In a little more than a week, the Albert Lea High School wrestling team will make its first appearance in the state tournament in 23 years.

The Tigers already made a strong showing in the 9th-grade state tournament.

Represented by six individuals, the locals brought home a gold and two bronze medals.

Cody Hansen won the championship at 95 pounds, going 4-0 for the day and prevailing 8-2 in the title bout.

Logan Kortan defeated his first two opponents before dropping a heartbreaker at the buzzer in the semifinals. He bounced back in the third-place match with a 6-3 victory.

Beau Hansen also won his first two matches before falling in a close one in the semifinals. His third-place bout was a rematch of last year’s final and, this time, Hansen reversed the decision with a 3-2 triumph.

Brandon Mellang finished fifth at 135, winning his first-round match before dropping a close decision in the quarterfinals. He rebounded with falls in his next three bouts.

Braden Reyerson competed at 119 pounds, winning one of three matches. Nick Stadheim lost two close ones at 130.

&uot;Overall, these six young men represented Albert Lea wrestling very well,&uot; said coach Mike Hansen.