The Mound Westonka White Hawks wrestling team will look to build on last year’s solid state tournament finish and reach their team goals. Individually, the White Hawks sent three wrestlers to state, coming out with three state placewinners and two state finalists, which included Cooper Rowe’s first state championship.
“We had some great accomplishments last season, and we are hoping to build on the team aspect this season,” said head coach Todd Munsterteiger. “We are coming off a final-four finish in our section, and are looking to take the next step with an experienced group of wrestlers returning."
The White Hawks are led by seniors Cole Munsterteiger, John Seemann, Al Zuniga-Lopez, Angelo Lopez, and newcomer Erik Harstad. Munsterteiger is looking to climb further up the podium at state after placing the past two years, while fellow senior John Seemann will work to improve on his 36 win season and vie for a spot in the state tournament. Zuniga-Lopez and Lopez will look to anchor down important weights in the lineup. Returning state champion Cooper Rowe leads a solid junior class, along with Mason Merritt and Phil Pisarchuk, who are both looking to improve on their success from last season. Gabe Brown and Daniel Wechter look to add depth in the middle of the White Hawks lineup. Sophomores Deacon Ramthun and Levi Hays, and freshmen Brady Kirkpatrick and Charlie Ogle will look to become a solid core in the bottom of the White Hawks lineup.
“This is the most experienced group we’ve had in some time, and I’m excited to see how the team looks come late February,” said assistant coach Eric Rodelius.
With Thanksgiving coming later than usual this year, the White Hawk wrestlers have had ample opportunities to hone their skills in the practice room. “Having almost two and a half weeks of practice before we compete has provided the team plenty of opportunities to get better, and they have taken full advantage of that,” said assistant coach Eric Hensel.
The White Hawks will finally hit the mats on December 4th as they head to Chanhassen High School for a quadrangular meet which includes “The Battle for the Bakke Bobblehead” versus rival Chaska-Chanhassen. First round action begins at 5 p.m.
