Huskies send 10 wrestlers to individual state tournament

Sky Krenzelok

2023 State Qualifiers: Michael Reinardy, Donoven Sorenson, Kaden Lindquist, Cael Robb, Lane Karsten, Trey Hiatt, RJ Reinardy, Blake Fitcher. Not pictured as their section meet was at a different time, Isabelle Townley and Aliah Fischer

Justin Gleason

On Feb. 24, the Owatonna Huskies traveled to the Rochester Mayo Civic Center to compete in the individual section tournament. The Huskies qualified 10 wrestlers to compete in the individual state tournament. 

The wrestlers competing are:

Sophomore Isabelle Townley, sophomore Lane Karsten and senior Cael Robb are the three returners for the Huskies. 

Robb, a captain for the Huskies, said, “Our team performed very well at sections. We are sending more athletes than we expected. They all worked hard and earned their spot in state.”

Robb placed third place at the state tournament last season as a junior. This season, he received the second seed in his bracket. 

Robb said, “At state, my matchups are looking good. I have to stay solid and be smart to keep winning.” 

Karsten received the eight seed at state and is looking to place this year. 

Karsten said, “This week in practice I have to work hard and work on some specific moves to prepare.”

Townley got third place at state tournament last season as a freshman and has high hopes for her second appearance. 

Towlney said, “My matchups are looking good so far. This week I am focusing on specific things I need to do for each matchup.”

2023 Girl State Qualifiers: Isabelle Townley and Aliah Fischer earned their spot in the state tournament. (Sky Krenzelok)

Mr. Derek Johnson is in his second season as the head coach for the Huskies. 

Coach Johnson said, “Everyone has a legitimate shot at placing. Last year we had two boys and two girls place so our goal this year is to add a few more this year.”

Coach Johnson is doing everything he can to prepare his team.  

Johnson said, “In practice, we are now focused on getting everyone healthy, storing energy, and working on specific things. Now, we focus on honing their craft.” 

The Huskies compete at the Xcel Energy Center on March 3-4 for individual state awards