After practicing since Nov. 18, the Becker Bulldogs wrestling team is pumped and ready for their 2019-2020 season.

This year’s team is comprised of over 45 new and experienced wrestlers in grades 7-12. Practicing every day after school in the field house wrestling room, the athletes have been focusing on building endurance and working on perfecting their moves. The team also worked hard in the off-season lifting and conditioning.

The wrestlers are led by co-head coaches Matt Aho and Jeff Zimmer, both experienced coaches who have been with Becker for a number of years. Last year the two were named Section 6AA Wrestling Head Coach of the Year and Assistant Coach of the Year respectively.

Lending their expertise this year as assistant coaches are Dustin Weege, Daniel Ronney and Jaydon Grommersch. Dewey Sommerdorf and Luke Salzer coach the Jr. High team.

This year’s captains are Jake Nelson, Lukas Paulson, Cade Dewall, Reid Kraus and Brayden Weber.

The Bulldogs’ wrestling team is currently ranked 10th in the state in Class AA.

“We have high expectations this season,” said Aho. “Our team has been practicing well and are excited for our first event.”

Last year’s wrestling team had an incredible season, which ended with their 2nd place finish at the Section 6AA Team Tournament. Three champions and a runner-up emerged from the Section 6AA Individual Tournament, earning them the right to compete at the state tournament. Two of the wrestlers came home place winners from that tournament.

The team also set a new all-time win record for Becker wrestling, and a number of the athletes hit career wins during the season.

The wrestler’s first meet this season was a quad with Milaca, Rockford and Chisago Lakes on Thursday, which will be covered in next week’s edition of the Citizen-Tribune. 

Next up for the Bulldogs wrestling team is a triangular on Dec. 12 at Princeton High School.