ROCHESTER — The Chatfield High School wrestling team appeared to be on a mission Saturday at the Section 1, Class 1A individual wrestling tournament. Hot off their second consecutive section team title a week before, the Gophers wanted to prove this was one of the best teams in the history of Section 1-1A. ADVERTISEMENT After Saturday night, they certainly have a claim.
The Gophers matched a program-best set last year with nine individuals punching their ticket to state. To put it into context there are 26 total state qualifying spots available in each section — that means Chatfield grabbed over 33% of them. "Eleven guys in the semifinals, and what nine or 10 in the finals," senior Javier Berg said.
"These guys individually have their own goals and everybody in the room wants to be a champion. Everybody has that mentality. We were able to prove that in the first three weights and just proves the dominance of Chatfield as a team and the individuals that make up the team.
It really just shows off all the hard work and determination." Berg captured his fourth consecutive section title with a clinic in the final, winning by tech fall 17-0 in the third period to knock off No. 4 ranked and state placewinner Ryan LaCanne of Kenyon-Wanamingo.
The North Dakota State University commit was one of seven Gophers — Jameson Priebe (107), Logan Pearson (114), Alden Pearson (145), Carson Rowland (152), Ayden Miner (160) and Ben Carrier (172) to win a section title on Saturday. Kaisen Jo.
