Owatonna’s Moen Wins Second Wrestling Title; Robb and King Finish Second

Owatonna senior Brandon Moen (34-0) had a dominant weekend at the state wrestling tournament, winning his second straight state title.

The future Eastern Michigan University wrestler went a combined 7-0 between team and individual competition, with five pins. Four of those falls came in the first minute, including the state championship match. His other victories were a major decision and a tech fall.

Moen's state-clinching win came over Trey Rogers of Hastings, who he also beat during a regular-season dual. Moen's victory came on a pin at :46. He is a six-time state tournament participant and five-time place-winner. He becomes the fourth wrestler in Owatonna history to capture two state titles. Bob Henry won titles in 1961 and 1962. Derek Johnson won in 1999 and 2000.

Junior Peyton Robb (36-1) also won back-to-back titles in 2015 and 2016 and wrestled for his third straight on Saturday but lost in the 145-pound finals 5-4 on a late take down by friend, and future teammate at South Dakota State, Alex Lloyd of Shakopee. Robb had beaten Lloyd during the Christmas tournament in Rochester. Each wrestler ended the season with one loss.

Huskies sophomore Cade King (40-4) lost to top-rated Alex Crowe of Shakopee in the 152-pound championship bout 6-4. King placed third at state as an eighth-grader.

Four other OHS wrestlers competed in the individual tournament, including seniors Griffin Thorn (36-12) and Goy Tut (27-10), eighth-grader Kaden Nelson (28-15), and seventh-grader Landen Johnson (27-9). Owatonna captured the consolation title in the team tournament. Moen, Robb and King were named to the All-Tournament team.

The Westfield Razorbacks, Blooming Prairie-Hayfield co-op made its tournament debut with two state place-winners among five entrants. Junior Mitchell Oswald (29-4) took third place with an overtime victory. Freshman Colton Krell (32-6) finished fourth. Other Razorbacks included senior Trey Chatman (28-6) and juniors Ethan Arett (27-6) and Morgen Moreno (32-4). Medford freshman Willie VonRuden (27-8) was making his second straight appearance at state.

Faribault had two place-winners, with Austin Rendler taking second and Felipe Ramirez earning fifth. Mankato West's Charlie Pickell won his second state title. Albert Lea's Zach Glazier finished second. Kasson-Mantorville had four state titlists, led by Brady Berge, who won his fourth championship. Keaton Schorr, Patrick Kennedy and Noah Ryan all stood atop the podium as well. Kenyon-Wanamingo had two champs with Jeron Matson and Tyler Ryan.