An eighth-grade wrestler from Albert Lea has been recognized for his skills on the mat.

Garrett Aldrich, son of Curt and Robyn Aldrich was awarded “Outstanding Wrestler of the Year” at the Northland Youth Wrestling Association State Tournament in Rochester at the Mayo Civic Center April 4th and 5th.

Aldrich also went undefeated in the 95-pound weight class at the state wrestling tournament to earn the 2013 title. Aldrich has earned the state champion title two years in a row at the state wrestling tournament.

Aldrich has been wrestling since the age of 4. The love for the sport has come his family.

Aldrich’s uncles, Darin and Bryan Madson, are former area high school wrestlers; and his mother, is a former wrestling cheerleader.

Aldrich shows determination on the mat and continues to show dedication and willpower to succeed in his wrestling career.

When Aldrich was asked of his upcoming wrestling goals for the 2013-14 season, he stated he would like to make the 106-pound wrestling spot on the Albert Lea varsity team and qualify for the state tournament as a freshman.

Aldrich’s mentors are Garrett and Dakota Wangness. He looks up to them for their wrestling skills and the wrestling tips they have given him. When asked about what he will remember most from this year’s state wrestling tournament, he said he’ll remember how well the Tigers wrestled as a team, and how they made it to the finals but just fell short of their goal of being team champions. Albert Lea earned a second-place team finish.

Aldrich’s advice to other wrestlers is to keep your head up when you lose, because you can only get better from there.