Tyler Julson: Albert Lea wrestling program’s future remains bright
Published 8:18 pm Wednesday, March 6, 2019
Notes from the Sports Desk by Tyler Julson
The state wrestling tournament has come and gone. Although I love being there and watching wrestling for two straight days, those 16-hour days took a toll.
Congratulations to Zach Glazier on winning his second consecutive state title and an undefeated senior season. I’m looking forward to following his journey as he becomes a Hawkeye (even though I’m a Cyclone at heart), and I can’t fault him for choosing a wrestling program like Iowa to continue his career. When I was wrapping up my post tournament interview with him, his parting words were, “Go Hawks.” That kid is already gearing up to start his collegiate career and I hope everything goes well for him.
Five other Albert Lea wrestlers competed at the tournament. Senior Nic Cantu took third place. It wasn’t what he was hoping for after having a stellar run this season, but a two-point loss to the eventual state champion is surely nothing to hang your head about. None of the others were able to make a place on the final podium, but the future of Tigers wrestling is in good hands. Three of the six qualifiers were sophomores or younger, and there are another handful of wrestlers who were very close to making the state tournament. The program will continue to be strong in the coming years.
As of writing this column, there are only two teams in the area still competing in their winter sports. The Albert Lea boys’ basketball team was set to play its first section game in Winona Wednesday night and the NRHEG boys’ basketball team will play Thursday night at Mankato East.
The Gophers picked up a big-time win Tuesday night, beating the No. 11 Boilermakers and almost assuring themselves a spot in the NCAA tournament. Barring an absolute meltdown against Indiana and in their first game of the Big Ten Tournament, I would say it’s a safe bet to put them in the big dance.
Baseball season’s opening day is just 21 days away, which means us Twins fans have about 25 days until we lose all hope for the season. Only kidding (mostly). As always, I’m starting the season cautiously optimistic on the Twins; that way, I can’t be surprised or disappointed. The key for the Twins’ season is going to be the team’s ability to develop a consistent starting rotation, and outside of Jose Berrios and a revived but sporadic Kyle Gibson, I don’t see them doing that with the guys they currently have.
Tyler Julson is the Tribune sports reporter. Contact him at tyler.julson@albertleatribune.com.