St. Michael-Albertville Wrestling Poised for Another Final

If all goes to plan, the will follow the same road map they used last wrestling season.

First, take on top competition throughout the regular season win nonconference duals and big time tournaments. Then, dominate the Mississippi 8 Conference for yet another title. Next, take the Section 7AAA team title and qualify as many individuals as possible. 

At the State AAA tournament, the Knights will release their individual wrestlers on the rest of the state. Then, there's one more hurdle. 

" still there," said the team's lone senior, Nick Edling. "They're still tough. It's a lot like last year for us. But we hope this is the year." 

Edling, individually, is looking for a bit of redemption this season. As a junior, he missed out on the postseason, battling injuries. This year, he's poised to get 30 wins and put his name on the wrestling room wall. 

"It's a big year for Nick. We're going to expect a lot," said coach Dan Lefebvre. "He's a leader." 

He'll have to be. He has plenty of help coming back, including 10 letterwinners and a handful of state place winners, including junior Cole Sladek and state champion sophomore Tommy Thorn. 

"Our young guys are really strong, and where we're not strong, we're learning," Edling said. 

"We'll have 10 guys back that really will give us a good core, and then we'll see how we grow from there," Lefebvre said. "They're going to get tested." 

While Thorn leads it off, the team will be looking for a big closer to fill the shoes of Parker Betts, who was a mainstay at heavyweight. Edling will be on the back end of the lineup, as well. 

In the middle, Sladek looks really strong after a summer of success. Also back are brothers Mark and Wayne Voss.

"I think the summer was great. We put in a lot of work," Edling said. "And you saw that pay off. I think for me, personally, it was great to be back on the mat and doing it again. That helps you get ready for this season." 

The season kicks off Friday night at home, as the Knights host a Mississippi 8 foe in the Becker Bulldogs. Action starts at 7 p.m. 

While Becker is still rebuilding, Cambridge and Monticello should have teams that will challenge the Knights in the conference, Edling said. 

"Those two are always big duals. Cambridge is bringing back a lot, and it was close last year for a while, so it will be fun," Edling said.