Two Titans earn All-State Wrestling Honors

Two Tri-City United senior wrestlers returned from the Class AA State Wrestling Tournament with All-State Honors.

Caden O’Malley and Reyes each reached the award podium after placing in the top six of their respective weight classes Saturday, March 4.

O’Malley, wrestling at 182 pounds, placed third overall. Reyes, wrestling at 220 pounds, placed fourth overall. A third senior, Cole Franek, competed at 132 pounds but did not place.

According to co-head coach Shaun Timmerman, all three seniors wrestled with a great amount of heart over the course of the two-day State Tourney.

For the first time since 2015, TCU had two wrestlers place at the State Tourney.

O’Malley opened his tournament with a 10-6 decision over Mahtomedi sophomore Evan McGuire. In the quarterfinals, O’Malley picked up a 7-0 decision over Zumbrota-Mazeppa senior Ryan Lexvold.

Next up was Proctor-Hermantown junior Zak McPhee, who entered the semifinal with a 44-1 record. McPhee pulled out a thrilling 11-8 decision, sending O’Malley into the wrestle back round.

O’Malley decisioned Aitkin sophomore Jacob Williams, 8-5 in the consolation semifinals. In the third place match, O’Malley faced McGuire for the second time and picked up an 8-2 decision to finish in third place. O’Malley finished his senior season with a 48-5 record.

Reyes opened with an 11-3 major decision over Milaca-Faith Christian senior Colbee Zens. In the quarterfinals, Reyes came from behind to defeat Fairmont/Martin County West senior Max Olson, 9-7. Olson was the No. 4 seed in the tournament.

In the winners bracket semifinals..... Pick up a copy of the March 9 edition of the Montgomery Messenger to continue reading. Subscribe online at MontgomeryMNNews.com. Digital subscription is included.