The Royals wrestled well in spots, found some success at the JV level and qualified one wrestler for the 9th Grade and under state tourney over the weekend.

The varsity got a tough opening draw in #8AAA Owatonna.  Cade Johnson and Nick Howe won by fall and Brock Rinehart won by major decision, but that was the only points the Royals could rack up against the Huskies.  Final score:  Owatonna 53, Woodbury 16.

In the consolation bracket, the Royals looked to rebound against section 3AAA foe Bloomington Kennedy.  The Royals started hot with pins by Antonio Rizzo and Johnson.  Ryan Holt won a decision, Rinehart won by tech fall and Tre Hockenberger, Donald Nde and Max Fick all won by fall to give the Royals a 38-34 lead.  However, the Kennedy heavyweight prevailed to give the Eagles a 40-38 victory and a leg up in section seeding.

In the 7th place match, the Royals completely dismantled the undermanned Champlin Park Rebels.   In addition to the Rebels forfeiting 5 weights, winning for the Royals were Johnson (3rd fall of the day), Holt (decision), Sam Ellis (fall), Mason Barrows (fall), Nde (fall) and Fick (decision).  The final score is Woodbury 60, Champlin Park 18.

For the junior varsity, which was short-handed due to the 9th and under section tournament, Dave Hawley, Travis Pham and Daryl dela Paz all went 1-1 on the day.

In the 9th grade and under section tournament at Richfield HS, finishing in 4th place at their respective weights were Logan Ryan, Jack Anderson, Ahmed Abdelal and Tyler Anderson.  Finishing in 3rd was Sebastian Zamorano.  A huge congratulations to 8th grader Thomas Moesenthin, who was champion of the 182 lb bracket and advances to the 9th and under State Tournament on Saturday, February 3 at Champlin Park HS.

This weeks schedule:  varsity and JV will compete at the Armstrong Duals at Robbinsdale Armstrong HS on Saturday.  Action is slated to start at 9:00am.  In addition, Moesenthin will be in action at the 9th and under State Tournament at Champlin Park HS, with wrestling starting at 8:30am.