The Simley High School wrestling team has won seven Minnesota State High School League championships. The Spartans have also won the last three consecutive State Class AA team championships.

The team has five state finalists back from last year's team. Amateur Wrestling News has ranked the Simley wrestling program eighth in the nation. The Simley team will test that national ranking at two major tournaments later this season.

Simley will compete at the Cheesehead Invitational Wrestling Tournament in Kaukauna, WI, on Dec. 30 and 31. The following weekend the team will travel to Rochester to compete in "The Clash"—the toughest dual meet tournament in the country.

Athletes that will help the team defend its state title this year include freshmen Cortez Arredondo and Mack Short.

Sophomores include Kyle Gliva, the state runner-up last year in 103-pound weight class, and Juan Torres, who placed third last season in 112-pound weight class. In addition, 2010 state champion Jake Short, state runner-up Nick Wanzek, Brandt Olson and Zach Rivera will all contribute this season.

Juniors include Micah Barnes, the state runner-up at 152-pound weight class last year; Matt Kadrlik, a state entrant in 2010; Cody Hazelett in the 189-pound class and Pedro Delao, at the 119-pound class.

The seniors that will lead this team to a fourth straight state title are Dan Dick, the state runner-up last year at 140 pounds; Cola Jensen, a two-time state entrant. Not to mention Matt Kruse and Mykar Groves, seniors who will look to be in the starting line up this year.

Over the course of the season the team will get varsity contributions from juniors Thomas Helseth, Dale Barner, Icocente Lopez and Steven Rud. The Simley wrestling team has benefited from a great booster club and community that have supported Simley wrestling. Our first home meet is 7:30pm on Dec. 22 against Eden Prairie.