FALCONS WRESTLING SPECIAL KEEPSAKE EDITION
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WRESTLING | BENTON COUNTY NEWS | TUESDAY, FEB. 25, 2020 | Page 1B
PHOTO BY EVAN MICHEALSON
The 2019-20 Foley Falcons wrestling team – managers Allie Young (front, from left), Brooke Miller and Kaylee Jurek; (second row, from left) coach Jake Helmin, Danny Halverson, Cole Rudnitski, Logan Thorsten, Caden Ruhoff, Alex Jennissen, Ethan Oswald, Levi Jacobson, Cyler Ruhoff and coach Evan Warnert; (third row, from left) coach Chris Ratke, Sutherlin Schmit, Hunter Gorecki, Connor Thorsten, Joey Thorsten, Isaiah Fitch, Michael Rothfork, Levi Henry, Max Henne, Andy Knutson and Coach Tyler Spiczka; (back, from left) Elijah Novak, Greg Miller, Michael Moulzolf, coach Tee Baker and head coach Scott Gorecki – are the Section 7AA wrestling team champions. The team finished 36-1 and used its strength across all weight classes to seize section glory Feb. 14 at Proctor High School in Proctor.
As wrestling changes, Thorstens continue to win Family has left mark on Foley program since 1969 BY EVAN MICHEALSON STAFF WRITER
FOLEY – In 1969, Danny Thorsten began wrestling for the Foley Falcons, a program on its rise. Back then, individual seasons came and went within 25 matches, but that time spent on the mat was nevertheless influential to Thorsten’s life. So influential that fast-forward a half-century, and a Thorsten still dons the Foley Falcons blue as a member of the vaunted wrestling program. Logan Thorsten compiled a superb 36-8 record
for the state-bound Falcons this season. But, succeeding in profound fashion is not an entirely unfamiliar look from a Thorsten nor is a state appearance. Chad Thorsten, Logan’s father and Danny’s son, was a member of the 1989 championship team and wrestled individually at the Minnesota State High School League tournament following his senior season in 1990. In roles as both a parent and a youth wrestling instructor, he has passed on wrestling knowledge from his days as a Falcon to Logan. “I was showing him
things that I do,” Chad said. “I still tell him things I know from time to time and at least ask him to look at them, not necessarily that he has to do them.” Logan, who primarily works out of the 145 pound weight class, uses sharp technique and strong positioning to pull out wins on the mat. However, he believes he shares a common characteristic with his state-winning father and the rest of his Falcons teammates: mental toughness. “Foley, as a team this year, has definitely been pushed harder than the last couple of years,” Logan said. “We outwork our opponents. (We have) a mental mindset
Thorstens page 3B
PHOTOS BY EVAN MICHEALSON
Foley wrestler Logan Thorsten (from left), Chad Thorsten and Danny Thorsten stand side-by-side Feb. 19 in the Foley High School wrestling room in Foley. The Thorstens are a third-generation wrestling family with each member finding sustained success on the mat.
Congratulations Wrestlers! Haul Your Whole Crew to State! and cheer on the Foley Falcons Wrestlers
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