MHS Wrestlers Win Final Dual – Head to Regions

The Bulldog wrestlers were victorious in their final dual of the year at Redfield on February 8. Milbank won 54-27. Josh Schmeichel, head coach for Milbank, said, “With the Redfield win, we finished our dual season at 11-4. I’m proud of all the hard work and effort the boys put in. We have come a long way from last year, when our record was 6-9.” Schmeichel said the Bulldogs ended the season in ninth place, which was just shy of making the top eight and qualifying for the state dual tournament.

The Bulldogs now head to the Region 3A meet this Saturday, February 17, in Pierre. Wrestlers will compete for an individual spot in the state tournament. The 2024 South Dakota State Wrestling Championships will be held February 22-24 at the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center in Sioux Falls.

Coach Schmeichel’s Recap of Milbank’s Results at Redfield:

106 Pounds– Evan Folk lost a close 3-1 match against a ranked Class B wrestler. Maddon Odland (REDF) over Evan Folk (MILB) (Dec 3-1).

113 Pounds – Kyle Schneck earned a pin in the first period. Kyle Schneck (MILB) over Caleb Nelson (REDF) (Fall 1:51).

120 Pounds – Andrew Karels stepped up last week and this week to record three varsity wins for the team, including the pin he got against Redfield. Andrew Karels (MILB) over Tate Neuharth (REDF) (Fall 1:49).

126 Pounds – Zack Karges started off the match tough, but ended up getting caught in the second period. Kasey Hermann (REDF) over Zack Karges (MILB) (Fall 2:56).

132 Pounds – Jacob Johnson had one of the better matches of the night. He got taken down and gave up three back points, before he turned things around and finished the first period 6-5. Jacob ended by getting a takedown in the third period and sticking his opponent – a ranked wrestler in Class B. Jacob Johnson (MILB) over Conner Zens (REDF) (Fall 4:43).

138 Pounds – Jayce Jonason pinned his opponent in the first period. Jayce Jonason (MILB) over Marken Cazeau (REDF) (Fall 1:01).

144 Pounds – Keaton Johnson started out in a low-scoring match until he stuck his opponent in the third period. Keaton Johnson (MILB) over Ayden Understock (REDF) (Fall 5:01).

150 Pounds – Joe French (MILB) won by Forfeit.

157 Pounds – Nollen Sheeley was wrestling at a disadvantage due to an elbow injury he suffered at Brookings, and he got caught in the second period. Collin Dean (REDF) over Nollen Sheeley (MILB) (Fall 2:53).

165 Pounds – Reese Rabe (MILB) won by Forfeit.

175 Pounds – Tate Schlueter (MILB) won by Forfeit.

190 Pounds – Jesse Schneck (MILB) won by Forfeit.

215 Pounds– Tanen Schmieg came out for wrestling a little late, but Hunter Reede’s spot was open at Redfield and Tanen jumped at the opportunity to wrestle despite being new and on the light end of 215. He battled hard. Camden Murray (REDF) over Tanen Schmieg (MILB) (Fall 1:05).

285 Pounds – Grady Fey (REDF) won by Forfeit.

Top Photo: Jayce Jonason