Rugby’s wrestling team placed fifth in the Rolla FFA Wrestling Tournament in Rolla on Jan. 21. Eight area teams wrestled in the meet.

Rugby has a small team, but they are determined individuals. One member of the team is out recouping after injuring his shoulder. Bennie Mygland, who wrestles at 152#, is hoping to heal quickly so he can get back out on the mat.

“We had a pretty good tournament in Rolla,” said Rugby’s Coach Mitchell Meyer.

Wrestling at 138# Reid Mundahl took 3rd place at Rolla.

Another wrestler at 138# is eighth grader Hunter Belgarde. For a first-time wrestler, Belgarde is doing well, according to his coach.

Blackhawk Jones, eighth grader, wrestles at 145# and did very well at the Rolla Tourney.

“Both Hunter and Blackhawk are strong and athletic and will be good wrestlers,” said Meyer.

The lone senior on the team, Zach Berube, who was out with an injury the first part of the season, had a good tournament and brought home a second place finish at 152#. He has not quite come back to his usual standards since the injury.

Dylan Morin at 170# has the best record on the team. He came out in 3rd place at Rolla.

“Dylan works hard every day at practice,” said Meyer. “He does everything he is supposed to and it shows in his successes.”

Spencer Koehmstedt did a pretty fair job at Rolla. He is another eighth grader and, according to his coach, is “showing good things.”

Sophomore Alex Senger who wrestles at 275# did a good job in the tournament .

“We’re pretty proud of him,” said Meyer.

Coach Meyer talked about how Jon Koistinen, one of the assistant coaches, is planning to open a weight program over the summer.

“Camps and weight lifting during the summer bring success to the season,” said Meyer. “Sitting on the couch does not lead to success.”

The team will be participating in the two-day East-West Tournament on Jan. 21 and 22 where they hope to make a good showing.