With the start of February coming around, the end of wrestling is quickly approaching. The boys have been working hard all year, all leading up to State in the coming weeks.
The Algona boys’ wrestling team hosted Regional Duals last week, on January 30th. First, New Hampton faced off against Hampton-Dumont-CAL. The winning team, New Hampton, then took on Algona. The AHS wrestling team came out with an outstanding win by a score of 43- 24. Winners against New Hampton include Hunter Kollasch, Thomas Zabka, Isaac Wilson, Elijah Wilhite, Barrett Morgan, Ashton Moreno, Tate Slagle, Taevyn Zinnel, and Dane Kitzinger. After the amazing win against New Hampton, the boys advanced to the State Duals in Coralville on February 3rd.
When the team went to State Duals, it was the first time in school history! They were seeded seventh before they went but placed eighth overall. The boys battled hard and did great while they were in Coralville, wrestling three different teams. They first wrestled Mount Vernon and AHS winners include Brody Shipler, Gavin Goche, Isaac Wilson, Elijah Wilhite, Tate Slagle, and Taevyn Zinnel. Then they wrestled West Delaware Manchester, and winners in this bout include Cohen Reffer, Ashton Moreno, Tate Slagle, and Taevyn Zinnel. They ended their day by wrestling Independence. Winners in this match include Brody Shipler, Gavin Goche, Tate Slagle, and Taevyn Zinnel. Zinnel stated, “State Duals was an awesome experience to have for the team. It’s going to help us grow and prepare going into the postseason.”
The wrestling team will wrestle this Saturday, February 10th, at Estherville Lincoln Central at Districts. The top three wrestlers in every weight class will advance to the State meet. State is held this coming Wednesday, the 14th, through Saturday, the 17th, at Wells Fargo Arena. Good luck Bulldogs!