Another win for Schramel!

Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa's senior Colby Schramel has forged a 2-0 record in the early stages of the Class 1A individual state wrestling tournament after outstanding performances today at the Xcel Energy Center. (Friday, February 26)

Schramel, seeded No. 8 in the 16-member bracket, trailed 4-0 in the first minute of his state opener after giving up an early takedown and then two near-fall points with 50 seconds left in the first period. Schramel picked up three near-fall points with 30 seconds to go in the second period to narrow the gap to one. Just four seconds into the third period Schramel earned a reversal to go ahead 5-4. Then with 30 seconds left in the match he got three more near-fall points to win 8-4 and advance to the state quarterfinals.

Against the state's top-seeded and second-ranked wrestler in his second match at state, Schramel trailed early but went on to win a 4-3 decision over senior Dietrich Balsbaugh (41-2) of Trinity School at River Ridge.

Head coach Jack Mueller said about Schramel's second win at the state tournament, "Colby was down in the match once again and kept fighting. He scored a takedown late in the match to go ahead 4-3. His success is proof that hard work does pay off. Both of his wins thus far are a combination of conditioning and heart. His opponent was the number one seed and defending state runner-up. Everything aside, there is still more work to do."

Mueller alluded to the fact that the B-B-E Jaguars have three guys who will compete on the second day of the tournament. All three are in the running for state medals, which is any wrestler's ultimate goal year in and year out.

Schramel (34-4) will wrestle in the Class 1A state semifinals some time after 10:45 a.m. at Xcel Energy Center. His opponent will be the fourth-ranked and fourth-seeded wrestler in the tournament, junior Bailee O'Reilly of Goodhue (39-4).