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The Vikings’ best hope for being represented at the state tournament this year was Evan Pommier, who went 24-1, but Pommier was injured late in the season and did not compete at the Section 7AA individual tournament last Saturday, February 24 at Grand Rapids High School.  The Vikings’ top finisher was junior Jack Baker, who came in fourth at 114 pounds.  Only two other Vikings made it to the podium.  Junior Karson Gariepy (285) finished fifth, and junior Ethan Kester (139) came in 6th.

Baker opened with a 14-0 major decision over Willam Strawser of Rock Ridge in the quarterfinals.  In the semifinals, Roman McKinney of Pine City-Hinckley-Finlayson won by a 12-4 major decision over Baker.  In the wrestlebacks, Baker pinned Gauge Johnson of Pierz at 4:46, earning Baker the right to wrestle in the third place match, which pitted Baker against Holden Brink of Grand Rapids.  Brink beat Baker 5-4 to claim third place, with Baker settling for fourth.

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