The Mound Westonka White Hawks wrestling team hosted the Section 2AA individual wrestling championships Feb. 21 and 22.  The White Hawks had six section placewinners and advanced four to state, as senior Cole Munsterteiger and sophomore Deacon Ramthun placed second, and juniors Cooper Rowe and Phillip Pisarchuk won section championships. “It is a tough section, so to place six and be sending four to state is quite an accomplishment,” said head coach Todd Munsterteiger. 

After a first-round pin, Ramthun lost in the semifinals but battled his way back for a true second match, where avenged two regular season losses with a 7-1 victory over his Scott West opponent. Cole Munsterteiger earned a pin and 15-0 technical fall in the semifinals but fell 6-1 in the finals.  He also secured a spot in the state tourney by virtue of a top two finish. Rowe cruised to the championship with two pins and a 19-4 technical in the finals, while Phillip Pisarchuk earned a pin and two narrow 4-3 and 3-2 decisions en route to a first-place finish.

Senior Al Zuniga-Lopez went 3-2 for a fifth-place finish, sophomore Brady Kirkpatrick went 2-2 and finished fourth, while sophomore Levi Hays also went 2-2 but just missed a spot on the podium. “We had a great section tournament overall, and have a lot coming back next season, which is very exciting,” said assistant coach Eric Rodelius.

The state entrants will compete on Friday, Feb. 28, at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul. First-round action will begin at approximately noon. Visit the MSHSL website to learn more.