Owatonna Beats Albert Lea, Moves Toward Conference Crown

Owatonna High School wrestling topped Albert Lea 41-22 in their much-anticipated annual Big Nine Conference dual Thursday night, improving the Huskies to 5-0 in dual meets. The winner of this match-up has taken the league title every season since 1995-96. OHS has won the last two conference championships.

The Huskies zipped out to a 12-0 lead with a forfeit for Blake West and a win by pin by YJ Evillard. Albert Lea won three of the next four bouts to take a brief 16-15 lead, their only advantage of the night.

Owatonna responded with three straight wins with Landen Johnson's decision at 145 pounds and back-to-back major decisions from Kobie Kath at 152 and Kaden Nelson at 160 for a 26-16 team lead.

After a Tigers' win at 170, Ethan Stockwell earned a fall at 182 for a 32-19 Huskies' lead.

The match of the night featured No. 1 Zach Glazier against No. 2 Cade King at 195 pounds. Glazier won it 3-2 on a late escape, his third win over King this season. The two are ranked at 182 and could meet several more times before their seasons are over.

Nick Staska clinched the match for the Huskies at 220 and Isaiah Noeldner got a forfeit for the 41-22 final score.

The Huskies compete at the Mounds View Mustang Duals Saturday, January 12 with coverage on KRFO AM 1390 beginning around 12:30 pm.