ADRIAN &045; Coach Mike Hansen only had to remind the team once that Monday night was the first step in the defense of their state championship title.

Then the wrestlers took over.

In the first action of the season, the Albert Lea ninth-grade wrestling team defeated Adrian, Jackson County Central and St. James in a quadrangular meet at Adrian.

In the opening round Albert Lea defeated Jackson County Central 53-24. This is the first year Albert Lea has met JCC in section action.

The second round found Albert Lea defeating Adrian 46-30. Adrian has always fielded a strong youth team and so some Albert Lea wrestlers met previous opponents. In the last action of the night Albert Lea defeated St. James 64-21. St. James has been known for having very competitive teams, particularly at the varsity level.

Posting three wins for Albert Lea were Cody Hansen, Logan Kortan, Jake Cibert, Brandon Mellang, Josh Tyler and Tim Frazier. Wrestlers with two victories were Brandon Reyerson, Nick Stadheim, Joe Wurst, Tyler Nesset and Trouper Gilbertson. Rounding out the team were Jared Talamantes, Josh Tupa, Adam Kermes, and Derrick Peterson.

The team hosts Owatonna and Faribault on Monday, Dec. 15.