New Ulm Sends Four to the State Wrestling Tournament
The NUHS wrestling team recently sent four individual wrestlers to the state tournament at the Xcel Energy Center in Saint Paul, MN. The four wrestlers were freshman, Cole Ranweiler, junior, Sean Howk, and seniors, Hunter Ranweiler and Tanner Stark. All of these wrestlers, except Cole, have qualified for the state tournament in previous years. Last season, New Ulm had one wrestler place in the top 10. Hunter Ranweiler, was fifth in the state as a junior last year. The four boys were in the following weight classes: Cole 132, Sean 138, Hunter 145, and Tanner 152. Tanner had two wins and the other three guys had one win at the State tournament this year, which is a great success.
The Xcel Energy center is a special place for any athlete to compete. Every year the best wrestlers in Minnesota compete against each other to see who truly is the best. Cole, Sean, Hunter, and Tanner told us a little bit about their experience. Hunter explained that “competing at the state wrestling tournament is a unique experience because not everybody has the chance to do it.” Hunter and Tanner have both qualified for the state tournament two times now. They told us this year was different for them because they knew what to expect. It was easier to travel around the Xcel Center because they knew where everything was. The four guys all agree that the 2018 state wrestling tournament was a great experience.
We interviewed junior, Sean Howk. Sean has qualified for the state meet the past four years. We asked Sean if this year was any different from the past years, and how. Sean told us “Overall state was a great experience. It was super fun going with three other teammates. It didn’t end the way I wanted it to, I lost two very close matches .” Sean is also very close to the school record for all time wins. Sean has 165 all time wins, and the school record is 181 wins. Hopefully the season goes well for Sean next year, and he can reach one of his goals of breaking the school record.
Sophomore, Cole Ranweiler, made his state tournament debut this year. Cole used one word to describe his experience wrestling in the Xcel Energy Center, it was “auxilarating.” Cole was glad he qualified for the state tournament this, he had a lot of fun. Cole said, “it was kind of nerve racking for me because it was my first year, and all of the other guys from New Ulm already new what they were doing.”
Senior from Apple Valley, Gable Stevenson, dominated at this years state tournament. Stevenson won his fourth consecutive state title this year. To top off his victory he celebrated by doing a back flip on the wrestling mats. He brought the crowd to a great applause and a standing ovation. Stevenson pinned all four of his opponents in less than thirty seconds each. Stevenson will continue his wrestling career next year as he attends the University of Minnesota.
