An injury and some other misfortunes cost the Albert Lea Wrestling Club the championship in the 2003 Northland Youth Wrestling Association state tournament.

The squad was healthy, however, for the Minnesota-USA state tourney, and rolled to the dual-meet championship. It was the third consecutive year Albert Lea took the title.

The locals opened by dominating New Prague 60-9. They beat Jackson 48-17 in the semifinals and topped Adrian 42-28 in the championship round.

Members of the first-place dual-meet team were, by weight, Lucas Hansen, 55 pounds; Trey Hable, 60; Brandon Ranum, 70; Dalton Westerlund, 75; Carter Kortan, 87; Connor Kortan, 103; Brody Larson, 65; Kyle Kriewall, 70; Adam Clark, 75; Cody Hansen, 80; Logan Kortan, 85; Matt Tiegs, 95; Eric Espe, 105; Ethan Reed, 120; and Nick Flores, heavyweight. Alternates were Tylor Nelson, 55; and Zach Koziolek, 70.

The locals also excelled in the individual portion of the tournament, with eight state champions and 20 total placewinners.

State champs included Tristan Westerlund, Trey Hable, Cory Hansen, Carter Kortan, Logan Kortan, Connor Kortan, Beau Hansen and Zach McGinnis. Taking second were Nick Krommionga, Lucas Hansen, Scott Paul Nolan, Tiegs, Cody Hansen, Logan Hansen, Isaac Johnson and Darrin Honeycutt. Placing third were Dalton Westerlund, Brandon Reyerson and Nick Stadheim. Flores finished sixth.

The wrestlers were coached by Jack Kortan, Jon Hansen and Layne Hable.