Back to State
February 22nd, 2007
For the second time in three seasons, Sibley East’s wrestling team hoisted the section championship trophy. The Wolverines defeated Wabasso 31-26 in the section 3A finals Saturday. Sibley East now advances to the state meet which kicks off Wednesday, February 28th at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul. - submitted photo
The Wolverines earned another trip to the Class “A” State Meet on Saturday by capturing the Section 3A championship at Blue Earth Area High School.
Sibley East, currently ranked #4 in Class A, defeated eleventh-ranked Wabasso 31-26 in Saturday’s section finals. In the preliminary rounds, the Wolverines posted convincing wins over River Valley and St. James.
“I am very proud of the wrestlers and the effort they gave Saturday,” Sibley East head coach Rod Tollefson said. “They have worked hard for this opportunity. This time is very special because this bunch of kids has a good time together and it is a very close knit group. This is going to be something they will never forget.”
Another state tournament will provide lifetime memories for the Wolverine grapplers, but Tollefson said his team has its sights set on a larger goal. “They have a goal and it has not been accomplished at this point,” Tollefson said. “I have no doubt that they will achieve their goal. Our kids will also do a great job of representing their school and section.”
Tollefson also acknowledged the community’s support for the wrestling program. “The wonderful support we have received from the Sibley East communities makes this accomplishment ever more special,” he said. “I congratulate the wrestlers, parents and fans. You are all very deserving of this acknowledgment.”
This was the second time in three seasons that Sibley East won the section and qualified for State. The Wolverines also won a section championship and a state tourney berth in 2001.
Sibley East will continue its quest for a state championship on Wednesday, February 28th at Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul.
The Wolverines (22-1) will face Frazee in the Class “A” quarterfinals at 5:30 p.m. Frazee, which defeated Barnesville 33-29 in the Section 8A finals, is ranked #2 in the State’s Class “A” poll.
Other teams in the Class “A” state meet field include top ranked Canby, United South Central, Wheaton/Herman-Norcross, Dover-Eyota, Aitkin and Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City. All quarterfinal matches will be held Wednesday. Team wrestling continues on Friday and Saturday.
Sibley East schools will be dismissed at approximately 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, February 28th. There will be no school for students on Friday, March 2nd, according to superintendent John Langenbrunner. Staff will be required to report to school or help chaperone at the state meet, he explained.
Fan bus planned for State Meet
Sibley East Schools announced Tuesday that a fan bus will be available for students interested in following the Wolverines to the state meet at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul next week. The bus for Wednesday’s match would leave Gaylord at 3:00 p.m., Arlington at 3:15 and Green Isle at 3:25. Elementary students must be accompanied by their parent. The cost to ride the bus will be $7.00 per rider, per day. Departure on Friday will depend on results from previous matches. Riders must sign up and pay by Tuesday, February 27th (3:00 p.m.) at one of the school office locations
