Wrestling Review: Adding to impressive totals

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The Rosemount wrestling program has certainly enjoyed its share of successes in recent seasons.

This year, when senior Phil Levine made it to the finals of the 103-pound bracket at the state tournament, it marked the third year in a row an Irish wrestler competed in the state finals.

It’s just one example of the numbers being put up by Rosemount wrestlers.

Levine added another impressive total, a 41-1 record and the second most wins in a season for the Irish.

Levine was just one of many to run up big numbers as the Irish tied for third in the Lake Conference.

“The big thing for us was having nine wrestlers with 20 wins or more,” Rosemount coach Brett Larson said. “We had two more with at least 18. It shows how good our team balance was this year.”

The Irish had four seniors this year. Levine ends his career with 80 wins. Frank Pokriefka, who also went to the state meet, finished with 81.

Josh Baier ends his career with 84 wins, while Adam Sommers finished with 75.

“Obviously, we lose four very talented seniors,” Larson said. “A big thing is at the top and bottom with Phil at 103 and Frank at heavyweight. We need to have guys step up at those spots. I think we can fill in the other areas.”

The success of the ninth-grade team, which finished eighth at its state meet, offers optimism. As does the return of varsity wrestlers like all-conference honorees Garrett Bothun, Tyler Sandoz and Max Busher.

Fellow underclassmen Steve Levine, Tony Marthaler and Josh Francois were all-conference honorable mention.

Among the highlights, the Irish beat Bloomington Kennedy and won two tournaments this season.

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