Larson likes intensity shown at Shakopee

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The Rosemount wrestling team knows it’s dealing with certain limitations this season.

For the first time in several years, the Irish are unable to fill out each weight class in the lineup. Yet, watching his team perform at the Shakopee individual tournament last weekend, Rosemount coach Brett Larson saw plenty of hope for this season and the future.

The Irish had solid performances from the varsity wrestlers and the JV squad filled with underclassmen continued to show promise.

It’s the reason Larson likes where his team is at through two weeks of the season

“Guys have still been working hard and have the intensity,” Larson said. “That’s what you look for; the intensity. They’re working hard in practice and they’ve respond. It’s a great group. We’re just short in a couple of weights.

“We’re pleased with what we have. We have some high-end guys and the JV is showing much better numbers. That’s very good for the future and it’s good in practice.”

Rosemount lost a tough match against Bloomington Kennedy, 42-33, last week in the first Lake Conference dual of the season. The Irish won six of the 10 matches, but the Eagles scored more bonus points to take the victory.

At Shakopee, Rosemount took second place as a team and featured three individual champions. Steve Levine, Garrett Bothun and Paul Domeier each won their weight class at Shakopee.

Adam Jackson and Josh Francois placed second in their respective brackets. Danny Rosa and Tony Marthaler each finished third.

Stefan Sauer earned his first varsity victory while placing fourth at heavyweight. Bryce Wilberding was fifth and Hamza Bile finished in sixth place.

“It’s a good tournament for us,” Larson said. “We’ve been first the last two years. There are no superpowers, so to speak. It’s really balanced.

“Of the 10 guys that placed we had five in the finals. That’s outstanding.”

Against Bloomington Kennedy, Rosemount just couldn’t get the extra points in some close matches.

Francois beat a returning state-qualifying wrestler, 6-2, for the highlight match.

Rosa and Marthaler each won with pins. Bile earned a major decision. Adam Jackson and Levine also earned team points.

“We felt good about the effort,” Larson said. “We won the matches we were supposed to win and won some close ones. We won more matches, but they got more bonus points. That’s the way it goes sometimes.”

Tags: sports, wrestling