The wrestling team from Bemidji High School showcased an impressive performance at the Orono Invitational on March 15, 2024, with five athletes claiming first place in their respective brackets. Competing against strong opponents, the Lumberjacks secured third overall with a total of 343.5 points, trailing behind New Prague, which topped the standings with 515 points, and Maple Grove with 357 points.
Leading the charge for Bemidji, Ozzie Hanks dominated the 107-pound weight class, finishing his day with a perfect record of 4-0. In the 114-pound category, Owen Bieber also went unbeaten, winning all three of his matches. Regular contenders for the Lumberjacks, Gabe Morin and Nick Strand, excelled in their matches at 133 and 139 pounds, respectively. Morin secured three wins including two by technical fall, while Strand achieved a flawless 4-0 record that included two pins and a technical fall victory.
The success continued for the Lumberjacks as Nehemiah Schwinghammer completed the first-place finishes at 285 pounds, finishing his matches with a record of 3-0. In addition to these standout performances, Jeremy Linn contributed to the team’s overall success by securing fourth place in the 152-pound category.
The team results reflected a competitive atmosphere, with the top ten placements as follows:
1. New Prague: 515 points
2. Maple Grove: 357 points
3. Bemidji: 343.5 points
4. Woodbury: 314 points
5. Minneapolis-Washburn: 257.5 points
6. Foley: 256 points
7. Lakeville North: 250 points
8. Orono: 236 points
9. Eagan: 195 points
10. Blaine: 168.5 points
The Lumberjacks’ strong showing at the Orono Invitational bodes well for their upcoming competitions as they continue to build on their success and prepare for future challenges.
