Topper grapplers go 2-1 at Zumbrota-Mazzeppa Duals, finish fifth

ZUMBROTA, MN – Top-ranked competition, both individuals and teams,  awaited the Glenwood City wrestlers when they headed west into Minnesota to compete in the Zumbrota-Mazzeppa Cougar Dual Tournament Saturday, January 19.

The Hilltoppers wrapped up their regular season tournament schedule with a fifth place showing in the eight-team dual tournament as they won two of three duals. Glenwood City’s “Hammers” – Riley Knops, Adam Holmquist, and Austin Moe – finished the tournament unbeaten with 3-0 records. Jeff Kopacz, Donovan Fornal, and Jake Carlson each finished the day 2-1.

“This was a good tournament for our kids,” stated Shane Strong, Glenwood City head coach. “Our top three guys all faced state-caliber kids on the weekend.”

“This was a good opportunity to continue building for the regional tournament,” added Strong. “The more competition we can face the better prepared we will be for the big matches in February.”

Glenwood City was paired with host Zumbrota-Mazzeppa in the first round and lost the dual 55-15. Coach Shane Strong noted that the score was somewhat deceptive. The Toppers had held leads late in the third period of a handful of matches against Zumbrota-Mazzeppa only to surrender falls.

The Hilltoppers would rebound in the consolation semifinals where they blasted Saint Agnes 60-12 to earn a spot in the fifth-place dual opposite Dover-Eyota, MN. Glenwood City battled Dover-Eyota throughout the dual and was able to eek out a thrilling and well deserved one-point win, 35-34.

Close and thrilling victories were not limited to the team. In one particular match, Glenwood City’s career wins leader, Adam Holmquist, need a full match and then some to defeat Cody Heitman 7-5 in overtime. Heitman is ranked third in Minnesota’s Class A individual standings, according to Coach Strong.

Glenwood’s grapplers will have this week off as they prepare for the final regular season and conference dual on January 29 when Mondovi makes the trip to Glenwood City. The Big Rivers/D-SC Conference torunament will be held at River Falls High School on February 2.