Friday, July 26th, 2024 Church Directory
Becker Junior Kaden Nicolas prevented Mound Westonka senior Jack Nelson from winning a fourth individual championship with a tense 5-4 victory in the Class AA 139-pound championship last weekend at the Xcel Energy Center. Nicolas beat Blake’s Vincent Sheild-Gore (fall 1:31) in the first round, then beat Hutchinson’s Raydon Bipes (9-2) before beating TOGR’s Ethan Sylvester (Dec. 5-1) in the semifinals to take home the state title! (Submitted Photo).
Becker wrestlers holding up the third place plaque at the MSHSL State AA Team Tournament. (Submitted Photo).
THE SIX Becker wrestlers who competed in the individual tournament all fared well. Kaden Nicolas took first place, Boston Kuschel finished fifth, Bennett Kujawa took third place, Landen Kujawa placed third, Drew May took fifth and Owen Angell finished sixth. (Submitted Photo).

Becker wrestlers take third at state!

On Feb 29, Becker wrestlers traveled to the Xcel Energy Center in hopes of becoming the next wrestling state champions. 

They competed against Watertown Mayer-Mayer Lutheran, Simley, and Totino Grace. Becker defeated Watertown Mayer-Mayer Lutheran 31-28 to advance to the semifinals. In the semifinals, Becker fought hard but came up short to Simley 43-23.

Totino Grace and Becker would then compete in the third place match. Both teams ended up tying 30-30. Since MSHSL has no tie-breaker, Becker placed co-third in the MSHSL State AA Team Tournament.

On Mar 1, six Becker wrestlers competed for individual state championships. Boston Kuschel took on tough competition in the 107-lb weight class. He placed fifth overall after winning five of his matches. 

Bennett Kujawa was up next in the 114-lb weight class. He won two matches by pinning his opponents and two matches by receiving decisions, which boosted him into third place. 

Kaden Nicolas was unstoppable in the 139-lb weight class. After one pin and three decisions, Nicolas was declared state champion and went down in Becker wrestling history.

With a first round fall and three decisions, Landen Kujawa conquered the mat by placing third in the 145-lb weight class. Drew May placed fifth in the 152-lb weight class after pinning two of his opponents and then winning a 6-4 sudden victory. In the 172-lb weight class, Owen Angell pinned two of his opponents and won a 18-10 major decision. In the end, he was awarded sixth place. These six individuals set a new program record with the most state medalist in a season.

All six of them received All-State Wrestler status due to their performance. 

 “The Bulldogs had to battle through injuries and challenges as they demonstrated great perseverance during the season,” said Coach Dustin Weege. “We’re proud of you Bulldogs!”