Wrestling

     The Aitkin Gobbler wrestlers returned home from the State Tournament Sunday to a nice crowd of fans at the High School. Fans were there to congratulate Andrew Hudrlik, Rylan Moritz, Sophie Crain and Sierra Laffin on a great season and making it to the State. Coach Greg Hills addressed the parents and fans and talked about what a wonderful experience for the wrestlers since none of them had ever been to the State as a participant. He also explained that the numbers are up in the program and things look good for the future. This get-together is always a nice way to end the wrestling season.

      The end of the State Tournament run for the Gobblers ended Saturday morning as Sierra Laffin lost to Bernie Rock of Luverne on a fall at 1:40. Sierra was the last of the four Gobblers to be eliminated but what a ton of experience was gained by these fine wrestlers. Andrew Hudrlik is a senior and has had quite a career, but Sophie Crain, Sierra Laffin and Rylan Moritz are just getting started and this won't be their only State appearance. Congratulations to these four Gobblers and their coaching staff, they have done a great job.

      Sierra Laffin started her Friday with a loss to Anita Barze of Roseville Area on a fall at 1:14 but bounced back to beat Vivian Diaz of South St. Paul 7-2 to stay live and get to Saturday. She will meet Bernie Rock of Luverne in her next match in the wrestlebacks.

      Friday brought the end of the State experience for Sophie Crain who lost in the wrestle backs to Brooklyn Binsfield of Paynesville Area 6-0, and Andrew Hudrlik who lost to Blake Fischer of Osakis 10-1. Rylan Moritz came back from his loss Thursday to beat Carloserie Perez-Garcia 11-7, but then dropped his next match to Grahm Jacobson of NRHEG 4-3 and was eliminated. He finishes 1-2 in his first State Tournament appearance.
  

       The Aitkin Gobbler wrestlers have completed day one at the State Wrestling Tournament and all will be back in action Friday at the Grand Casino Arena. Sierra Laffin was the only Gobbler to win today, and she will be in the quarterfinals against Anica Barze of Roseville Area. Sierra won her match 8-1 over Bella Estrada of Hopkins while Barze beat Abigail Swenson of Sartell-St. Stephen on a technical fall at 3:30. Laffin talked about her win, "The game plan was to get to my tie-ups on my feet and stay in good position when I got on top. I was able to get two escapes and that kept the tempo going in my favor." Sophie Crain wrestled Madylin Trottier of Apple Valley and dropped a 7-1 decision and will take on Brooklyn Binsfield of Paynesville Area in the wrestle-backs tomorrow. On the boys' side Rylan Moritz had a tough opponent in Noah Jensen of Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa and lost on a tech fall 17-1 at 4:46. He will face Carloserie Perez-Garcia of Pipestone area tomorrow. Andrew Hudrlik faced Bryan Jacobson of Kenyon-Wanamingo and lost on a major decision 10-0. He will face Blake Fischer of Osakis on Friday. Coach Greg Hills on the days activity, "The boys had tough draws and Sophie got bit by the nerve bug. Hopefully we can get it together in the wrestle-backs."

      The 2026 Minnesota State Wrestling Tournament gets underway this week and the Gobblers are sending two girls and two boys to the event and they are ready to go. Let's hear from the senior, 8th grader and two 7th graders.

Sophie Crain,(7)-"I am still in shock that I am going to State as a 7th grader! It's crazy to think that I am going to be wrestling among the best this week. I'm trying to stay mentally prepared for the upcoming competition. I have been practicing with the varsity boys and getting extra practices in with Hayden Zillmer as much as I can. I am so excited to see what is ahead and taking every moment as it comes." Sophie will open the tourney against Madilyn Trottier, an 8th grader, of Apple Valley who has a record of 28-9.


Andrew Hudrlik, (12)-"It feels really damn exciting especially since my goal since I joined wrestling was to get my name on a board, and getting to State gets that for me. To prepare I'm just going to practice and make sure I don't get fat and miss weight." He will have his first match against Bryan Jacobson, a senior, of Kenyon-Wanamingo who comes in with a record of 41-7.


Sierra Laffin, (7)-"I'm excited and ready to head to State this week. I've been focusing on training, extra practices and going to the gym. I have the best coaches getting me ready for the experience. I'm just overall ready to go out on the mat and give it my all." She will open up against Bella Estrada, a sophomore, of Hopkins who has a record of 30-15.


Rylan Moritz (8)-"I'm not doing much to prepare, kinda just staying with the normal routine and having fun while doing it. I am staying pretty calm I'd say, I've been told there's nothing to worry about and only do what I can control. Hayden always gives me advice and one thing he told me this past week has been kind of sticking with me is "the mat in your wrestling room is the same one at State so just have fun out there." We've trained all year and have put in the work." He will open the tourney against Noah Jensen, a freshman, of Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa who comes in at 42-3.

      The Aitkin Gobbler wrestling team will send two to the State Tournament as Rylan Moritz and Andrew Hudrlik earned their way with 2nd place finishes in the Section at Staples/Motley on Friday. Here's how the Gobblers did individually.

 107-Aydan Wendt-4th-lost to Josh Theis (Holdingford) TF-2:21, beat Kenny Underwood (Pillager) F-2:50, beat Grant Orton (WHAN) 7-5, lost to Josh Theis (Holdingford) TF-4:00

114-Rylan Moritz-2nd-beat Ian Ratke (Royalton-Upsala) TF-2:40, beat Justin Olsen (Staples/Motley) 11-2, lost to Vinny Schmid (Mille Lacs) 12-1

121-Weston Kyllonen-4th-lost to Jackson Dietman (Royalton-Upsala) F-3:04, beat Easton Lange (Staples/Motley) F-:41, beat Ezra Jacobson (C-I) F-3:10, lost to Kurtz Kresal (Mille Lacs) 8-1

127-Andrew Hudrlik-2nd-beat Aedan Fisher (C-I) TF-4:00, beat Turner Beachy (Staples/Motley) MFF, lost to Wyatt Pilarski (Holdingford) TF-2:47, beat Logan Lund (Pillager) 12-7

133-Carson Crain-DNP-lost to Parker Cash (C-I) F-2:49, lost to Aiden Holmberg (WHAN) F-1:38

139-Carson Young-6th-lost to Lane Patrick (Holdingford) F-1:12, beat Dalton Bentley (Pillager) F-3:11, lost to Liam Fitzpatrick (C-I) F-1:37, lost Cooper Wilson (Deer River) F-4:39

152-Quin Crowther-5th-bye, lost to Beau Carlson (Staples/Motley F-1:50, lost to Ian Benham (Deer River) F-:52, beat Lane Adams (Pillager) F-3:04

160-Garrett Trotter-4th-beat Wyatt Gullickson (Deer River) 7-3, lost to Colbe Tappe (Staples/Motley) F-:54, beat Parker Psui (Blackduck/Cass Lake) F-1:22, lost Casey Knettel (Holdingford) F-5:26

172-Zane Larson-6th-lost to Caden Peacock (Pillager) F-1:05, beat Jacob Pierzinski (Mille Lacs) 10-7, beat Jordan Hawkins (Royalton-Upsala) ID-5:17, lost to Hunter Rhodes (Deer River) F-1:00, lost to Deacon Larson F-1:06

189-Damien Maciel-6th-lost to Cade Tramm (Mille Lacs) F-1:12, beat Jackson Jones (NR-Ely) F-1:03, beat Scott Hamer (Blackduck/Cass Lake) F-5:15, lost to Kolton Harren (Holdingford) F-2:41, lost to Wyatt Adams (Pillager) F-:17

215-Peyton Gully-DNP-lost to Garrett Stang (Pillager) 13-1, lost to Daniel Daak (Royalton-Upsala) 17-7

       Here's what the two Gobblers heading to State had to say.

Senior Andrew Hudrlik-"It was a nice surprise when Turner Beachy from Staples/Motley had to forfeit putting me into the finals. I kind of knew I would beat Logan Lund for second because I had beaten him earlier in the year, but it was a lot closer than I expected. It was nice to have Rylan to help me warm up."

8th grader Rylan Moritz-"I think I wrestled really well today, and I also wrestled smarter than I usually do. I don't think it has really sunk in yet for me and how big a deal it is for me making it to State."

Coach Greg Hills-"Rylan wrestled well. He met his year-round practice partner in the finals. He has done a great job all season and is a really fun kid to coach. Andrew got a surprise medical forfeit in the semifinals then lost and had a true second match. He seized the moment in that match and will make a trip to the State Tournament. As a whole our kids wrestled very well. We had nine medal winners. It's fun to see all of their hard work pay off. We are blessed to have a great group of kids."

      The Section Individual Wrestling Tournament gets underway at 10:30 Friday morning at Staples/Motley. Here's a look at who the Gobblers will send out to the mat.

107-Aydan Wendt (16-9)

114-Rylan Moritz (30-7)

121-Weston Kyllonen (14-10)

127-Andrew Hudrlik (26-15)

133-Carson Crain (5-8)

139-Carson Young (6-15)

152-Quin Crowther (5-27)

160-Garrett Trotter (22-16)

172-Zane Larson (19-18)

189-Damien Maciel (5-11)

215-Peyton Gully (6-23)

       Action continues Saturday as well.

       The Aitkin Gobblers are heading to the Section 7A Individual Tournament Friday and Saturday in Staples. One of the Gobblers leaders this season has been an 8th grader, Rylan Moritz. He will take his 30-7 record into the tournament with high hopes for a great finish and a State Tourney berth. Let's find out a little bit more about him in our Five Questions segment.

WSZ “How has the season gone for you?”
Rylan- “It’s gone really well; I am thankful for no injuries this year.”

WSZ- “Are you surprised how fast you got to 50 wins since you’re just an 8th grader?”
Rylan  “Yes and no. Yes, because I am only in 8th grade and have only been wrestling for four years. No, because of all the hard work and training I put in during the season and during the off-season. I love wrestling!”

WSZ  “What will it take for you to finish in the top two this week. Who might be your toughest challenge?”
Rylan- “It will take me wrestling my best and staying locked in during the tournament. Vinny Schmid from Mille Lacs will be my toughest challenge. He is my good buddy who I train with year round. I need to not get in my own head.”

WSZ  “What are your goals for this season and how close are you to achieving them?”
Rylan  “To make the podium at the State, just need to make it past Sections and stay locked in.”

WSZ “How important has it been to be able to train with Hayden Zillmer?”
Rylan  “Training with Hayden definitely leveled up my technique and I think anyone who wrestles with Hayden will tell you how uplifting and motivational he is as a person and a coach.”

    Hayden Zillmer has been a multi-time State Champion from Crosby-Ironton and has wrestled internationally for many years. He is known as an exceptional wrestling instructor and he knows Rylan well, "Rylan has come a long way in a short period of time. He's a great example of what can happen if you put in the time and work. He's overall a great kid and it's a privilege to coach him."

     Gobbler Coach Greg Hills has the final word on his 8th grade phenom. "Rylan puts in a ton of time wrestling. He is always asking questions to understand different situations on the mat and has worked hard to get better in all three positions. He has been a great addition to our team, and he makes kids around him better."

        Wrestling starts at 10:30 Friday morning. 

      The Aitkin Gobbler wrestlers took on Walker-Hackensack-Akeley-Nevis in the opening round of the Section Team Tournament in Walker Saturday and although they wrestled hard, they came out on the short end of a 41-34 score. Here's a look at how the match unfolded.

107-Josh Thole lost to Grant Orton (technical fall at 5:48)

114-Rylan Moritz beat Nick Ballard (pin-2:20)

121-Forfeit to WHAN

127-Andrew Hudrlik beat Sam McCarthy (technical fall at 5:39)

133-Carson Crain lost to Cash Bullock (pin at :42)

139-Carson Young beat Dominic Flores (pin at 2"17)

145-Forfeit to WHAN

152-Fiorfeit to WHAN

160-Garrett Trotter lost to Chase Whitney (pin at 2:49)

172-Zane Larson-beat J.D. Knox (technical fall at 3:43)

189-Tolo May lost to Matt Koch (pin at 2:34)

215-Damien Maciel beat Dawson Weaver (pin at 1:38)

285-Peyton Gully beat Landon Beard (pin at 1:38)

        Coach Greg Hills after the loss, "I thought the boys wrestled pretty well. We had four starters out of the lineup, and it came down to being one win short of winning the match. This is a great group of kids, and we return all but one. We hope to keep building the roster for next season. On to Individuals, hopefully we can get some more wrestlers down to the State Tournament." 

       The Gobbler wrestling team will take on Walker-Hackensack-Akeley in the opening round of the Section Team Tournament Saturday. Here’s a look at the Gobbler lineup possibilities.

107-Josh Thole-8th
107-Aydan Wendt-9th
114-Dutch Hasskamp-8th
114-Rylan Moritz-8th
121-Weston Kyllonen-10th
127-Carson Crain-9th
127-Andrew Hudrlik-12th
139-Sam Fairchild-11th
139-Carson Young-7th
152-Quin Crowther-11th
160-Greyson Christensen-9th
160-Enzo Gasser-11th
160-Garrett Trotter-10th
172-Zane Larson-11th
172-Jeffrey Young-9th
189-Damien Maciel-11th
189-Tolo May-11th
215-Peyton Gully-9th
285-Lindan Koch-8th

        The Section gets underway at 10:00am with #8 C-I taking on #9 BCLB, and #10 NE Range/Ely meeting #7 Royalton/Upsala. The quarterfinal round will have the C-I/BCLB winner taking on #1 Staples/Motley, NER/Royalton/Upsala winner meeting #2 Holdingford, #6 Pillager taking on #3 Mille Lacs Raiders and #5 WHANL wrestling #4 Aitkin. That round will begin immediately after the first round is completed. 

       The Aitkin Gobblers will send two wrestlers to the State Girls Wrestling Tournament after Section action this weekend. Two 7th graders, Sophie Crain at 100 and Sierra Laffin at 118 will represent the Gobblers after winning 1st place in Mora. Crain beat Wienday Suralta of Hibbing on a pin at :30, defeated Madi Remer of Mille Lacs 4-0 in the semis and pinned Kana Reese of Staples/Motley in 3:54 for the title. Meanwhile, Laffin pinned Katie Pierce of Hibbing in her opening match, beat Myah Held of Pierz on a pin in 5:47 then won the title with a 9-6 win over Bridget Bankers of Mora. They had one more shot at a State entrant as Brianna Ecklund wrestled for third place with a shot at "true second" but she lost and finished 4th with a record of 3-2 this weekend.  Carli Crain was 2-2 for the tournament while Brennyn Huse, Sydney Obert, Ava Peterson-Johnson, Alaina Henline and Annabelle Groce all finished 0-2 and did not place. Crain will take a record of 30-3 into the State while Laffin is 28-8. Coach Greg Hills talked about the Section and his medal winners, "Aitkin girls wrestling has an amazing group of talented athletes. Most of our girls are first year wrestlers. I think back to the first few practices at the beginning to where these girls are now and it is unbelievable how much better they have become. The culture we have built has helped this group of athletes' flourish. To be coming home with three medals and two State Entrants is very awesome. Our wrestlers had a great tournament. Brianna Ecklund, 8th grade, 148 pounds, 4th in Section. She had never set foot on a wrestling mat before this year and places 4th at Sections, that's crazy! Sophie Crain, 7th grade, 100 pound Section Champion. She has had an awesome year currently 30-3 with 24 pins. She is a hammer on top. Sierra Laffin, 7th grade, 124 pound Section Champion. She started the season 5-8 and has ripped off 23 straight wins. She is one of the most coachable athletes I have ever coached. We are extremely excited to have our whole team back together next season to get even better."

(All pictures are from Cindi Hills, Krissy Thompson and Karma Crain.)

       The Aitkin Gobbler girls wrestling team is ready to put a cap on their first season as a team but let's not collect those singlets yet. The Section Tournament is coming up Friday and Saturday in Mora and there is lots of optimism that this team will send a wrestler or two to the State Tournament in a couple of weeks. Listening to some of this year's team they have had a great season and are ready for more. 

Sophie Crain-7th-"I am so excited with how my first season at the high school is going. From the coaches to my team, I feel very prepared for Sections."

Sierra Laffin-7th-"I think this season is going great-individually and as a team. I feel I'm going to do well at Sections because I've been going to the gym more often than what I'm used to."

Brianna Ecklund-8th-"I feel my season has gone pretty well for my first year. Our team has shown determination throughout the year, and we are all wanting to be a better version of ourselves. Whatever happens at Sections will be a learning experience."

Carlie Crain-9th-"This season has been a lot more fun and exciting. We are building a great team, and we have had a lot more opportunities to wrestle thanks to Coach Hills and his scheduling. I think I'm ready and determined to do well at Sections. I hope to make my team proud."

      Coach Greg Hills is pretty excited about this year's team, "Last year we had one girl wrestler and this year our team has 11, 9 of which will be wrestling in individual Sections this week where the top two from each weight class can earn a chance to wrestle at the State Girls Wrestling Tournament. They include Sophie Crain, 27-3, Brennyn Huse, 13-17, Sierra Laffin, 25-8, Carli Crain, 15-8, Alaina Henline, 13-16, Sydney Obert, 9-7, Brianna Ecklund, 19-10, Ava Peterson-Johnson, 12-11 and Annabelle Groce, 6-20. This is the first year that the Minnesota State High School League format is similar to the boys in sections, so they will wrestle in Section 7. At last weekend's Great River Conference Tournament, our 7th graders Sophie and Sierra each beat Mora's ranked junior wrestlers to take home conference titles, and our girls' team performance overall had a strong performance where they took second place. We look forward to more great wrestling on Friday and Saturday in Mora."

         The Section gets underway Friday afternoon. Good luck ladies, Gobbler proud!