(KWAD) – It was a dominant weekend on the mats across central and northwest Minnesota, as four area programs punched their tickets to the State Wrestling Tournament with impressive section championship performances.
Section 8A: United North Central Keeps Rolling
The dynasty continues for the United North Central Warriors (Sebeka/Menahga). UNC captured its fifth consecutive Section 8A championship with a commanding 49-16 win over Frazee in the title match. The Warriors left little doubt throughout the tournament, overpowering Fertile-Beltrami 66-10 in the quarterfinals before rolling past Fosston/Bagley 51-18 in the semifinals.
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Section 6A: WCA/A/B-E Upsets the Top Seed
In Section 6A, it was another statement performance from West Central Area/Ashby/Brandon-Evansville. WCA/A/B-E stunned top-seeded Long Prairie-Grey Eagle/Browerville 33-28 in a thrilling championship dual to secure its second straight section title — and fourth in the past five seasons. WCA/A/B-E handled Wadena-Deer Creek 55-16 in the quarterfinals, then survived a nail-biter against Bertha-Hewitt/Verndale-Parkers Prairie, escaping with a dramatic 33-32 semifinal win.
Section 8AA: Perham Headed Back to State
Perham claimed its second-straight Section 8AA championship with a decisive 41-17 victory over Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton. The Yellowjackets were sharp throughout the bracket, cruising past United Clay Becker 53-15 before defeating Thief River Falls 37-14 in the semifinals.
Section 8AAA: Brainerd Ends 36-Year Drought
History was made in Section 8AAA. The Brainerd Warriors are headed to state for the first time since 1989 after knocking off Moorhead 34-22 in the championship dual. As the top seed, Brainerd handled its business all tournament long, defeating St. Cloud Tech 44-26 and Bemidji 45-20 before sealing the title. This marks Brainerd’s third trip to state in program history: a title in 1982 and a runner-up finish in 1989.
What’s Next
Still ahead this weekend is Saturday’s Section 7A team tournament at Walker-Hackensack-Akeley, featuring defending Class A State champion Staples-Motley.
Individual section tournaments will take place next week.
The State Wrestling Tournament will be held February 22nd – 28th at Grand Casino Arena.