by Oran Sorenson and Erin Miller
The Garretson Youth Wrestling Association hosted the District 9 tournament on Saturday, March 5th for 300 youth wrestlers. Hosting a tournament of this size took the help of over 65 volunteer wrestling parents, friends and family, wrestling alumni, and community members. In addition, many donated food for the tournament and the Garretson Fire Department served breakfast. We could not host any of our tournaments without the great support we receive. Thank you to all who contributed!
You never know who you will see in the stands at a tournament! Spotted in the crowd at the District 9 Youth Wrestling Tournament Saturday was one of Garretson's finest, 94 year young Joyce Risty from Edison township. Joyce was there to watch her great grandchildren take to the mat. To her left is her son Bert who also once wrestled for the Blue Dragons. To Joyce's right is Barb Risty, and down front are Bert and Barb's daughter in law Kara Risty and her daughter Serie.
As we head into the last segment of the wrestling season, we reflect upon the events of the season. The club had an amazing season with 54 youth wrestlers participating and more than 30 wrestlers competing in each of the five regular season tournaments attended as a team. With consistently having over 40 wrestlers at practice, the coaches had to split into two sessions. In addition to allowing the wrestlers more room to practice, the split allowed coaches to work more often with each wrestler.
The youth wrestling program is coached by Vern Miller, Sam Johnson, Aaron Christensen, and Nate Bekaert. Events for the club are coordinated by board members Andy Hermanson, Sam Johnson, Erin Miller, Aaron Christensen, and Dani Bekaert.
“These wrestlers have transformed this season and have really shown drastic improvements. Yesterday we had many complements about the drive, determination, and sportsmanship in these young wrestlers,” Coach Vern Miller stated.
We will have 31 of the 35 Garretson wrestlers that participated in Districts moving on to the Regions tournament Saturday, March 12th at the Brandon Valley High School. Wrestling starts at 10 am and we look forward to seeing many of you there!
Districts Team Results:
Owen Benson 2nd in Tots 40
Jack Frerk 5th in Tots 43
Landon Bekaert 4th in Tots 43
Miles Howe 3rd in Tots 43
Lewis Schrank 7th in Tots 46
Alex Olson 2nd in Tots 53
Wyatt Howe 2nd in Tots 57
Hudson Hoiten 4th in Bantam 50
Coyer Buchholz DNP in Bantam 53
Logan Bekaert 5th in Bantam 53
Mitchell Christensen 2nd in Bantam 53
Matthew Miller DNP in Bantam 57
Collin Whitley 5th in Bantam 57
Zach Olson DNP in Bantam 57
Miles Christensen 3rd in Bantam 61
Brody Kennedy 6th in Bantam 65
Chase Johnson 2nd in Bantam 65
Sylis Crevier 8th in Midgets 59
Bryce Howe 4th in Midgets 59
Jayse Vandersnick DNP in Midgets 67
Caleb Miller 1st in Novice 64
Benton Howe 2nd in Novice 77
Jasper Moore 4th in Novice 77
Lukas Ludewig 8th in Novice 87
Chase Costello DNP in Novice 93
Talon Miller 6th in Novice 100
Beckett Dickey 3rd in Novice 127
Gavin Coburn 1st in Novice 138
Kaden Hoogland 2nd in Novice 150
Gavin Denherder 5th in Schoolboy 95
Drew Chester 1st in Schoolboy 100
Isaac Stoterau 1st in Schoolboy 130
Aaliyah Miller 2nd in Girls A 50
Macie Miller 1st in Girls B 73
Aubrey Sikkink 1st in Girls C 82
