Andes Central qualified 11 AAU Wrestlers to the AAU State Wrestling Tournament that was held March 15th-17th in Rapid City at The Monument. Out of the 11 wrestlers, eight of them brought home medals. The 11 students who qualified for the AAU State Wrestling tournament were Samuel Ulrich, Kruze Kaczor, Waylon O’Connor, Kharis Dion, Brynlee Kaczor, JorDee Hjelm, Suttyn Bergin, Keelan Bergin, Watson Bergin, Steven Nielsen and Tessa Nielsen. A big thank you to the dedicated coaches who volunteered their time to teach the Andes Central youth wrestlers. These coaches were Rick Bergin, Rod Bergin, and Danny Hjelm. Wrestlers that placed were Samuel Ulrich, 5th place; Kharis Dion, State Champion; Brynlee Kaczor, 3rd place; JorDee Hjelm, State Champion; Suttyn Bergin, 2nd place; Keelan Bergin, 7th place; Steven Nielsen, 6th place; and Tessa Nielsen, 2nd place. Out of the eight youth wrestlers that placed, there were two who took home state championship titles. Kharis Dion and JorDee Hjelm both earned state championship titles at the State AAU Wrestling Tournament.

Kharis Dion

Kharis Dion is the son of Kassandra Traversie and Neulan Dion III. He is a second grader who wrestled in the Bantam division at heavyweight. Kharis started wrestling when he was five years old in the tot’s division and is currently eight years old. Kharis also won his tot’s heavyweight division in his first-year wrestling at the AAU state tournament. He started wrestling because he wanted to try out wrestling with his brother, Kellin. Kharis’s favorite wrestling moves are the single leg and power half. When asked what Kharis enjoys about wrestling, he said that he likes to make new friends and getting to spend time with his teammates.

The best part about wrestling in the AAU state tournament for Kharis was that everyone was encouraging each other and cheering each other on. Kharis felt very happy when he won his division state championship title. He could not believe how big the arena was and how full of wrestlers, coaches, family and friends it was. Kharis was very thankful to have his parents, brother, grandparents, uncle, cousin and God there with him at the state tournament.

Kharis would encourage anyone interested in AAU wrestling to give it a try. One thing that he or she would gain would be to be a part of the amazing Andes Central wrestling family. Kharis would love to help others learn moves and learn how to wrestle. Kharis knows that it can be kind of scary at first, but also knows that once someone tries it they will get used to it and like it. Kharis will definitely be out again for AAU wrestling at Andes Central. He will be wrestling in the midget’s division. He is already excited about next season and cannot wait to start practicing.

JorDee Hjelm

JorDee Hjelm is the daughter of Danny Hjelm and Katie Swatek. She is a preschooler that wrestled in the girl’s tot’s heavyweight division. JorDee has been wrestling since she was four years old. She decided to first join wrestling because her big brother was a part of AAU wrestling. Jordee’s favorite wrestling move is the chin whip and her favorite part of wrestling is when she wins her matches.

JorDee’s favorite part of the state wrestling tournament was when she got to participate and walk through the parade. When asked how she felt standing on top of the winner’s podium as a state AAU champion, JorDee said she felt happy. One thing that JorDee would tell other wrestlers and kids thinking about joining AAU wrestling would be that it is ok if you do not always win. JorDee will be back wrestling for the 2024-2025 AAU wrestling season and hopes to see more kids out to enjoy wrestling like she does.

Congratulations to all the Andes Central AAU wrestlers on a great season and representing the school so well at the AAU state tournament. Thank you to all the coaches, parents, volunteers and community for making this such a successful season.