The Raiders finished their season in Rapid City at the South Dakota Class B state wrestling tournament on Friday February 24. We brought four guys to the state tournament and brought home ninth place as a team. The four guys we brought to the tournament were Karstyn Lhotak (120), Jhett Breen (138), Gannon Knebel (160) and Tim Bouza (220) who all placed top eight as individuals.

Karstyn Lhotak was crowned champion at the 120lb weight class over competitor Gavin Braun of KWLPG earning his first state title as a junior. This championship match was a rematch from the previous years state championship match at the 106lb weight class. Karstyn also wrestled Braun twice this season prior to the state tournament and has defeated him both times. Karstyn finished his season 48-3. Giving up fewer than 10 takedowns all year and none at the state tournament, there is no doubt Karstyn both earned and deserved his first state title.

Jhett Breen received third place after losing a hard-fought battle in the semi-final round. Jhett was able to fight back and win two straight matches and bring home third place, finishing his season with a 45-4 record. As a junior, Jhett has one second place finish and two third place finishes at the state tournament.

Gannon Knebel, the youngest of the four competing at the state tournament, a freshman, capped his season off at seventh place and a 39-14 record. This was Gannon’s first time at the state tournament and no one could have guessed it by the composure and focus he kept throughout the week. Gannon has been an asset to our team this season and will continue that for years to come.

Tim Bouza, a junior, finished his season with a 38-9 record and a seventh place finish. This is Tim’s second state appearance and first time placing. Tim wrestled with a ton of grit all season long and especially in the state tournament. Tim has made huge improvements year over year and I look forward to seeing what he is capable of next season.

The Raiders graduate two seniors this season Tex Langduex and Demetrius Jackson, and we are glad they joined us for the season!

Next year the weight classes are updating, and they will be as followed: 106, 113, 120, 126, 132, 138, 144, 150, 157, 165, 175, 190, 215, 285. The Class B state preseason rankings have also been released placing the Wagner Raiders at 6th place as a team. We are looking forward to next year with a great group of guys.