With 21 state team titles and two national titles to its name, Apple Valley wrestling has come to be synonymous with winning.
"But you always worry if they'll get complacent," coach Dalen Wasmund said.
Fortunately for Apple Valley — and unfortunately for its competitors — this year's squad contains a strong senior class and an overall veteran-heavy crew to lead the way toward a shot at state crown No. 22.
"To have kids that have been there and done that is always helpful," Wasmund said. "This year, we have plenty of kids that have done that. There's good leadership here. They're strong workers and they help everyone fall in line."
Wasmund is in his second year as head coach of the Eagles after replacing legend Jim Jackson, who registered a 619-26-3 overall mark with the program. Wasmund, a two-time state champion from Worthington High School, served as an assistant at Apple Valley for eight years until taking the head coaching job at Eagan in 1990. After 10 years at Eagan, he returned to Apple Valley as an assistant. He was named the 2011 National High School Assistant Wrestling Coach of the Year.
In his first year at Apple Valley, the Eagles wrestled St. Michael-Albertville to a tie at Xcel Energy Center last March, earning both programs the honor of co-champion. Apple Valley claimed seven individual state championships that weekend.
"I thought it was a great battle," Wasmund said. "It was fun and exciting. We're just hoping to get back there again and prove that we're up to the task."
The Eagles, who battled through some key injuries last year, are coping with injuries again. But they hope things won't be as bad. The Eagles flexed their muscle against No. 2-ranked Prior Lake with a 57-9 victory on Dec. 6.
