Berge sets K-M record for career wins

Kasson-Mantorville wrestler Brady Berge has enjoyed a successful career that has shown no sign of slowing down. His sky-high trajectory continued on Jan. 28 as his victory over Owatonna’s Journey Peterson was his 222nd of his career, breaking the old record held by Garrett Garness.

Once Berge picked up the victory, the K-M contingent cheered and the cheerleaders broke records to celebrate his achievement. Of course, when you win as much as he does, the record could come as a surprise.

“To be honest, I didn’t know about the record until after my match,” Berge chuckled. “I went back to the bench and everybody in the gym was telling me congrats and I had no idea what they were talking about.”

Even though the record came as a surprise to Berge, the magnitude of the feat hasn’t been lost on the junior with a bright future.

“It’s a heck of an accomplishment,” Berge admitted. “There’s been a lot of great wrestlers to come through this program and it’s an honor to be one of the elite wrestlers here and hold this record. I hope I have a lot more [wins] coming, too. My sights are high and I don’t want to stop now.”

Berge continues to have high goals as he moves toward capturing his fifth state championship next month. As a junior, his ceiling is high, but there’s one key that has led to his success.

“It’s just taking things one match at a time. Coach [Jamie] Heidt has always preached that to me becau