KoMets to host Military, First Responder Night
The Kasson-Mantorville KoMets finished up a busy week, hosting two triangulars at the Home Federal Arena.
On Thursday night, the KoMets outscored their opponents (Pine Island & PEM) 126-11.
Friday presented more of a challenge. Two top ranked Class AAA teams provided the wrestling fans with several marquee match-ups.
St. Michael-Albertville flexed their #1 ranking at the KoMets, taking the first six matches. The KoMets would not put points of their own on the board until Jonah Coleman (145) got his hand raised, winning by decision.
Luke Swanson (160), Owen Nelson (189), Jacob Duitsman (215) and Kasson Wynia (Hwt) also grabbed wins for the KoMets. STMA won the first dual of the night, 21-32.
In the second dual of the night, STMA fell to Stillwater, 27-25.
For the final match, the KoMets faced Stillwater. It all came down to match-ups.
Rex Ayshford (107) got the KoMets on the board early, winning by decision. Stillwater would take the next three weights, all by pin fall.
Down 3-18, Aiden Friedrich (133) was the beginning of a run. KM won the next seven weights. Duitsman’s win at 189 sealed the dual. Although both Nelson (215) and Wynia (Hwt) lost their matches, the KoMets went on to beat Stillwater, 33-27.
“We had a busy week with four duals. I thought we came out and took care of business on Thursday. Nice win over Pine Island and PEM. Have some things to clean up but wrestled well,” said Head Coach, Ryan Hill.
“Friday night was fun. It’s not every day you can get the #1 and #4 AAA teams down from the cities for a triangular. STMA and Stillwater are tough. We didn’t get the outcome we wanted with STMA but was great coming out on top of Stillwater. The guys are getting better each week and it feels good and a sign they are sticking to the plan,” said Hill.
The excitement builds as we look ahead to Friday night. The KoMets will host Zumbrota-Mazeppa for the HVL Championship. This is one you want to put on your calendar. KM is currently ranked #2 in Class AA, while ZM is ranked #4.
KM enters the night with eight ranked wrestlers: 107, 133, 139, 145, 152, 160, 172, & 215. ZM brings with them five ranked wrestlers of their own: 114, 121, 133, 152, & 160.
“We’re geared up for ZM this week. It’s a big HVL and Section 1AA dual. They’re tough and wrestling extremely well. We’re anticipating a great environment with military night and first responder night. It’s going to be a tight dual. We’re focused on getting the guys ready to compete,” said Hill.
All military, active and retired, along with all first responders, get in at no cost. The KM booster club will be serving a pulled pork dinner for $10/plate.