The Mound Westonka White Hawks had four wrestlers compete at the Minnesota State High School League Championships March 4 and 5 at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul. The White Hawks came home with three medals for an overall sixth-place finish in the individual Class AA standings. 

“We had an outstanding state tournament and wrestled really well," said head coach Todd Munsterteiger. "I couldn’t have been more proud of the way we competed." 

MWHS freshman Cole Munsterteiger lost his first-round match 8-1 in the preliminaries and did not receive a second match in the wrestle backs. Junior Sam Dioszeghy pinned his first-round opponent, before losing a 7-5 decision in the quarterfinals.  Dioszeghy battled back in the consolation bracket with 6-2 and 5-4 decisions to earn a spot in the third-place match. Dioszeghy lost that bout, 10-4, but earned a fourth-place finish in his first trip to the state tourney.

Eighth-grader Cooper Rowe cruised to the semifinals with a 16-0 technical fall and a 7-0 decision, but then lost a tough 8-5 decision.  Rowe bounced back with a 6-2 decision in the wrestlebacks and a 2-0 decision for a third-place finish. It was also Rowe’s first trip to state and the highest state finish for an eighth-grader in Mound Westonka history.

Sophomore Jack Nelson pinned his first-round opponent and earned a workman-like 16-6 major decision in the quarterfinals.  Nelson battled through a tough semifinal match with a 4-1 decision, setting the stage for a rematch of last year’s title match with Scott West’s Matt Randolph. Nelson defeated Randolph to earn his first state title last season but had dropped both matches to Randolph this year, including an overtime loss in the section finals. It was all the motivation Nelson needed, as he secured a first-period takedown for an eventual 2-1 victory and his second consecutive state championship.

“With four underclassmen competing, we are already excited for next year," said assistant coach Eric Rodelius. "Cole had a tough draw but got some great experience, Sam and Cooper both placed in the top four, and Jack showed that he is pound for pound, one of the top wrestlers in the state."

The White Hawks wrestling squad will celebrate an incredible season with their annual banquet on Tuesday, March 15 at the Mound American Legion.