The wrestling meet was the focal point of the meeting, with Coon Rapids exhibiting remarkable performances across various weight classes. One of the standout moments came from Adrien Chang at 114 pounds, who, despite a scoreless opening, secured a victory for Coon Rapids with a decisive 4-1 win over Nate Okubo from Champlin Park. Chang’s win was part of a broader strategy by the Cardinals to capitalize on the depleted lineup of Champlin Park, who struggled with several open weight classes due to injuries.

The Cardinals’ ability to exploit these gaps was further evidenced in the 127-pound matchup. With Champlin Park’s top wrestler unavailable, Coon Rapids’ Brightenstein swiftly pinned his opponent in just 47 seconds. This rapid victory highlighted the depth of talent within the Cardinals’ roster, who continued to benefit from the absence of key Champlin Park wrestlers.

As the meet progressed, Matt Mayo of Champlin Park faced Benny Kelton from Coon Rapids in the 145-pound category. Mayo managed to secure a pin at 3:42 after a fierce contest. Despite Mayo’s efforts, the Cardinals’ lead was never in jeopardy, thanks in part to the impressive performance of Tristan Hardgrave at 152 pounds. Hardgrave’s agility and tactical prowess secured him a technical fall with a score of 18-3, extending Coon Rapids’ commanding lead to 34-9.

The Cardinals continued their dominance against Andover Huskies, with the competition commencing as Alex Jong quickly pinned his opponent within 53 seconds. This set a strong tone for the Cardinals, although the Huskies managed to fight back in subsequent matches. Hibler faced a challenging opponent in Hully, who executed effective counters to secure a pin at 2:43, giving the Huskies a temporary lead. Yet, the Cardinals remained resilient, as Jack Brightenstein swiftly reclaimed the lead with a 33-second pin.

A highlight of the event was the match between Aiden Hoversten of the Cardinals and Ethan Herzog from Andover, which saw Hoversten maintain composure and secure a decision victory with a 15-4 score. This match exemplified the tactical acumen of the Cardinals, who consistently adapted their strategies to counter Andover’s aggressive moves.

Despite initial setbacks, Skillings managed to turn the tide in his favor, achieving a critical pin that provided a much-needed boost for the Cardinals. The meet concluded with the acknowledgment of the dynamic competition and the anticipation of upcoming sporting events, such as girls’ hockey and boys’ basketball, which continue to engage the community.