It's no surprise that Apple Valley captured the championship Saturday night at The Clash national wrestling duals in Rochester. But Simley's second-place finish surely opened some eyes about the dominance of Minnesota high school wrestling.
Apple Valley went 3-0 in Saturday's matches, defeating Simley 32-20, Wisconsin Rapids 45-12 and Montini Catholic (Ill.) 40-16 in the title bracket. Simley beat Montini Catholic 29-26 and fell to Wisconsin Rapids 29-27. Simley, Montini and Wisconsin Rapids all finished 1-2 Saturday, so the placings came down to the tiebreakers established at The Clash.
According to The Clash website, the order after Apple Valley was Simley, Montini and Wisconsin Rapids.
Now all eyes will turn to Feb. 12, when Simley and Apple Valley go head to head again at Apple Valley.
Other finishes for Minnesota teams as follows...
8. Kasson-Mantorville
9. St. Michael-Albertville
11. Plainvview-Elgin-Millville
