Albert Lea’s youth wrestling team wrapped up the 2004-05 season in a familiar position: On top.

The locals captured the NYWA Class A state championship last weekend. It was their fifth finals appearance and third state title in the last six years.

&uot;After a disappointing fourth-place finish last year, the boys regrouped and worked hard all season long for this state title,&uot; said coach Jon Hansen.

The team went 23-0 in the regular season, winning several open team tournaments including the AAU state team tournament in February and the NYWA Region 2 and state tournaments in March.

According to Coach Hansen, the team lived up to the Albert Lea wrestling motto of, &uot;Never Give Up,&uot; while overcoming some unexpected challenges.

&uot;We had some setbacks, with an injury to one wrestler and another having to miss regions and state due to a new family member being born,&uot; said Hansen. &uot;They always found a way to win, whether it was the light weights getting a lead or the middle and top weights coming from behind. They just refused to lose.&uot;

After opening with a 60-10 victory over Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunberg, the locals defeated Kasson-Mantorville 52-15 and, in a tough semifinal dual, topped New London-Spicer 38-27. Albert Lea beat Adrian 39-28 for the championship, the locals’ fourth win over Adrian this season.

The lineup, by weight: Israel Villarreal, 45 pounds; Garrett Aldrich, 50; Dakota Wangsness, 55; Garrett Wangsness, 60; Tylor Nelson, 65; Derek Olson, 70; Cory Hansen, 75; Trey Hable, 80; Dalton Westerlund, 84; Zack Koziolek, 88; Trevor Friday, 93; Carter Kortan, 102; Connor Kortan, 115; Levi Garner, 130; and Alex Nielsen, heavyweight. Alternates: Lucas Hansen, 80; Wyeth Anderson, 75; Tristan Westerlund, 75; Kyle Kriewall, 80; Brandon Ranum, 80; and Preston Westerlund, 102.

Joining Hansen as coaches were Layne Hable, Brian Westerlund, Ramon Villarreal and Johnny Houg.