The Mound Westonka White Hawks wrestling squad traveled to Irondale High School on Jan. 25 for a six-team dual meet tournament and went 4-0 to claim the championship. 

In the first round, the White Hawks defeated Irondale, 54-12, then blanked Tartan (48-0) and Benilde-St. Margaret’s (56-0), setting the stage for a championship match with Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City, who were also 3-0 on the evening. The White Hawks came out strong with pins from freshman Deacon Ramthun and eighth grader Brady Kirkpatrick, a decision from freshman Levi Hays, and another pin from junior Cole Munsterteiger. The White Hawks also picked up technical falls from senior Jack Nelson and sophomore Cooper Rowe, but ACGC rallied and took a 36-31 lead going into the heavyweight match. Junior John Seemann needed to pin his opponent to secure a White Hawks victory, and he did just that for a dramatic 37-36 win. 

“It was a fun night and a big win over a quality program," said head coach Todd Munsterteiger. "The guys are really coming together and wrestling like a team."

Nelson also hit a major milestone, notching his 175th career victory, and is closing in on second place all-time in Mound Westonka history.

The White Hawks competed in the Orono Invitational on Jan. 27, placing seventh in a 16-team field. “There were some tough teams there, and with a few guys out of the line-up, it was a respectable finish,” said assistant coach Eric Rodelius. Placing for the White Hawks were: Seemann, fifth place; Rowe, third place; Munsterteiger, second place; and Nelson, first place.  

The freshman squad competed in the 9th Grade League regional tourney in Hutchinson on Jan. 27. Ramthun placed second, earning his way to the 9th Grade League state tourney in Champlin Park on Saturday, Feb. 3. Also placing for the White Hawks were Hays in fifth place and Kirkpatrick in third place. 

“We had a great tournament, winning a lot of matches and getting Deacon to state," said freshman coach John Wardlow. "He is wrestling well, and I’m excited about his chances there."

The White Hawks will resume action this Thursday, Feb. 3, when they host Rockford and Foley in a triangular meet. Start time is 5 p.m.