Athletes, fans treated to exciting matches, as five earn state berths

It’s been more than a decade since Pelican Rapids High School sent this many wrestlers to the Minnesota State Meet. Five Viking matmen will be competing at the state individual wrestling tournament. 

Pictured from left, Mark Kapenga, who took first at the Feb. 25 Section meet, at 170 pounds; Danny Salazar second place at 113 pounds second place at Section; Jackson Peasley, second place at 126 pounds; Jack Kapenga, first place at 152 pounds; and Jed Carlson, first place at 120 pounds.

The Pelican Rapids Viking Wrestling team competed in the Section meet for individual matmen, Feb. 25 in Wadena. 

Results from the Section meet:

  • Issac Bergren 5th
  • Danny Salazar 2nd – State Participant
  • Jed Carlson 1st – State Participant
  • Jackson Peasley 2nd – State Participant
  • Toby Hernandez 6th
  • Oakley Carlson 4th
  • Jack Kapenga 1st – State Participant
  • Carter Johnson 4th
  • Mark Kapenga 1st – State Participant
  • Eli Valdovines — Did not place 
  • Kaden Holt 3rd
  • Jarrett Stetz — Did not place 
Jack Kapenga fought his way through championship rounds against Kale Drevlow, a senior from OSAK, at 152 pounds, to secure the Section 6A title and a trip to the state competition.
Danny Salazar earned the right for a “true second match” against Orlando Hart, BHVP, to place second and a trip to the state competition.
Coach Dylan Evenson and head coach Cole Witzig congratulate Danny Salazar, who won a tough, high profile second place match to earn a trip to the Minnesota State High School wrestling meet.
Mark Kapenga dominated the championship match at 170 pounds against Brody Nachbor, BWB, winning the section 6A title and a trip to the state competition.
Fans were on their feet during Danny Salazar’s clash with Orlando Hart, BHVP, to place second and a trip to the Minnesota State High School wrestling meet. “It was such an exciting match. I think the whole auditorium was standing cheering him on,” noted fan and photographer Rachel Ziebell. The crowd picture here includes Danny’s mom and Dad.
Jed Carlson @ 120 pounds against Justin Olson, BHVP, in championship rounds.
Jed will finish off his high school career with a trip to the state competition. Above, tense moments on the mat are evidenced in this photo of his mother, Marty Carlson, as the end of the third period neared.
Tough match up for Jackson Peasley, at 126 pounds, against senior Eli Larson, BWB, who boasts a season record of 41-1.
Jackson wrestled hard—walking away second place and a trip to state at section 6A competition.