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Riding into Battle: Northfield’s James Gang Wrestling Club Gears Up for State Duals

By Derik Schwanz, 03/07/25, 3:15PM CST

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Northfield’s James Gang Wrestling Club Gears Up for State Duals

Northfield, MN – The Northfield James Gang Wrestling Club is set to make their mark at the State Dual Tournament, bringing grit, teamwork, and relentless energy to the mats. Under the leadership of Head Coach Jeremy Mork and Assistant Coach Nick Maley, alongside dedicated volunteer coaches Brian Engels, Jules Doliscar, Caden Staab, and Zane Engels, the team has been preparing for the post-season by sharpening their fundamentals while ensuring that wrestling remains fun for every athlete.

As they approach the state duals, the team’s strategy is simple: wrestle as one unit, minimize lost points, and capitalize on every opportunity to secure pins. "We’ve really been hammering down the basics and focusing on the importance of team wrestling," said Coach Mork. "When we compete as a collective, we are stronger than ever."

Unlike individual tournaments, the state duals offer a unique experience where the entire team can rally behind each other in real time. "We get to watch each other wrestle all at once and really cheer each other on," said Coach Maley. "It brings the team together in a way that other tournaments don’t."

The camaraderie within the James Gang Wrestling Club is evident both on and off the mat. Regardless of the outcome, every wrestler is lifted up by their teammates. "Win or lose, we stand by each other and support the wrestler who just battled on the mat," said Mork. This tight-knit bond extends to their post-match celebrations, where the team comes together for their signature “hands-in” breakdown—a tradition that solidifies their unity and spirit.

This season has been a milestone year for Northfield, with high school wrestlers stepping up to mentor younger athletes, helping to build a strong foundation for the future of the program. "Having our high school athletes at practice has been a game-changer," Mork noted. "It’s helped shape this program into one cohesive Northfield team."

With their signature resilience and team-first mentality, the Northfield James Gang Wrestling Club is ready to storm the mats at the State Dual Tournament and showcase the strength of their program.

About Minnesota/USA Wrestling:
Minnesota/USA Wrestling is dedicated to growing the sport of wrestling across the state, providing opportunities for athletes of all ages to compete and develop. Through strong leadership, community support, and a passion for the sport of wrestling, Minnesota/USA Wrestling continues to foster a thriving wrestling culture throughout Minnesota.

MN/USA Wrestling
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