Thousands of eyes watched as six pairs of combatants, in any given moment, dueled eye to eye, toe to toe and head to head on mats on the Xcel Energy Center floor, hoping to have their arm raised as a victor at the state wrestling individual championships. Being the best, even for a few years running, could be moot on this day, when sheer will could overcome skill and flip an opponent — along with any title-match script.
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More From Star Tribune
More From Sports
High Schools
Hamline Elite Meet, already in rare air, presents co-ed look for track
A mixed-gender relay, unavailable elsewhere in Minnesota, is back for the third time, and participation will be nearly tripled from where it started.
Sports
Bevy of defensive playmakers are available in Round 2 of the NFL draft after historic offensive run
The unprecedented run on quarterbacks, wide receivers and pass protectors in the NFL draft 's opening round pushed plenty of studly defenders down the board and allowed some of the top teams to select players who normally wouldn't fall to them.
Twins
Twins bring momentum on road despite Angels Stadium struggles
The Twins haven't won a series at Angels Stadium in five years, but the Angels have won just once in their last seven games.
Vikings
Neal: McCarthy mania sweeps through Vikings draft party
There was jeering, booing and yelping at U.S. Bank Stadium, where thousands of fans gathered for a Vikings draft party. And then J.J. McCarthy was picked and the mood changed.
Wolves
Pretty much a must-win Game 3 for Suns as series moves to Phoenix
If the Wolves win tonight, Phoenix will face a challenge that no team has ever met in a best-of-seven NBA playoff series.