Huskies take down the beginning of the season

December 19, 2023

Junior RJ Reinardy runs through the line after securing a pin.

The Owatonna Wrestling team’s season is underway and the Huskies are aiming for a section title. The team suffered a loss to the number one seed Rochester Mayo last year in the section finals that came down to the last match. This season they are looking to make a comeback this season. They have started the year off with a 6-4 record with an upset over rival Faribault Falcons, their losses being to either highly ranked teams or teams that are on the cusp of being ranked.

The team is jam packed full of young talent with there only being one senior. Senior captain Grant Lower is the one and only captain this year. Lower said, “One of my biggest responsibilities of being captain is keeping everyone in line and keeping everyone doing what they’re supposed to do.” Having just one senior may be tough for most sports teams, however Lower is looking to face the challenge head on and take on the heavy workload.

The Owatonna Wrestling team is always looking to improve their technique and get better everyday throughout the season. Head coach Derek Johnson said, “This year we already seem much more solid with our fundamental technique, which is great to see so early on in the season. We also asserted ourselves in being in better shape than our opponents across the board.” Seeing the team already being in better shape and having better technique this early in the season is pivotal. It can shape the way the end of the season may look if the team is already a few steps ahead.

The team is always looking to improve their morals and the way they carry themselves throughout the season. Coach Johnson said, “Although we’re a young team on the cusp of turning the corner in the future, I want the team to understand that we can channel our underdog mentality and have a good shot at upsetting teams in sections.” This year it is a main goal to make it to state as a team. The team will have team sections circled all season looking to capitalize on that goal.

The Huskies will compete next against Chanhassen Wednesday, Dec. 20, at 6 p.m. at Chanhassen High School

About the Contributors

Blake Fitcher, Writer

Blake Fitcher is a junior at Owatonna High School. Fitcher wanted to join Magnet because he wanted to try something new and different, as well as wanting to meet new people and work on his social skills. Fitcher believes Magnet would give him an opportunity to become better at being a journalist. He wants to graduate high school and go to a 2-4 year college to continue his academic and athletic career. He enjoys hanging out with friends in his free time and also listening to music while going out driving with friends.

Mariah Cuellar, Social Media Editor

Mariah Cuellar is a senior at OHS, this is her second year on Magnet staff. Cuellar will continue running the social media for Magnet this year. Cuellar is a part of the OHS cheerleading team and cheers for football and basketball throughout the year. This year at OHS Cuellar is involved in DECA, Link Crew, Thriving Minds and Prom Committee. Outside of school she coaches a youth competition cheer team and is a YoungLife president. Cuellar is very excited to learn new things and make new friends for her final year in Magnet.