducharme 13-18

145- Zach Smith was pinned by Lucas Murray 13-24

152- David Kowarsch was defeated by Pat Cotter 0-16 13-29

160- Chad Anderson was pinned by Jake Deitchler 13-35

171- Greg Arnt was defeated by Adam Armstrong 3-7 13-38

189- John Wickoren was pinned by Tommy Matlon 13-44

215- Justin Bergerson was pinned by Adam Heidemann 13-50

Hwt. - John Morrison pinned Jake Kettler 19-50

The season is not over for the Vikings, as they'll participate in the Section 7AAA tournament for individuals this Friday and Saturday, February 23 and 24, at Champlin Park.

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