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North Branch Wrestlers were able to eat and enjoy their winter season award banquet. Head Coach Tony Aho started out the evening with his usual stories on the season and showed his appreciation to his coaching staff and everyone who helps during the wrestling program.

He also went out of his way to congratulate all of the North Branch Wrestling Association and all parents who made this year's sectional tournament one of the most successful events that other coaches have been to in a long time.

Coach Aho always introduces each and every grade and goes out of his way to make comments about all of his wrestlers. He has stories and situations that the parents only get to share during this special evening.

This year he recognized nine middle school wresters who joined the high school team, after they completed their own season. Reid Johnson, an eighth Grader, earned another varsity letter.

He had narratives that chronicled the season for his 17 freshmen. Three freshmen earned their first wrestling letters this year: Sam Peltier, Jake Pilz, and Zack Sundly.

Coach Aho also picked on his four sophomore wrestlers and looked forward to his 14 junior grapplers coming back next year and challenged them to work hard in the off season and lead the way towards qualifying next years team for state.

This year the Vikings only have two graduating seniors, John Morrison and Jacob Wermerskirchen. John took second place in state this year and Jacob received his varsity letter.

Wermerskirchen was awarded a first ever scholarship for North Branch. This award is the Leon Leuer Family Wrestling Scholarship given by Becky Leuer in honor of her father who was a two time state champion and also a second place finisher. This $500 scholarship usually is given to a wrestler from the Wayzata High School but the family decided to give it to a North Branch wrestler this year.

The Vikings had five members who received All Conference Honors: Jake Kostik, Patrick Mork, Andy Freel, Justin Bergerson, and John Morrison.

There were also two Vikes who were recognized with All Conference Honorable Mention accolades: Jimmy Jutunen and Jake Pilz. Jacob Wermerskirchen was presented with All Conference Academic honors.

Season Award rundwon:

All-Conference

Jake Kostik, Pat Mork, Andy Freel, Justin Bergerson, John Morrison

All-Conference Honorable Mention

Jake Pilz, Jimmy Juntunen

Academic All-Conference

Jacob Wermerskirchen

Section Placewinners

Reid Johnson (4th), Jake Kostik (1st), Patrick Mork (2nd), Stuart Frink (5th), Justin Bergerson (2nd), John Morrison (1st)

State Placewinners

Jake Kostik (3rd), John Morrison (2nd)

Most Wins

Jake Kostik 39

Most Pins

Jake Kostik 23

Fastest Pin

Reid Johnson 13 seconds

Most Takedowns

Patrick Mork 49

Most Improved

Patrick Mork

Most Valuable JV Wrestler

-Mike Vogel

Leuer Scholarship Winner

-Jacob Wermerskirchen

Pictured are the 2010 recipients of the Chisago Lakes Middle School Brian Ammerman Award.

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