WDA boys' grapplers ready for state tournament

BISMARCK – The Class A boys' wrestling tournament is this week in Fargo – Feb. 15-17 – and it's expected to be a good one for WDA teams and wrestlers. Traditionally, the conference has performed well on the big stage, placing high in the team standings and having several individual title winners. Bismarck High has won the past six individual team titles and last four state dual crowns. The Demons will be the favorite again. Williston, Dickinson and Century should also be in the mix for high finishes. There are a number of WDA wrestlers who enter the individual tournament as a defending champion. Among them is Bismarck High senior LJ Araujo (172). He is pursuing a fifth state crown. Other defending champions include: Nicolas Enzminger, Legacy (114); Ben DeForest, Bismarck High (127);  John Richter, St. Mary's (152); Ole Taylor, Century (215).

West Region individual champions

107: Jake Glaser, Dickinson; 114: Nicolas Enzminger, Legacy; 121: Joey Enzminger, Legacy; 127: Ben DeForest, Bismarck High; 133: Gage Glaser, Dickinson; 139: Brier Arnegard, Watford City; 145: Landen McMahen, Bismarck High; 152: Grady Anderson, Jamestown; 160: Brayden Morris, Century; 172: LJ Araujo, Bismarck High; 189: Hugh Meyer, Dickinson; 215: Ole Taylor, Century; 285: Darion Bitz, Century

Photo by Jessie Thompson