The Record

SJU grapples with tough field

By: Anna Brackin

After an exciting wrestling weekend, the SJU wrestling team is hoping to finish the season off on top. So far the Johnnies are 10-7 overall with four meets left of the regular season.

The Johnnies hosted the North Country Open last weekend, which consisted of over 200 wrestlers from 17 schools. There were many top performances throughout the meet, but two individual performances stood out. Juniors Matt Baarson and Tony Willaert each posted 4-0 records to win their respective weight classes. Baarson and Willaert were not the only Johnnies to have impressive top performances. Others include senior Mogi Baatar, juniors John Vaith and Minga Batsukh and sophomores Chad Henle and Matt Pfarr.

The North Country Open is not the only accomplishment the Johnnies have had this season. They also have been noticed around the country for both team and individual performances. On Jan. 26, the Johnnies moved up to No. 9 in the latest Brute-Adidas National Wrestling Coaches’ Association (NWCA) Division III team ranking.

In addition to team rankings, four Johnnies ranked individually: junior Minga Batsukh, No. 2 at 141 pounds (5-1 record); senior Mogi Baatar, No. 5 at 133 pounds (15-5 record); sophomore Matt Pfarr, No. 6 at 174 pounds (11-5 record); and junior Matt Baarson, No. 10 at 165 pounds (15-2).

Brandon Novak is leading the Johnnies in his sixth season as head coach. So far this season, he has led the Johnnies to many victories. “He is really trying to get us prepared to send all 10 guys to the national tournament. He honestly believes that we can send all our guys and do well at nationals and potentially win the nationals championship,” Willaert said.

The Johnnies travel to the Wis.-Eau Claire Invitational next Saturday where they hope to add another win to their record.

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