Despite facing a daunting deficit after the first six matches, the Becker Bulldog wrestling team kept the faith and used several key performances last Thursday to defeat the Big Lake Hornets, 40-33.

“Because we are a conference and section opponent, both teams know each other’s lineup pretty well and we anticipated that we could fall behind early,” said Becker co-coach Matt Aho, noting the Hornets’ experience advantage in the lower weights.  “We told the kids to keep believing and to worry about their own match, just go out and make an impact.”

The Bulldogs would need to trust their coaches, as their lone victory in the first six matches was eighth grader Kaden Nicolas’ 12-2 major decision win over Big Lake’s Cash Stortz at 106 pounds.  

However, Big Lake next reeled off five straight wins, including four pins en route to a 27-4 advantage heading into the 145 pound match.  Becker eighth grader Landen Kujawa took Big Lake’s Cash Sixberry, a junior ranked #7 in the state, into overtime in the 113 pound match before losing a hard fought, 10-8 decision.

Next, Christian Noble (120), Nolan Reiter (126), Rocco Fisch (132) and Luke Schumacher (138) each pinned their Bulldog opponent and it looked like the Hornets might run away with the win.

“Early in the week, our captain Caden DeWall approached us as coaches and asked what the team needed to do to win this match,” said Aho.  “For him to approach us with that mentality, we knew the kids would be focused if we could hold on and get to our more experienced wrestlers.”

Becker started the comeback when Lukas Paulson picked up a forfeit at 145 pounds, followed by a decision win for teammate Mason Doucette at 152. Add in an important pin at 160 by Bulldog Adam Jurek and Becker was back in it, trailing 19-27.

The 170 pound match was a back and forth affair, but Big Lake’s Tyler Dehmer ultimately picked up a pin over Joseph Goth to give the Hornets a 33-19 lead.

Aho and co-coach Jeff Zimmer then decided to bump their next three wrestlers up a weight class and the gamble paid off, as Tyson Ricker (fall at 182), Dylan Weber (decision at 195) and Caden DeWall (forfeit at 220) each picked up victories to give the Bulldogs a one point edge heading into the 285 pound match.

“Our upper weights did a great job and gave us a chance,” said Aho, noting the fine performances of Weber and Ricker.  “We were comfortable leaving it in Dylan Kolby’s hands, as he has been wrestling very smart and was riding a four match win streak.”

Kolby wrestled Big Lake’s Jeremy Phyle in an exciting final match that would determine the winning score.  Despite the limited attendance in Big Lake’s gymnasium because of COVID-19 restrictions, it was still a raucous atmosphere and another 100 plus fans were watching the livestream from home.  Kolby was able to maneuver himself on top in the third period and picked up the fall at 5:36 to secure the win for Becker.

Aho was incredibly pleased with how his team stayed focused on each match and never let up despite being down early.

“It was a team effort and everyone contributed,” said Aho, who noted that the two teams are nearly even in head to head wins since their co-op dissolved 28 years ago.  

“Throughout the years, this has always been a great rivalry.”

Aho and Big Lake coach Ryan Prom have a great relationship and both expressed satisfaction with keeping the Becker-Big Lake meet a dual meet instead of adding in a third team.  It gives the matchup the attention it deserves and helps to spotlight the two teams.

“I have mad respect for Ryan and his program and we get along very well,” added Aho.  “This is one of those meets that you have circled on your calendar at the beginning of the year because it’s going to be a great battle.”

Saturday Sweep

Last Saturday, Becker continued its dominance by defeating both Howard Lake-Winsted-Waverly (49-19) and Rocori (62-6).  The wins propelled Becker to a 5-0 record to start the season.

In the win over the Lakers, classmates Nicolas and Kujawa picked up early wins to give Becker the edge 11-0.  Drew May (120) won by major decision, as did Lukas Paulson (145).  Other victorious Bulldogs included: Doucette (fall-152), Goth (decision-170), Ricker (fall-182), Weber (fall-195), DeWall (fall-220), and Kolby (decision-285).

Becker won 13 of 14 matches against the Spartans in the final match of the day.  Winners included: Nicolas (fall-106), Kujawa (decision-113), May (major decision 120), Ryan Boecker (126-forfeit), Ethan Duncombe (fall-132), Paulson (fall-145), Jurek (decision-152), Doucette (decision-160), Ricker (major decision-170), Weber (decision-182), DeWall (fall-195), Bryce Kuschel (fall-220), and Kolby (fall-285).

Tuesday Dominance

Becker wrestled a pair of matches Tuesday night, staying undefeated on the season by downing Royalton-Upsala 44-18 and Little Falls 58-17.

In the opener, Kaden Nicolas, Landen Kujawa and Drew May started the match with three straight wins and a 17-0 Becker lead.  The Bulldogs also swept the 132-152 pound weight classes with wins by Ethan Duncombe, Owen Angell, Lukas Paulson and Mason Doucette.  Tyson Ricker picked up a decision win at 170 pounds, while Caden DeWall (195) and Bryce Kuschel (220) each pinned their man to give Becker the final advantage.

Against Little Falls, Becker scored seven pins in routing the Flyers.  Scoring falls for the Bulldogs were: Nicolas, Kujawa, Angell, Paulson, Doucette, Kuschel and Kolby.