The Bemidji High School wrestling team showcased exceptional talent at the Orono Invitational on January 27, 2024, with five of its six competing wrestlers winning their individual brackets. This impressive performance earned the Lumberjacks a strong third-place finish in the team standings, accumulating a total of 343.5 points. They trailed only behind New Prague, which secured first place with 515 points, and Maple Grove with 357 points.
Among the standout performers was Ozzie Hanks, who claimed the title in the 107-pound category with an unbeaten record of 4-0. Owen Bieber also delivered an impressive performance, going unbeaten in three matches at 114 pounds. Regular competitors for the Lumberjacks, Gabe Morin and Nick Strand, continued their winning streaks at 133 and 139 pounds, respectively. Morin finished with a record of 3-0, including two victories by technical fall, while Strand went 4-0 with two pins and one technical fall win.
In the heavyweight division, Nehemiah Schwinghammer rounded out the list of first-place finishers for Bemidji by going 3-0 at 285 pounds. The only other wrestler from Bemidji to place was Jeremy Linn, who secured fourth place in the 152-pound category.
The overall team results reflected the high level of competition at the event. The top ten standings were 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 performance at the Orono Invitational underscores the potential of the Bemidji High School wrestling program as it continues to develop skilled athletes who are making a significant impact in the sport. With several wrestlers earning top honors, the future looks bright for the Lumberjacks as they advance through the season.