There's no place like home! For the PEM wrestling team that line from Dorothy resonated throughout the week as they prepared to face the defending
MN state runner-up Caledonia-Houston Warriors on Friday. The current #3 ranked Chatfield Gophers were also a part of the Three Rivers conference wrestling kick-off
season on Friday night in front of a large crowd who was ready for some 'rassling! Commented PEM coach Nate Pfeilsticker, "this is as tough off a start to the season as I've ever seen
in 22 years of coaching. Caledonia had quite a run last February and Chatfield is ready to win a state title in Class A. I think our week of practice prepared us for this!' PEM earned tough wins from Cooper Mack, Carson Rahman, Aiden Graner, Alex Hinrichs, and Alex Bedsted, but the dual came down to the Hwt match as fans held on to the edge of their seats. With PEM down by 3 going into the Hwt match, Drew Rahman was ready for action!
Drew took down his Caledonia wrestler and ended with a first period pin to clinch the win! Added PEM Coach Cam Miller, "Drew was focused all week on this situation and we knew it might come down to him, he was not going to be denied and left a hero tonight!"
At the intermission, the PEM Wrestling Program honored numerous Veterans in attendance with a free ticket to the dual as well as an awesome color guard show by the Plainview American Legion. PEM Wrestling Armed Forces Night showcased senior Garrett Schreiber who left fans in awe with his electric guitar rendition of the National Anthem.
On Saturday PEM headed to Lacrosse Logan High School for their annual Border Battle individual tournament. 15 teams from across MN and Wisconsin met with top ranked wrestlers from each state showcasing their talents.
PEM ended the day with 2 champions and a bronze showing as they placed 3rd out of 15 teams. Noland Ford and Drew Rahman showed their GRIT as each finished the day 5-0 and took home gold medals for their outstanding efforts.
Commented Coach Daren Wingert, "Nolan made some important adjustments in his technique on Saturday. He ended the day wrestling as best as I've ever seen him compete. He deserved this championship for his work efforts in practice!"
Drew Rahman kept his win streak going with a dominant 5-0 performance too! Added Coach Bobby Bedsted, "Drew had a heck of a weekend! First the hero on Friday night, then backed it up with the gold on Saturday, I couldn't be prouder of his efforts!"
PEM will take the week to prepare for the toughest tournament in Minnesota this coming Friday and Saturday at the Mayo Civic Center. 37 teams from the upper Midwest will meet in Rochester as some have called a tournament tougher than the MN State tournament in March. This tournament will combine all classes in one location and one large bracket. Stay tuned next week for results of the action from Rochester.
Pictures from Caledonia/ Chatfield here!
Pictures from La Crosse Individual Tournament here!
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