The 2021-2022 Algona Bulldogs’ wrestling team’s season is freshly underway! They opened up at home on December 2nd in a triangular against Webster City and St. Edmond. First the Bulldogs faced a tough Webster City team, with some returning State place winners from last year. The Dogs lost 26-46. The Bulldogs came back strong against St. Eds, winning 78-0.
Next, the Bulldogs go to one of the biggest tournaments of the year, in Independence on December 3rd and 4th.
The Bulldogs are looking to repeat their success of the last two seasons as a team as they are coming off winning the most duals in team history last year and a Conference title as a team the year before. The Bulldogs also made the Regional duals to go on to Team State but lost to Crestwood to end last year’s team season. The Bulldogs should be able to repeat success as they have four seniors returning and 13 returning letterwinners.
The Bulldogs return two District qualifiers from last year, Brandon Harris and Jacob Zabka. Zabka went on to place 7th at the State tournament at Wells Fargo Arena last year. These two lead Algona in every statistical category except falls, which went to last year’s senior Hunter Berry. Zabka led in team points with 202, wins with 34, nearfalls for two points with nine, and reversals with 14. Harris led the Bulldogs in technical falls with six, nearfalls for three points with 16, escapes with 19, and takedowns with 72. Zabka was also the Gary Kern Most Valuable Wrestler.
The Bulldogs also have seven returning Guts Club winners. To be a part of the Guts Club, a wrestler can not miss a practice for any reason. Senior Hayden Thompson says, “I’m excited about my last season.”