Junior high Tigers find success

Published 2:45 pm Saturday, April 20, 2013

The Albert Lea junior high wrestling team was undefeated in regular season dual competition. Front row from the left are Tyler Harms, Brody Nielsen, Garrett Aldrich, Jessie Hernandez Jr. and Jacob Johnsrud. Middle row from the left are Dylan Lestrud, Gavin Ignaszewski, Alex Bledsoe, Hunter Lowman and Brett Hanson. Back row from the left are Mathew Palmer, Dedoch Chan and Tanner Palmer. Blake Simon is not pictured. — Submitted

The Albert Lea junior high wrestling team earned an undefeated regular season dual record in 2012-13.

The Tigers’ sole loss was in the finals at the Northland Youth Wrestling Association state tournament at the Mayo Civic Center in Rochester in early April.

The Tigers earned second place out of 32 teams.

On an individual level, Garrett Aldrich won his second state title and the “Outstanding Wrestler Award.”

Brody Nielson and and Blake Simon earned runner-up finishes, while Dedoch Chan earned bronze.

Tanner Palmer won the invite tournament, which was also at the Civic Center.

Gavin Ignaszewski, Jacob Johnsrud, Jessie Hernandez Jr., Dylan Lestrud, Trent Johnson, Alex Bledsoe and Hunter Lowman also qualified for the individual state tournament but did not place.