The Bulldog wrestling team is coming off a phenomenal 2022-2023 season, winning the District title and sending seven boys to the State Tournament. Coming into the 2023-2024 season, the Bulldogs had four boys ranked in the top 10 for their respective weight classes and ranked in the top five as a team.
The Bulldogs started the season off hot, winning over Humboldt at home and picking up a big win at the Ogden Dual Tournament over a red hot Carroll Tiger’s team in the championship. The Bulldogs were slowed down at the Don Miller Invitational in Fort Dodge, where they fought for a third place finish. Here, junior, Tate Slagle, picked up his one hundredth career win. “Once you have wrestled everything else in life is easy,” states Tate Slagle.
Following winter break, the Bulldogs headed to St Edmond where they would sweep the competition. Junior, Isaac Wilson, picked up his one hundredth career win here. “Wrestling is a sport that teaches discipline and many other important life skills,” states Wilson.
To close out the regular season, the Bulldogs won the Clear Lake Invitational and took second at home against a tough Hampton-Dumont-CAL squad.
The team headed back to Clear Lake for the Conference championship, where they sought out their first Conference title in twenty years. The Bulldogs fought hard, earning eleven podium spots including five first place finishes. It would prove to be enough for the Bulldogs as they would win the Conference championship.
Following their big championship win, the boys traveled to Estherville where they dominated Spirit Lake, Estherville, and Emmetsburg, not giving up more than twenty points to any team.
The boys hosted West Hancock on Thursday, January 25th, and barely escaped a tough team, winning 37-36.
Next up, the boys will host the Regional Dual on January 30th against either Hampton-Dumont-CAL or New Hampton.