The Itasca Vikings wrestling team placed fourth last weekend
at the National Tournament.

Competing for the Vikings were Dan Merth (149) Steve Merth (165), Bruce Babcock (174), Garrett Olson (184), Skip Johnson (197), and Ben Brown (HWT).

It was very much a team effort for the Vikings to place so high. They were ranked all year long, but never higher than fifth. Dan Merth, Bruce Babcock, and Ben Brown all had stellar freshman years. To even qualify for the National Tournament is extremely impressive. Garrett Olson, also a freshman, had a standout season and ended the year only one match from being an All-American. Skip Johnson, a sophomore, had a dominating season with over 30 wins, 25 of those victories coming by way of fall. Skip had a great National Tournament and finished in 8th place earning him All-American status. Stealing the show for the Vikings was sophomore captain Steve Merth. Steve won his first four matches putting him in the national championship match. Steve is only the seventh wrestler in ICC history to be a finalist in the national championship. Steve lost a tough decision to the number one ranked wrestler 7-3.

This years team truly represented Itasca Community College on and off the mat.

With seven returning starters and four returning national qualifiers, the skies the limit for this team next year. As always, thank you for your support!

Fort Dodge

Augsburg Open

On November 22, 2008 the Itasca Vikings wrestled at the Augsburg Open Tournament in Minneapolis, MN. Wrestling for the Vikings were John Duch, John Gray, Joe Diekmann, Dan Merth, Ryan VanPuymbrouck, Steve Merth, Nick Clemence, Bruce Babcock, Garrett Olson, Cully Butterfield, Luke Carlson, Ben Brown, Gabe Hoaland, Chase Swenson, and Tim Harlan.

            These wrestlers put on a spectacular show against some of the best wrestling teams in the country.  Dan Merth placed 1^st in his division at 149, Steve Merth placed 3^rd in his division at 165 pounds.  Steve has been on a rampage lately.  He also went 5-1 at the Bison Open and finished in fifth place at what is known as one of the toughest tournaments in the Midwest. Joe Diekmann placed 4^th in his division at 133, while Nick Clemence (165) and Bruce Babcock (174) both placed 7^th in their divisions. Gabe Hoaland of Cass Lake-Bena, had a successful college wrestling debut by placing 8^th in the Heavyweight division.

            The Itasca Vikings wrestling team is an exciting squad to watch. They are composed of all local Minnesota boys and few Wisconsin standouts. In fact, many of the Vikings are from Grand Rapids or neighboring communities. To name a few: Danny Soular and Corey Dubay are both from Grand Rapids HS, Skip Johnson is from Hibbing HS, Gabe Hoaland is from Cass Lake-Bena HS, Luke Carlson is from Rush City HS, and Garrett Olson is from Cambridge HS. Tim Setala, who is in his first year as head coach of the Itasca Vikings stated "To have an opportunity to compete at a national level is always fun, but there is something special about having an elite program that is made up of your local boys. It gives you a chance to really be a part of something you can believe in and be proud of."  Currently your Vikings are ranked sixth in the Nation and freshman standout Garrett Olson is ranked fifth in the Nation at 184 pounds. 

            We hope you come and support your Vikings at their home opener on Thursday, January 29 at Itasca Community College in Mullins Hall. Starting time is 6:00 PM. The Vikings will be facing their rival Ridgewater College, who won the Minnesota division last year and is currently ranked ninth in the Nation.

Garrett Olson Places 2nd at Pointer Open

Vikings Wrestling   

 Itasca Vikings Place Sixth at Nationals!!!

ICC National Qualifying Team 2006: