FAIRMONT — Prep wrestlers are used to losing a pound or two to move up a weight class, but the Minnesota High School League dropped an entire weight class during the offseason.
“Going from 14 to 13 weight classes this season is a big change, but it’s a good one and a much-needed change.” Martin County Red Bulls head coach Adam Williamson said. That 2022 lineup lost 31-30 to Watertown Mayer in the Class AA state team quarterfinals by technical fall, the MSHSL’s seventh tiebreaker criterion. “Breaking a tie score in duals is easy when you have an odd number of matches. Win at least seven matches to win the team decision.”
Freshman Pierce Roman, freshman Madex Faber, junior Berent Kosbab and senior Taylor Austin will be back on the canvas after putting together a winning record for the Red Bulls last winter.
Martin County’s roster has grown since last season, but the formidable veteran quartet also experienced a growth spurt during the interim period.
Roman missed out on individual state by placing third at the 2023 Section 3AA meet at 106 pounds, but will fit into the newly created 121-pound bracket for the Red Bulls.
“Pierce had a breakout year for us and we were one game away from the state tournament.” Williamson said of Roman, who had an impressive record of 32 wins and 11 losses.
Faber, who had a 29-13 record at 113 pounds a year ago, will move up to the 139-pound weight class. Faber took second place at 113 in the Valley/Minnesota River Conference meet last season.
Kosbab will move from 132 to 152 after compiling an 18-14 record, highlighted by a bronze medal at 132 at the Valley/Minnesota River Conference meet.
Austin, who proved his mettle in the 2022-23 season with a 29-7 record and wearing No. 152, will take on grappling duties for the Red Bulls this season wearing No. 172.
Senior heavyweight Kolby Schwichtenberg and junior 160-pounder Ty Kolbe also returned to the Martin County lineup and earned the nickname team captain for the following campaign. Both Schwichtenberg and Kolbe will compete in the same weight classes they did a year ago.
Schwichtenberg will battle Dakota Madias at No. 285, while Kolbe will battle Caleb Chambers at No. 160.
“There should be some wiggle room in the lineup for the two fights with Kosbab, Kolbe, Chambers and Taylor Austin at 152-172.” Williamson said.
Junior Torrey Paplow is back in the center circle for the Red Bulls after missing most of last season due to injury. Paplow weighs 133 pounds on the inside track this season.
DJ Miller and Ivan Martin will compete in the 215-pound weight class, while Hank Olson and Hunter Johnson will compete in the 189-pound weight class.
At Martin County, Evan Welcome will take the 145th inside track, while Ethan Siebring and Brock Stauffer will battle for time in 127th, while Billy Arnold will fill the slot in 114th. Dew.
“There may be a number of junior high school students aiming to take the 107-year-old’s spot, but it’s too early to predict who will be the best candidate.” said Williamson, whose team lost 34-32 in the sectional semifinals last winter. “We still have a young staff and we want to watch their development this season.”
Dusty Faber, Adam Schoen, Parker Anderson, Tyler Bitting, Nick Pease and Zach Johnston round out Williamson’s coaching staff this season.
The Red Bulls will open the season Saturday at 10 a.m. at the Dick Maher Invitational at Blue Earth.
“Our goal is for everyone to work together, play three games and have some success in the tournament.” Williamson said.
The Red Bulls will return to regular season tournament play at the Jackson County Central Invitational on Saturday, Dec. 9 at 9:30 a.m. in Jackson.