K-M wrestlers third, Thomas wins state title

K-M High School wrestling success reached a new level last week at the state tournament held at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul. The team placed third, making this their best showing in school history, and freshman 103 pounder Nate Thomas became the sixth individual champion at K-M.

The success does not end here either. Junior Garret Garness was a takedown away from becoming the school's first two-time state winner. He placed second at 130 pounds.

Senior Casey Johnson placed third at heavyweight, freshmen Coltan Laganiere (125) and Broc Berge (189) took fourth and senior Jason Cirksena (140) won the final match of his high school wrestling career to get fifth place.

Senior Donovan Sullivan (119) and junior Tony Morrow (112) won first round matches, lost in the quarterfinals and then bounced back with wins in the consolation round.

Coach Paul Mann said he was proud of the entire team effort at the state tournament. He was especially pleased to see the team bounce back from a disappointing 31-17 loss to Foley in the semi's to thoroughly dominate Milaca/ Faith Christian and win 13 of 14 matches to score a 45-4 win for third place.

K-M was one of the few teams to finish the season with a win to make them 25-9 for the season.

Freshman Nate Thomas was all smiles as he stood atop the podium following his 3-2 win over Kyle Gilva of Simley for the title. Leading up to the state title he won matches 2-1, 5-3 and 3-0. With the championship win he finished the season with a 48-3 record.

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