Letter to the Editor

Wrestling fan

I graduated 50 years ago from Staples High School and was proud to be a wrestler under the outstanding guidance of Don Dravis, Norm Card, Greg Lieferman and others. I still follow wrestling closely and it’s very exciting to see the Staples-Motley Cardinal wrestling program making strides once again to being well respected and successful. 

I want to let the community know how much they should appreciate the dedication of the coaching staff, Mr. Anglin, Mr. Miller, Mr. Heldman, Mr. Holst and another one or two whose names I’ve forgotten but you probably are aware of. These gentlemen have worked hard to rebuild a once very successful program and they’ve gotten some wonderful kids to lead the way. 

I can’t name all the kids but I closely watched a freshman, Bjerga, wrestle to fifth place at the Big Bear tournament this past weekend and while doing so lost a close match, 8-6 to the champion and a returning state champion Nohre from West Central. 

I watched Erpelding at 182, win a championship at the Big Bear with a dramatic come from behind 8-5 victory over a very talented Justin Dravis, (grandson of Don, now wrestling for his dad Jeff, a coach at Park Rapids). What a great match and two very competitive highly ranked wrestlers.

The Miller boy also was a champion and my apologies for not remembering all the others who placed in leading their team to the third place trophy among 39 schools represented but I’m sure you got a full run down of the results. That’s terrific. 

My intent is to simply bring attention to the accomplishments, dedication and hard work of the current coaching staff and wrestlers. I encourage everyone in Staples with an interest in sports and wrestling in particular, to get out and support this team and help them make a run at the section title this year, where they will likely face West Central Area in what could be a tremendous match. Go Cardinals! 

Thanks to the coaches and kids for all their work and good luck after the Christmas break.

 

Appreciative lifelong fan!

Jerry Cleveland

Bemidji, Minn.

 

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Staples World

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 100 Staples, MN 56479 Telephone: (218) 894-1112 - Fax: (218) 894-3570 Toll Free: 1-888-894-1112 E Mail: office@staplesworld.com; editor@staplesworld.com

Deadline: Friday, noon

 

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