Twelve months after seeing its six-year run atop Class 2A come to a close, Simley is again on top of the mountain.
The Spartans completed their re-ascension with a 38-13 win over second-seeded New Ulm in the championship on Thursday in St. Paul.
The tournament’s top seed was dominant throughout its run at Grand Casino Arena. In the end, the Spartans stiffest test indeed came in the Section 1 final against Kasson-Mantorville, a nine-point victory.
After dropping the first match of the affair, Simley won the next four to claim a 15-3 advantage. Jake Kos recorded a pin at 145 pounds, one of two on the night for the Spartans. The other came at heavyweight, with senior Gregorio Duron Contreras closing the match out in style.
It was a fitting conclusion for the Spartans, whose ascension back to the top this season was keyed by noteworthy leaps from less-heralded upperclassmen at the heavier weights — a product of the season-long work put in team wide.
St. Michael-Albertville reigns
It’s a dynasty for the Knights. They claimed their third-straight Class 3A championship, downing third-seeded Shakopee 46-18. St. Michael-Albertville went a perfect 29-0 this season, with only two matches decided by single digits.
In the title bout, the Knights recorded three pins, three tech falls and a Shakopee forfeit at 189 pounds against the dominant John Murphy.
Staples-Motley wins rubber match
Meeting in the Class A state title for the third straight season, Staples-Motley took the rubber match over Chatfield on Thursday to win its second straight state title.
Chatfield raced out to an 11-3 lead, but Staples-Motley closed the dual on a 38-3 run to claim the crown.
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