ST. PAUL — United South Central’s Derek Herman came away with second place in the state wrestling tournament.

Herman, a senior, lost a 16-8 major decision to Dover-Eyota’s Michael Otomo Saturday during the Class A finals at Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul.

“It’s kind of bittersweet,” said USC coach Robert Routh. “We’ve really been wrestling extremely well. It’s been a rewarding experience to watch him come through.”

At 170 pounds, Herman pinned Kenyon-Wanamingo’s Ted Androli in just 28 seconds earlier during Saturday’s semifinals to advance to the championship match. On Friday, during the first day of the individual tournament, Herman won a 7-4 decision over Zumbrota’s Devin Manzy, before dominating Bertha-Hewitt’s Ethan Kimber in a 13-4 major decision during the quarterfinals.

Fellow senior Rebel Adam Knutson placed sixth at 145 in the tournament. After winning his consolation quarterfinal on Friday, he continued into the consolation bracket on Saturday. Knutson won his first round in the consolation bracket with a 4-0 decision over Adrian’s Logan Rogers, then lost an 8-6 decision to St. Charles’ Lane Heim, sending him to the fifth-place match. Knutson then dropped a 1-0 decision to Benson’s Grant Ascheman.

“(Knutson) wrestled his best tournament all year,” Routh said. “He just really wrestled well all weekend.”

On Friday, Knutson won his first bout with a 4-3 decision over Goodhue’s Kaleb O’Reilly, but lost in the quarterfinals to Tom Tellers of  UNC in an 8-3 decision. Knutson set the stage to battle back through wrestlebacks with a 5-3 decision over Eden Valley-Watkins’ Tyler Dockendorf in the consolation bracket.

“We had a fantastic tournament,” Routh said. “I think they should be proud.”

 

United South Central in Class A state wrestling tournament

145—Adam Knutson, 3-3, sixth place

170—Derek Herman, 3-1, second place