The New Ulm Eagles wrestling team is hungry. After a stellar performance last year that sent 4 boys to the state tournament, the Team is setting its sights on a return trip.

“I think this is one of the best teams that I have ever coached or have been a part of,” Assistant Coach Aukes said. “They have a really good chance, more so than than any team in the last 20 years, to make it to the state tournament. We have high expectations for the team and for a lot of our individuals.”

Mr. Aukes got into coaching when he was teaching at St. John’s and coached there for five years, then took a year break from coaching. He then started teaching at New Ulm High School, where the head coach of wrestling, Coach Briggs, asked him to help him out with the New Ulm team, and he has been ever since.

Last year, the Team sent four individuals: Alex Portner, Jamisen Fredrickson, Wyatt Pollard, and Kane Jonson.

With Jamisen and Wyatt being seniors last year, that leaves us with Alex and Kane, who are now juniors, have another chance to return. 

“I plan on going back up there is year,” Kane said. Only being 16 years old, he feels like the biggest thing he needs to work on this year is “definitely top and bottom – not very good at those positions, but my feet have been fine.”

Kane is looking to play after high school. “I just don’t know where yet,” he said.

The wrestling team plans on sending a team up this year, and individuals. Last year, the team’s final record was 20-3-6.

Stay updated with their schedule or their instagram: @nua_wrestling