In Episode 8 we keep it simple and get straight to the action. With no guests this week, we recap the biggest New Year wrestling events across the region, The Clash in La Crosse and Rumble on the Red in Fargo.

#MatsideMinnesota #TheClash #RumbleOnTheRed #MNwrestling #HighSchoolWrestling

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Cardinal Edition – Episode 1: The Early Years of Cardinal Wrestling
Matside Minnesota – Cardinal Edition

We’re kicking off the very first episode of the Cardinal Edition by going back to where it all began. We sit down with Mike Hajek, one of the foundational voices in Staples-Motley wrestling history, to revisit the early years of the Cardinal program. From the culture that shaped generations of wrestlers to the stories that still echo through the gym, this episode is full of memories, perspective, and Cardinal pride.

As alumni ourselves, launching this edition feels like coming home, and there’s no better way to start than honoring the roots of a program that means so much to the community.

Whether you’re a longtime fan, a former wrestler, or a parent of today’s athletes, this episode sets the tone for what the Cardinal Edition is all about: celebrating the people, stories, and legacy of Staples-Motley wrestling.

#CardinalEdition #MatsideMinnesota #StaplesMotley #MNwrestling #WrestlingHistory #CardinalPride

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Episode 7: Previewing The Clash
In this episode, We keep it simple and focused: The Clash is coming.
Held in La Crosse, Wisconsin, this nationally recognized high school wrestling tournament features 29 teams from 11 states, including Staples-Motley, Perham, and Pierz — three programs close to home. With 4 Nationally ranked teams in the mix, it’s one of the toughest and most exciting events in the country.

We’re hitting the road to watch it live, but first we break down what makes The Clash so special, what to expect from our area teams, and why this tournament is a must-watch for Minnesota wrestling fans.

#MatsideMinnesota #TheClash #MNwrestling #HighSchoolWrestling #StaplesMotley #Perham #Pierz

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Episode 6: Northwoods Wrestling on the Rise

This Christmas Day episode is packed with stories, highlights, and a whole lot of Minnesota wrestling spirit.

We kick things off by breaking down the week’s top match highlights from across Minnesota, big performances, standout duals, and the moments that caught our attention on the mats.

After that we spotlight a story from Babbitt, Minnesota, where Northeast Range/Ely is building something special in what has traditionally been hockey country. Head coach Adam Hagen joins us to share how he launched the program, the challenges of starting from scratch in a remote corner of the state, and the momentum they’re building in just their second season.

And in the middle of it all, we bring in a little holiday cheer with fun messages from some Staples-Motley wrestlers.

Whether you're celebrating with family, traveling to a holiday tournament, or just relaxing at home, we hope this episode brings you a smile and keeps you connected to the wrestling community we all love.

🎄 Merry Christmas from Matside Minnesota!
Thanks for listening, supporting, and being part of this growing statewide wrestling family.

#MatsideMinnesota #NorthwoodsWrestling #MNwrestling #HighSchoolWrestling #ChristmasEpisode #WrestlingCommunity #NortheastRange #Ely

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Episode 5: 3 For the Takedown

In this episode, Chris Etzler and Derek Holst kick things off with a quick recap of last week’s key matches across Minnesota wrestling before diving into one of the biggest topics from last season — the rules changes.

We’re joined by Colbe Tappe, Colby Marich, and Jim Lynch for an in‑depth discussion on how the new scoring, including the 3‑point takedown, near fall points change, and out of bounds definition has impacted competition, strategy, and the overall flow of matches.

Whether you’re a coach, wrestler, or fan, this episode breaks down what these changes mean for the sport and how they’re shaping the future of high school wrestling.

#MatsideMinnesota #HighSchoolWrestling #MNwrestling #RulesChanges #3ForTheTakedown

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Episode 4 — Weekly Recap + Brainerd’s New Coach
This week on Matside Minnesota, Chris and Derek kick things off with a recap of last week’s biggest matches, breaking down key results and storylines across Minnesota wrestling.
Then we welcome Andy Pickar, the new Head Coach at Brainerd High School. Coach Pickar shares his vision for the Warriors program, his approach to building culture, and what excites him most about leading the team.

🎉 A fun highlight: Coach Pickar’s daughter Ariana joins the conversation! Ariana is currently ranked individually in Minnesota, and the Brainerd Warrior girls team also holds a state ranking — making this a true family wrestling moment.

Subscribe for weekly episodes featuring coaches, athletes, officials, and stories from across Minnesota wrestling.

#MatsideMinnesota #HighSchoolWrestling #MNwrestling #BrainerdWarriors #CoachSpotlight

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This week on Matside Minnesota, we bring you a double feature. First, Chris and Derek share their season overview, highlighting area wrestlers to watch and storylines that will shape the 2024–25 season across central and northern Minnesota.

Then, we sit down with Lynn Jennissen, Class AA ratings editor for The Guillotine, Minnesota’s wrestling newspaper. Lynn takes us behind the scenes of his process for evaluating wrestlers across all 13 weight classes and building the Top 10 rankings — a task that blends data, match results, and plenty of judgment calls.

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We sit down with two new head coaches to hear how they’re building programs, connecting with their communities, and preparing athletes for the season. Jamey Koetter (Holdingford) and Tate Card (Minnewaska) share coaching philosophies, early priorities, and the small decisions that shape a team’s culture.

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