Champions don’t see their dreams in their sleep, for it is the dream,  that keeps them awake!

In November of 1985, a group of young men from Coon Rapids embarked on the start of their wrestling season.  Strengthened by the work they put in over the previous months, this team of Cardinals finished the season by competing at the 1986 Minnesota State Wrestling tournament finishing in 6th place.  This team achieved their goal because they improved from the beginning to the end of the year.  Now in 2007, there is a new generation ofCardinals wrestlers who will be called upon to lead Coon Rapids in the 2007-2008 season. This team will need to learn from the 1986 team and improve as well. With a new crop of talented wrestlers, this looks to be a very exciting year.

Last year the Cardinal Wrestling team finished the season with a record of 19-4 and fulfilled an early season goal of having every starting wrestler in the lineup with at least a .500 record; that was the first time that has happened in the last 13 years. In past years the Cards have put some very solid teams on the mat and with the 2007-2008 season fast approaching the coaching staff has high hopes that this season could be one of the Cardinals finest! The Cards will put a very experienced lineup on the mat which will give opposing coaches a difficult time with match-ups.

In the 2007-2008 season we will return 13 starters; and eight of those starters had at least 18 victories last year. The goal for many wrestlers is to earn a spot in the  “Big Show”. The Cardinals will have five returning State Tournament entrants in the lineup giving them a core of very experienced and hungry wrestlers hoping to return to the Xcel Center in St. Paul at the end of the season.

The Cardinals five returning state entrants are Chad Mack, , Captain and “All State” Carter Adams, Captain Mike Cullen, Captain and ‘All State Finalist” Shamus O’Grady and Captain Jason Engstrom. Throw in the Junior and Cadet National Championship experience from Fargo this past summer and Erik Berdahl(5th Sections 2007), Nick Creamier(4th Sections 2007), Mike Murphy(3rd Sections 2007), and Jamarii Tucker(18 wins 2007) could very well add their names to that list of “All State” Wrestlers!

Speaking of “All State” wrestlers, there are a few seniors on this year’s roster that will be expected to guide the Cards all year long. Seniors Scotty Gorham(15-9 in 2007), Robbie Neisen(4th Sections 2007), Nick Anderson(29-1 JV in 2007), and Andy Anderson(20 wins JV in 2007) are not to be overlooked by anyone! These guys have been in the room for four years and know what it takes to win. Add the veteran impact wrestlers like Kyle Anderson(4th Sections 2007) Chris Anderson(5th Sections 2007) Kahron Nix, and Ryan Sweezer and the Cards have one of the most competitive lineups in recent memory!

The Cards will solidify the Varsity roster this year with a few more seasoned wrestlers who will play a very key part to the success of the Cards. Derek Bennington, Markeyz Graham, Jason Harbinson, Jimmy Hauser, Joe Johnson, Rich Miller, Richard Schwantes, Colton Adams, Ben Armstrong, Dan Coughlin, Andy Danielson, Jake Emerfoell, Patrick Freese, Brandon Grahn, Matt Julkowski, Brandon Peterson, Doug Pouliot, Kyle Rogers, Jason Schafer, Luke Stoker, Tyler Williams could all  see action on the Varsity.

The Cardinal wrestlers will face challenges unlike most other sports. Our wrestlers are known as the hardest working athletes in the school not to mention the added challenges of work in the classroom, making weight, staying in top physical condition and toeing the line in the center of the ring against the best of the best each week.  Our wrestlers face these challenges head on and will be ready to take on the competition.

As in years past, the Cards will have a difficult schedule, but as the old saying goes, “iron sharpens iron!” This year’s Cardinal team will also face the challenge of winning that elusive Section 7AAA championship and representing their community at the State Championships. This year’s schedule also includes the Hastings Tournament, the Christmas Tournament, the Rumble on the Red- (which has been moved to the Fargo Dome due to the expansion to 50 teams) and wrestling teams like #1 rated Apple Valley which has been added as a Friday night dual at Coon Rapids.

Champions don’t see their dreams in their sleep, for it is the dream, that keeps them awake! The Coon Rapids Cardinals have the talent, they have the desire, they have the dream!