Wrestling: Bothun, Sandoz third at section

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Two Rosemount wrestlers finished third.

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For Rosemount wrestling coach Brett Larson, the Irish results in the Class 2A, Section 3 individual tournament were very fitting.

Rosemount failed to advance any wrestlers to this week’s state tournament. The Irish again showed well, but fell short in the end.

“It just typified this season,” Larson said. “It was right at our fingertips to have a very successful and great year. Things just never panned out this year, really from start to finish. It was just one of those years.

“We had high expectations. It just didn’t come out quite the way we had expected at the end.”

Garrett Bothun and Tyler Sandoz each placed third, the top finishes for Rosemount.

“When you don’t qualify for the state tournament, it’s always a tough week,” Larson said. “I thought we had some good chances if things fell our way. Garrett Bothun and Tyler Sandoz placed third. All in all it wasn’t for a lack of effort on their part.

“It’s very frustrating, especially for Garrett because he had a pretty serious injury a few weeks ago and he was working his way back. I don’t think he was 100 percent yet.”

Bothun wrestled into the championship match at 145 pounds, but dropped a decision to Nate Bruner from Apple Valley. Bothun lost a decision against Jeff Engstrom in a match for a true second place.

“It’s one of those things where the words can’t say how disappointing it is for him,” Larson said. “He is third all time in wrestling wins in Rosemount history. He put as much, if not more, into the offseason as any wrestler I’ve coached.

“It’s just unfortunate it can’t end with him in St. Paul. Life’s not always fair. That’s the way it goes. He understands that.”

Sandoz lost in the second round at 189 pounds, but came back to place third in the wrestlebacks.

“This second is just tough to get through,” Larson said. “When Apple Valley and Hastings send 20 wrestlers to state that only leaves eight spots for the remaining six teams. It’s very frustrating. Apple Valley is taking opportunities from other district schools.

“It’s tough to take. These guys work hard. They’re great athletes, great student-athletes. We have five or six guys good enough to compete in St. Paul.”

Ninth grader Danny Rosa fought through to place fourth at 103 pounds.

Paul Domeier (119 pounds), Adam Jackson (140) and Bryce Wilberding placed fifth at their respective weight classes.

Kwame Owusu finished sixth at 112 pounds and Stefan Sauer was sixth at heavyweight.

“For whatever reason the stars were not aligned for us this year,” Larson said. “It’s hard to put a finger on it. We didn’t quite finish the way we hoped.

“We didn’t have anyone really exceed expectations.”

Tags: sports, rosemount, irish, prep, wrestling