The Albert Lea Freestyle Wrestling Club finished the 2001 season in fine style.

Thursday, October 25, 2001

The Albert Lea Freestyle Wrestling Club finished the 2001 season in fine style.

After sending 13 individuals to the greco-roman state tournament, the locals had 13 of 16 wrestlers place in the state freestyle tourney. Then five club members helped Minnesota dominate an interstate competition, in which Albert Lea’s Jon Hansen and Jack Kortan were selected as coaches.

It started with the greco-roman state tourney at Champlin Park High School.

Lucas Hansen, Cory Hansen, Connor Kortan, Carter Kortan and Logan Kortan won state championships. Runners-up were Zach Hansen, Nick Flores and Beau Hansen. Cody Hansen and Josh Hansen were third, Trey Hable and Tyler Tews fourth. Alex Paul placed sixth.

Four club members earned championships in the state freestyle tourney: Cory Hansen, Carter Kortan, Connor Kortan and Cody Hansen.

Other places: second – Matt Tiegs, Josh Hansen, Beau Hansen; third – Mike Honeycutt, Nick Flores, Lucas Hansen, Logan Kortan; fourth – Brandon Reyerson, Zach Hansen.

Also competing but not placing were Alex Paul, Nate Goodnature and Jacob Cibert.

The coaching staff was extremely satisfied with the results against wrestlers from strong freestyle-oriented clubs. These clubs are located mainly in the metro area, where they are able to utilize a very experienced and knowledgeable coaching staff at the college level. The coaches were very pleased to see the hard work and dedication of the Albert Lea wrestlers pay off at this level of competition.

Placing first or second in the state tournaments qualified Zach Hansen, Beau Hansen, Nick Flores, Logan Kortan and Cody Hansen for the Minnesota/Wisconsin All-Star Duals. There were four teams from each state competing in freestyle and greco-roman and Minnesota dominated, winning 15 of 16 dual meets.

Jon Hansen and Jack Kortan were chosen to coach one of the elite all-star squads. The Albert Lea wrestlers also contributed to the victories, combining to win 13 of their 20 matches.