ROCHESTER — In a thrilling showcase of wrestling talent, senior Miles Barclay delivered a stunning upset at the Section 1, Class 1A tournament, claiming the 121-pound title by pinning top-seeded Jameson Priebe of Chatfield. The decisive victory, achieved in the second period, not only marked a significant achievement for Barclay but also set a promising tone for future wrestlers from St. Charles.
Competing at the Mayo Civic Center on March 7, 2024, Barclay’s performance electrified the crowd and his coaches. “A big part of my goal this year was to just leave on a note for a new era of St. Charles wrestling,” he stated, showing his commitment to inspiring younger athletes. His quickness and strength were evident as he secured an initial takedown, demonstrating resilience even after Priebe responded with a four-point move in the second period.
Barclay’s determination shone through as he executed a crucial escape, leading to his triumphant pin. “I just let it fly, just like my dad always says,” he explained, emphasizing his willingness to take risks on the mat.
In addition to Barclay, Bryndon Koeppel also qualified for the state tournament by finishing second in the 160-pound category. The Class 1A individual state tournament is scheduled to take place at 09:00 on Thursday at the Grand Casino Arena in St. Paul.
Chatfield’s wrestling team faced its share of challenges during the tournament. Alongside Priebe’s defeat, Logan Pearson lost a close 4-3 decision to Christian Zibrowski of Lewiston-Altura. Despite these setbacks, both wrestlers quickly regrouped to qualify for the state tournament through the true second-place match. Coach Matt Mauseth acknowledged the mental resilience required in such scenarios, stating, “When you are the loser in the final, it’s a tough position to be in. But these guys are ready.”
A total of seven Gophers secured spots at the state tournament, with Joey Cady (107), Kaisen Johnson (133), and Hunter Polikowsky (145) all bringing home section titles. Johnson, a four-time state qualifier, showcased his experience with a dominant 15-0 technical fall in the finals, a performance that helped stabilize the team’s momentum after earlier losses.
The success of Chatfield’s wrestling program is noteworthy. Over the past three seasons, the Gophers have produced an impressive 26 state qualifiers, with the addition of girls’ team members bringing the total to 12 individuals heading to the state tournament. This success is attributed to a strong coaching staff, dedicated athletes, and supportive community, as highlighted by Mauseth.
In another highlight of the tournament, Kane Larson of Fillmore Central/Lanesboro/Mabel-Canton avenged his section loss from the previous year, winning the 189-pound title. The top-seeded Larson, who is committed to Northern State University, finished with a pair of technical falls, including a decisive victory over Zach Plank in the finals.
The roster of state qualifiers included:
– **107**: Joey Cady, Chatfield; Kiptyn Meiners, Caledonia/Houston
– **114**: Arlyn Von Knobelsdorff, Goodhue; Aiden Burns, Caledonia/Houston
– **121**: Miles Barclay, St. Charles; Jameson Priebe, Chatfield
– **127**: Christian Zibrowski, Lewiston-Altura/Rushford-Peterson; Logan Pearson, Chatfield
– **133**: Kaisen Johnson, Chatfield; Michael Alexander, Lewiston-Altura/Rushford-Peterson
– **139**: Owen Lange, Lewiston-Altura/Rushford-Peterson; Layne Root, Chatfield
– **145**: Hunter Polikowsky, Chatfield; Grant Daniels, Fillmore Central/Lanesboro/Mabel-Canton
– **152**: Henry Dohnalik, La Crescent-Hokah; Hayden Holm, Goodhue
– **160**: Talen Rabe, Dover-Eyota; Bryndon Koeppel, St. Charles
– **172**: Will Allen, Caledonia/Houston; Jackson O’Reilly, Goodhue
– **189**: Kane Larson, Fillmore Central/Lanesboro/Mabel-Canton; Zach Plank, Lewiston-Altura/Rushford-Peterson
– **215**: Cooper Allen, Caledonia/Houston; Will Boelter, Chatfield
– **285**: Jack Carlson, Goodhue; Chace Drazkowski, Lewiston-Altura/Rushford-Peterson
As the state tournament approaches, the anticipation builds for both individual and team accomplishments, particularly for the standout athletes from Chatfield and St. Charles.
