There’s been a lot of talk about the rivalry and how, whenever Albert Lea and Austin compete in any sport, previous results and win-loss records are essentially irrelevant.

Friday, January 25, 2002

There’s been a lot of talk about the rivalry and how, whenever Albert Lea and Austin compete in any sport, previous results and win-loss records are essentially irrelevant.

The rivalry was irrelevant Thursday.

Things went pretty much as expected on the wrestling mat as the Tigers beat the Packers 47-15 in a Big Nine dual meet at Albert Lea High School.

Coach Larry Goodnature, whose Tigers improved to 6-1 in conference duals and 12-5 overall, said he was pleased his team didn’t let down against the Packers, who fell to 1-5 and 6-14.

&uot;Before the match, on paper, I suppose we were favored,&uot; said Goodnature. &uot;But we went out and we dominated the match. I’m very pleased with the way the kids wrestled.&uot;

Two of the Packers’ four wins came early. Spencer Wolner scored a tech fall over Nate Goodnature in the opening match at 119 pounds, followed by a 16-7 major decision for T.J. Parlin over Brandon Klukow at 125.

Then the Tigers won five in a row. Neal Underdahl pinned Nick Zrucky at 130, Adam Elseth pinned Andy Graham at 135 and, in what Coach Goodnature called one of the best matches of the night, Adam Morreim edged Josh Kestner 6-5 at 140. Nate Loberg pinned Andy Mueller at 145.

Josh Sollburg temporarily stopped the Tigers’ run with a 6-1 decision over Dustin Eggum at 152, but Albert Lea won the next three. Justin Krueger defeated Dan Smith 9-1 at 160, Derek Goodnature blanked Jeff Gochran 9-0 at 171 and Adam Lares pinned Garrett Plotts at 189.

Jim Knoebel edged Chris Hable 3-2 at heavyweight for the Packers’ final points.

Josh Hansen pinned Dan Rysany at 103 and Taylor Ignaszewski won by forfeit at 112.

The Tigers wrestle Saturday in the Hayfield Invitational set for 10 a.m.