ST. PAUL — A run for the state title came up short for NRHEG’s Wyatt Fitterer.

At 285 pounds in Class A, Fitterer lost a 2-0 decision to Dover-Eyota’s Tanner Welsh Saturday night at Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul.

“We are all very proud of what Wyatt has accomplished this season,” said NRHEG coach Shawn Larson. “I know that the top of the podium is what Wyatt wanted, but I hope he realizes he has done something phenomenal.”

Fitterer won his semifinal match earlier on Saturday at Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, where he pinned Trent Esping of Minneota in 1:02.

During the first day of the individual tournament on Friday, Fitterer — a senior — pinned Pierz’s David Skiba in 3:30 in the first round before winning a 10-3 decision over Frazee’s Tanner Tappe in Friday’s quarterfinals.

According to Larson, Fitterer is the first state wrestling tournament finalist NRHEG has had since 2007.

“Wyatt had a fantastic tournament,” Larson said. “He has been wrestling well for a long time, and that did not change at the state tournament.”

Cordell Peterson, also a senior, joined Fitterer in wrestling for the Panthers at the state tournament at 126. Peterson was edged by Long Prairie’s Jadon Buntjer in a 13-11 decision on Friday, and with Buntjer’s loss in the quarterfinals Peterson was eliminated from tournament action.

“It is extremely unfortunate for Cordell to be a senior that is capable of being a place winner, and just have a match that didn’t go well and that is the only chance you get at the state tournament,” Larson said. “I am proud of what he has done for us, but I feel a little bad because he deserves more than a one and out. He is a great guy and has had a great career with us.”

 

NRHEG in Class A state wrestling tournament

126—Cordell Peterson, 0-1

285—Wyatt Fitterer, 3-1, second place