FARGO, N.D. — Rumble on the Red is one of the most prestigious high school wrestling tournaments in the country. Held at the FargoDome, this year’s event solidified its reputation by hosting over 70 boys wrestling teams and 65 girls teams on Thursday and Friday, showcasing the competitive spirit and talent prevalent across various schools.
The Bemidji girls team emerged as one of the higher-ranking regional competitors, finishing eighth with 125.5 points, outperforming all other Minnesota programs. Meanwhile, the boys team claimed 12th place with 83 points, showcasing their potential against tough competition. A number of Lumberjacks wrestlers took notable spots within their individual brackets, setting the stage for future athletic success.
Kiera Hagman-Nyagaka illustrated her tenacity on the mat by securing fourth place at 118 pounds, boasting a commendable record of 5-2. After triumphantly winning her first four matches, she was eventually sent to the consolation bracket. Facing Pembina County North’s Dannika Bennett for the third place match, she fell with her valiant effort ending prematurely due to fall. Similarly, at 106 pounds, Taylor Merschman also took home fourth place after some intense bouts. After being defeated during the championship bracket quarterfinals, Merschman went on to secure her spot by conquering the consolation bracket until losing to Minot’s Monica Boakye by sudden victory during the third-place match.
On the boys' side, Nick Strand matched the top finish of any Lumberjack, taking fourth place at 145 pounds. His competition was fierce; he started strong with three wins before facing Willmar’s Cavin Carlson, who edged him out with a 6-2 decision. Alec Newby also showcased resilience at 160 pounds, finishing fifth after battling to overcome earlier setbacks. Bringing home more recognition, Nehemia Schwinghammer claimed seventh place at heavyweight, proving he too could make waves during the tournament.
The culmination of Rumble on the Red highlighted local champions including Kayleb Kosen and Roy Rude from Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton who emerged victorious and the Spuds’ Billy Ward. Kosen, competing at 107 pounds, earned his championship with a nail-biting 10-7 decision over Bismarck senior Coltan Ireland. Not too far behind, teammate Rude followed suit, clinching the heavyweight title with a convincing 9-3 decision against Creighton Prep’s Roberto Macias-Sidzyik. The thrill didn’t stop there; the Spuds’ Ward made waves at 215 pounds, earning glory after pinning Mounds View’s Ethan Swenson, continuing to showcase Minnesota’s hard-hitting wrestling culture.
The event didn’t solely center around champions; notable performances echoed through the ranks, with plenty of local placewinners making their mark across the challenges of the mats. Highlighting individual accomplishments, Griffin Magee of West Fargo Sheyenne returned home with third place at 107 pounds, securing his win against BOLD High School’s Edgar Kopel via 15-0 technical fall. Dakota's athletes shared the spotlight alongside Fargo Davies’ Wyatt Kosidowski, who faced unfortunate circumstances, being forced to withdraw mid-match due to injury, settling for second place at 172 pounds.
Reflecting on the tournament saw not just individual achievements but also the emergence of local champions like Jamestown’s Kaydence Golding winning the 124-pound finals. Meanwhile, Valley City’s Mylee Christianson and Grand Forks’ Emily Novak both captivated audiences, reaching the podium and demonstrating the depth of talent present among competing schools. Golding pulled off her own standout performance, defeating Pine Island’s Lauren Elsmore with authority, securing victory via fall at 3:20.
Adding to the impressive accomplishments, state powerhouse Bismarck Legacy led the girls’ division with 197 points, reaffirming their dominance. Conversely, Creighton Prep topped the boys' side with 193 points, edging out Mounds View with just half a point separating them, showcasing the intensity of competition throughout the two-day affair.
More than just numbers, the Rumble on the Red encapsulated heart and tenacity. Drawing over 60 teams from six states, the Rumble encapsulated high school athletics' spirit and promise. The tournament’s final day will see youth individual competition on Saturday, launching with matches starting at 9:00 AM. Such events drive young athletes to excel, laying foundations for their futures and continuously drawing spectators and supporters eager to witness excellence on the mats.
For wrestling enthusiasts and competitors alike, the Rumble on the Red remains more than just prestigious; it's truly about cementing legacies for many young athletes destined for success.