Legred takes second to end high school career

Published 9:52 pm Saturday, March 2, 2019

By Tyler Julson

ST. PAUL — United South Central senior Blake Legred came into Saturday morning with a shot to make school history, becoming the first United South Central athlete to win multiple state championships in any sport.

A close decision win in the championship semifinals propelled him into the 138-pound title match, where he squared up with No. 1 Mark Buringa of St. Charles.

In the final, both wrestlers came away with a couple close takedowns in the first period, but neither was able to take the other all the way to the mat. Starting the second period in a 0-0 tie, Legred recorded a takedown early to take a 2-0 lead, however, Buringa scored a reversal shortly after to tie the match back at 2-2.

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Buringa started the third period in the bottom position, where he escaped early on. Down 3-2, Legred took a shot near the edge of the mat. In a 50/50 call by the referee, Legred was not awarded the takedown and the match was reset at the center of the mat. The rest of Legred’s takedown attempts came up just short, and he fell by just one point in a 3-2 decision to take second place at 138 pounds.

“Blake came in with the goal of becoming one of the best athletes from USC to walk through those doors,” said head coach Robert Routh. “It’s unfortunate that we came out on the wrong end of a 50/50 call, but that’s the competition aspect. With it being that close, it’s tough and we obviously wanted a win.

“He started out as a young kid that was long and had decent technique on top. He’s grown over the years, progressed on his feet and got even better on top. His best position is on top and unfortunately we weren’t able to win there tonight.”

Legred ends his senior season as one of the most decorated athletes in United South Central history. He has one state title and two runner-up finishes in the state tournament on top of his 41-5 season record.

About Tyler Julson

Tyler Julson covers sports for the Albert Lea Tribune.

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