Regan Johnson, Fr.,

NUA, 107

Johnson’s first year on varsity saw him win 29 matches. He was a spark plug for the Eagles, most often getting the team on the scoreboard first in dual competitions. He also went 3-0 at the 9GL team state competition. He was second at Glencoe invitational, fourth at the Redwood Riot, second at Buffalo Invite, third at the conference tournament, second at the High Water Ethanol Tournament, and fifth at Sections. Just a freshman, Johnson looks to be a mainstay in the Eagles’ lineup for years to come.

Kane Johnson, Fr.,

NUA, 114

Johnson followed up his rookie season on varsity with an excellent offseason and tremendous freshman season, ultimately earning a trip to the state tournament. Johnson helped the team out wrestling up a weight class at times too. He was ranked as high as sixth in the state while stacking back-to-back 30-win seasons. He was an All-Conference selection and runner-up at the High-Water Ethanol invite.

Tanner Johnson, Fr.,

Sibley East, 114

Johnson advanced to the state tournament in his freshman year after a second-place finish at sections. Johnson had eight pins, 114 team points, 34 takedowns and 24 wins this season. Sibley East head coach Chris Koob said Johnson was the team’s most improved wrestler and he’s excited to see what Johnson could do in the future.

Alex Portner, Fr.,

NUA, 121

Portner had another solid season in his third year in the starting lineup, racking up a 28-15 record. He was third at the Glencoe Invite, fourth at the Redwood Riot, fourth at the Big South Conference Tournament and he placed third at the Section Tournament, losing a true second match for a trip to state. Portner has become one of the best tilters on the team to go along with his exceptional talent in the neutral position. Portner is closing in on 75 career wins.

Julio Alejandro, Fr.,

Sibley East, 127

Alejandro finished second at the section tournament to advance to state and took home a 24-11 record this season with eight pins, 102 team points and 54 takedowns. Sibley East head coach Chris Koob said Alejandro took strides mentally this season and is ready to take another step forward with hard work.

Kaysen Harms, Jr.,

Wabasso, 133

In his second season with a trip to the state tournament, Harms went 33-13 with 23 pins, surpassing 100 career wins this year. Harms also won a few other tournaments this season and placed sixth at the Redwood Riot.

Benito Diaz, Jr.,

Sibley East, 133

Diaz finished his junior season on a high note, placing third in his third trip to the state tournament. With a 42-3 record this season, Diaz had 17 pins, 196 team points and 67 takedowns and is setting himself up to be a top contender in his senior season.

Parker Kamm, Sr.,

LCWMA, 133

Kamm made it to the state tournament for the third time of his career this season, taking a second-place finish. Kamm had a 31-9 season record as a team captain and finishes his career with 96 wins, 57 pins and a 72% win percentage.

Zach Palmer, So,

LCWMA, 139

Palmer finished his sophomore season with a 36-16 record, placing fifth in his second trip to the state tournament. Palmer sits at 73 career wins and 26 career pins.

Winsten Nienhaus, Sr.,

NUA, 145

Nienhaus took his wrestling to another level this year, winning several big matches for the Eagles. As a team captain, he was a force in the lineup all year long, leading the squad in many statistical categories, including takedowns for the third consecutive year. He was first at Glencoe Silver Lake, first in the conference tournament, third at the Redwood Riot, first in the High Water Ethanol tournament, and second at the section tournament. He followed that up with a strong state tournament, placing fourth and tying the school record for wins in a season and finishing fifth all time for wins in a career (141). Nienhaus earned an all-conference selection and a state ranking.

Ellie Dake, So.,

NUA, 148

Dake is a special wrestler for the Eagles and continues to lead the girls team, going 25-6 this year. She placed first at the Hutchinson invite, first at the Redwood Riot, first at Champlin Park and second in the conference. Dake narrowly missed her third trip to the state tournament after losing to the eventual state champion and state runner-up at the section tournament. Just a sophomore, Dake is closing in on 75 wins and looks to be a force the next couple of seasons.

Ryan Palmer, Jr.,

LCWMA, 152

Palmer got third place in his third state tournament appearance after a 41-9 season, surpassing 100 career wins in his junior year. An LCWMA team captain, Palmer currently has 47 career pins and a 71% win percentage.

Noah Engel, Sr.,

NUA, 160

Engel was a key member of the Eagles in the mid-to-upper weights, taking home 26 wins. He was often bounced around the lineup to help the team out. New Ulm Area head coach Kevin Briggs said Engel is a great example of a kid making the most of an opportunity and why a kid should never quit. Engel’s versatility was a big piece in helping the Eagles set a school-record 25 wins and win the East Division conference title for the first time in 18 years.

Wyatt Pollard, Jr.,

NUA, 172

Pollard was another key wrestler for NUA in the mid-to-upper weights. He was consistent for Eagles all year with 35 wins, placing fifth in the Glencoe Invitational, eighth at the Redwood Riot, sixth in the Buffalo Invite, and second at the High Water Ethanol Invitational. Pollard is closing in on 75 career wins. New Ulm Area head coach Kevin Briggs said Pollard always works hard at the sport and is one of the more coachable kids in the room.

Zeke Olson, So.,

Wabasso, 189

Olson made the state tournament this year for the Rabbits at 189. He finished the season with a 34-7 record and 26 pins.

Nick Slater, Jr.,

LCWMA, 189

Taking second at the state individual tournament, Slater finished his second trip to state with a 47-6 record and is closing in on 100 career pins, currently sitting at 92. Slater boasts a 140-49 career record, good for a 74% win percentage.

Ethan Lieb, Sr.,

NUA, 215

Lieb, in his fourth season, put together a great senior campaign and was another big part of the Eagles’ success. Described as a first-class teammate, Lieb pulled out some huge wins at the 220-pound weight class. His come-from-behind win and pin, clinching the conference over St. Peter, will always be a great memory for New Ulm Area and head coach Kevin Briggs. Briggs called Lieb a great leader and mentor to a few of the younger kids in the room as well.

Honorable Mention

127 – Elijah Rieser, So., NUA (38-12)

127 – Mikale Goblirsch, Jr., Wabasso (35-9, 3rd at sections)

152 – Lane Ruch, Fr., NUA (30-19)

152 – Logan Lee, Jr., NUA (11-6, 95 career wins)

189 – Jamisen Fredericksen, Jr., NUA (25-17)

215 – Mitchell Streich, Sr., Springfield (19-14, 95 career wins)

EDITOR’S NOTE: Only area wrestlers nominated by coaches were eligible for All-Journal recognition. No nominations were received from Madelia/Truman.