State wrestling: Day 1 impressions

Wednesday's opening round of the Minnesota State Wrestling Tournament at Xcel Energy Center set up some interesting quarterfinal matches for today. List Chase Levos of St. Clair/Loyola, Sam Lindgren of Le Sueur-Henderson and Nate Meixell of Lake Crystal Wellcome Memorial among those who will have their work cut out for them in Round 2.

The unbeaten and fifth-ranked Levos has to take on No. 1-rated Christian Skillings from Minneota in tonight's 6 p.m. session at 119 pounds. Lindgren, who is rated fourth at 145, jumped up to 152 for the postseason and now must tangle with No. 1-ranked Ryan Thompson of Benson in tonight's quarterfinals.

Meixell, a sophomore 171-pounder, is slated to meet No. 1-rated Ben McPhail of Pine Island this evening. In Class AA, the most intriguing quarterfinal matchup may come at heavyweight where New Ulm's top-ranked Pat Brinkman is pitted against No. 2-rated Derek Carlson of Mora.

Both Mankato entrants had tough first-round draws Wednesday. Sophomore Hunter Friesen was pinned by No. 1-ranked Devin Scott of Apple Valley at 140 pounds while freshman Tyler Jakes dropped a 10-2 decision to No. 4 Kevin Bright of Lakeville South at 160.

Both wrestlers handled their setbacks well. Although obviously disappointed at losing, they were both eager to absorb as much of the state tournament experience as possible and use it as a building bloc for their careers. Friesen and Jakes will find out at today's 5 p.m. session if they get a chance to wrestle back or not.

Longtime high school sports writer John Millea of the Star Tribune revealed that this will be his last state wrestling tournament for the Star Tribune. He has accepted a buyout from the financially troubled newspaper.

Millea is landing on his feet, however, as he has accepted a job with the Minnesota State High School to write stories and features for its numerous publications.