MARK HALL
Apple Valley • Wrestling
Taking the mat for his Class 3A 170-pound championship match, Hall, a sophomore, had on a singlet that never before had been worn in competition. Shimmering white with an explosion of Apple Valley brown and streaks of gold, it was the wrestling equivalent of a University of Oregon football uniform.
"It's a prototype," Hall said. "We were supposed to all get them, but we only have one."
Fitting, because there's only one Mark Hall. A once-in-a-lifetime blend of strength, speed, balance and agility, with a work ethic and single-mindedness to match, Hall won his fourth state championship Saturday, completing his second consecutive undefeated season. If he continues to win at this rate, he will become the first six-time champion in state history.
"This one was pretty special," he said. "I usually don't get nervous, but this means a lot more than I thought it would."
While Hall is the epitome of calm on the mat, he did admit that there is one thing that he fears more than any opponent.
"Tests. I really get nervous before a test," he said. "I have to listen to the same music to get ready for a test that I do for a match."
COLTER ALLEN
Fridley • Swimming
The versatile senior, who will swim for the University of Iowa, won his first two state titles at the Class 1A meet, taking first place in the 200 individual medley and the 100 butterfly, pacing the Tigers to a fifth-place finish.
TANNER ALMS
Red Wing • Swimming
The senior distance specialist completed his career with five individual state championships, winning the 200 freestyle and 500 freestyle at the Class 1A meet. It was his fourth consecutive victory in the 500.
