FALCONS WRESTLING SPECIAL KEEPSAKE EDITION
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WRESTLING | BENTON COUNTY NEWS | TUESDAY, FEB. 25, 2020 | Page 1B
PHOTO BY EVAN MICHEALSON
The 2019-20 Foley Falcons wrestling team – managers Allie Young (front, from left), Brooke Miller and Kaylee Jurek; (second row, from left) coach Jake Helmin, Danny Halverson, Cole Rudnitski, Logan Thorsten, Caden Ruhoff, Alex Jennissen, Ethan Oswald, Levi Jacobson, Cyler Ruhoff and coach Evan Warnert; (third row, from left) coach Chris Ratke, Sutherlin Schmit, Hunter Gorecki, Connor Thorsten, Joey Thorsten, Isaiah Fitch, Michael Rothfork, Levi Henry, Max Henne, Andy Knutson and Coach Tyler Spiczka; (back, from left) Elijah Novak, Greg Miller, Michael Moulzolf, coach Tee Baker and head coach Scott Gorecki – are the Section 7AA wrestling team champions. The team finished 36-1 and used its strength across all weight classes to seize section glory Feb. 14 at Proctor High School in Proctor.
As wrestling changes, Thorstens continue to win Family has left mark on Foley program since 1969 BY EVAN MICHEALSON STAFF WRITER
FOLEY – In 1969, Danny Thorsten began wrestling for the Foley Falcons, a program on its rise. Back then, individual seasons came and went within 25 matches, but that time spent on the mat was nevertheless influential to Thorsten’s life. So influential that fast-forward a half-century, and a Thorsten still dons the Foley Falcons blue as a member of the vaunted wrestling program. Logan Thorsten compiled a superb 36-8 record
for the state-bound Falcons this season. But, succeeding in profound fashion is not an entirely unfamiliar look from a Thorsten nor is a state appearance. Chad Thorsten, Logan’s father and Danny’s son, was a member of the 1989 championship team and wrestled individually at the Minnesota State High School League tournament following his senior season in 1990. In roles as both a parent and a youth wrestling instructor, he has passed on wrestling knowledge from his days as a Falcon to Logan. “I was showing him
things that I do,” Chad said. “I still tell him things I know from time to time and at least ask him to look at them, not necessarily that he has to do them.” Logan, who primarily works out of the 145 pound weight class, uses sharp technique and strong positioning to pull out wins on the mat. However, he believes he shares a common characteristic with his state-winning father and the rest of his Falcons teammates: mental toughness. “Foley, as a team this year, has definitely been pushed harder than the last couple of years,” Logan said. “We outwork our opponents. (We have) a mental mindset
Thorstens page 3B
PHOTOS BY EVAN MICHEALSON
Foley wrestler Logan Thorsten (from left), Chad Thorsten and Danny Thorsten stand side-by-side Feb. 19 in the Foley High School wrestling room in Foley. The Thorstens are a third-generation wrestling family with each member finding sustained success on the mat.
Congratulations Wrestlers! Haul Your Whole Crew to State! and cheer on the Foley Falcons Wrestlers
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Page 2B | TUESDAY, FEB. 25, 2020 | BENTON COUNTY NEWS | WRESTLING
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PHOTO BY JAKOB KOUNKEL
The Foley Falcons wrestling senior class consists of Danny Halverson (front, from left), Ethan Oswald, Isaiah Fitch and Michael Rothfork; (back, from left) Max Henne, Connor Thorsten, Sutherlin Schmit and Elon Johnson. Strong leadership from the seniors is one of the reasons why Foley clinched their 13th consecutive state tournament appearance.
Max Henne Parents: Bob and Julie Henne Weight: 182 pounds Season record: 18-14 What is your signature move? My signature move would be the arm bar. What is your routine before stepping on the mat? Just warm up. Maybe sit in a quiet place and collect my thoughts, and when it’s go time, it’s go time. What do you feel has been the highlight of the season thus far? Winning section champs as a team. What do you enjoy most about your teammates? The bonding. The special bond we have together. It is really special to be wrestling for a team like this. How has wrestling impacted you? It has taught me a lot of core values of hard work and determination, and I’ll take those with me throughout the rest of my life.
Michael Rothfork Parents: Dave and Denise Rothfork
Danny Halverson Parents: Rick and Diane Halverson Weight: 138 pounds Season record: 15-14 What is your signature move? A double-leg (takedown). What is your routine before stepping on the mat? Typically, thinking about getting six points. What do you feel has been the highlight of the season thus far? Having such a great record and only losing to New Prague. What do you enjoy most about your teammates? They are super supportive, and we are always having fun no matter what. How has wrestling impacted you? It gave me a sense of determination, an extra push.
Isaiah Fitch Parents: Mark and Heather Fitch
Weight: 138 pounds Season record: 26-10 What is your signature move? Double on the feet. What is your routine before stepping on the mat? To keep nerves low. What do you feel has been the highlight of the season thus far? (Winning) section finals. Keeping the 12 in a row streak to 13. What do you enjoy most about your teammates? The kind of brotherhood we have. How has wrestling impacted you? It has made me basically who I am; it is kind of my lifestyle. My goals and how to work for them, it has taught me how to do that and what I have to do to achieve it.
Weight: 152 pounds Season record: 37-9 What is your signature move? It is the spladle. I am not too good at it, but I like it. What is your routine before stepping on the mat? Get up about three matches before and just kind of stand there and cheer on my teammates, bounce around a little bit. What do you feel has been the highlight of the season thus far? Beating Princeton at sections. Sections is always big. What do you enjoy most about your teammates? That we are all kind of together. We all screw around; we are all brothers. How has wrestling impacted you? It has given me a better work ethic, for sure, like how to work hard and not give up or keep trying after things get difficult.
Connor Thorsten Parents: Brian and Karri Thorsten
Elon Johnson Parents: Pat and Jeff Johnson
Weight: 160 pounds Season record: 42-4 What is your signature move? Half-nelson with the legs in. What is your routine before stepping on the mat? We always get going as a team, and then I just kind of get mentally ready for the match every time. What do you feel has been the highlight of the season thus far? Winning the section is always a great feeling. What do you enjoy most about your teammates? Just the fun times we had. The rumble, the two-day tournament in Brainerd, it is all fun. How has wrestling impacted you? Been wrestling for a long time. It is in the blood. My dad was part of the 1989 state championship team. … Coaches instill hard work ethic and that will carry on through more than just wrestling.
Ethan Oswald Parents: Bob and Beth Oswald Weight class: 120 pounds Season record: 32-10 What is your signature move? Cradle. What is your routine before stepping on the mat? Just jumping in place, walking back and forth. What do you feel has been the highlight of the season thus far? Beating Schmitt from Albany because he has beaten me my whole high school career, and I finally beat him. What do you enjoy most about your teammates? How they cheer you on and the camaraderie that comes along with it. How has wrestling impacted you? It makes me want to overcome obstacles – shows me that hard work and determination pays off in the end.
Weight class: 285 pounds Season record: 5-0 What is your signature move? Headlock. What is your routine before stepping on the mat? Do some (warm-ups) with my legs. What do you feel has been the highlight of the season thus far? The team winning the section. What do you enjoy most about your teammates? We always have one another’s backs. How has wrestling impacted you? Taught me a lot of the struggle in life is mental.
Sutherlin Schmit Weight: 170 pounds Season record: 30-8 Parents: Shannon and Richard Schmit What is your signature move? The arm drag. What is your routine before stepping on the mat? I always pray and slap myself a couple times. I make sure my mindset is always right, knowing that I can beat anyone — contest with anyone. What do you feel has been the highlight of the season thus far? We got put into a new section, and we showed up at the section tournament. We showed them that no matter what section you put us in, we are still going to show up to that state tournament. How has wrestling impacted you? It made a huge impact on my life with the choices I make. It showed me to always put the important things first and work hard to achieve your goals.
WRESTLING | BENTON COUNTY NEWS | TUESDAY, FEB. 25, 2020 | Page 5B
Meet the Foley Falcon Wrestlers There are 20 wrestlers on the Foley varsity wrestling team.
LOGAN THORSTEN 145 pound JUNIOR
Below are comments about each individual player from head coach Scott Gorecki
Having a great season. Doesn’t stop moving in all positions. Longer the match goes, the better he is. State entrant and tough in all positions.”
Michael Rothfork
Levi Jacobson 113 pound sophomore
138 pound senior senio
Explosive on the feet. Very experienced wrestler. State entrant. Looking to place this year. Tough in all positions. Looking to hit his strides.
Having a great year. Tough on his feet. State entrant and looking to place this year.
Michael Moulzolf
Joey Thorsten
160 pound junior
145 pound sopho sophomore
Having a great season. Hammer on top. Loves the Russian tie. Gaining great experience for next season.
Great team wrestler. Gaining great experience. Second year going down to state. Hard working kid.”
Evan Milejczak
Andrew Knutsen
132 pound junior
170 pound junio junior
Having a great season. State entrant. Grinder. Looking to gain valuable experience both for team and individual. We call him, ‘Country boy.’
Having a good year. Tough in all positions. Great team wrestler. Does whatever he needs to do for the team.
Greg Miller
Caden Ruhoff
220 pound junior
126 pound sophomore
Tough to score on. Good on his feet. Greg brings energy. He’s getting better each week. State entrant.
Having a solid year. Gaining great experience. Caden is peaking at the right time. Dangerous wrestler.
Hunter Gorecki
Cole Rudnitski 132 pound freshmen
195 pound junior
Having a solid year. He is getting better in all positions. Gaining good experience this year. Man of not many words.
Very good on his feet. Hammer on top. Leads our team with pins (27). High energy and brings leadership. State entrant. ‘Bear.’
Isaiah Fitch
Alex Jennissen
152 pound senior
120 pound 8th grade
Very tough eighth-grader. Tough in all positions. Great future for Alex.
Explosive, very athletic, gifted wrestler. Hard worker. Great leader. State entrant.
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MAX HENNE 182 pound SENIO SENIOR
Hard worker. Tough on top. Great teammate. Will do anything for the team. Great kid.
Connor Thorsten 160 pound senior
Great leader. State entrant. Over 120 career wins. Explosive on the feet. Hammer on top. Looking for a high place at state.
Ethan Oswald
120 pound senior
Having a great senior season. Hammer on top. Much improved from a year ago.
Cyler Ruhoff 106 pound 8th grade g
Having a solid year. Cyler is getting better and better each week. He will have a great future for Foley.
Danny Halverson 138 pound SENIOR
Good team wrestler. Strong and can be very explosive. Glad to have him back on the team. Experienced wrestler.
Elijah Novak 285 pound sopho sophomore
Hammer in all positions. No coach wants to wrestler him. Twenty-six pins. Anchor on top for our team. State entrant. Works horse.
LEVI HENRY 182 pound JUNIO JUNIOR
Hard worker. Getting better and better weekly. Will do anything for the team. Levi has a wicked headlock.