|
|
ST. PAUL — Pipestone Area Schools’ freshman wrestler Miklo Hernandez cut out the drama during his state championship bout this past Saturday evening.
Hernandez, on the grand stage of the title round at the Xcel Energy Center, capped an undefeated 42-0 season with a 13-2 major decision over Gage Bjerga of Staples-Motley.
“I was confident,” Hernandez said regarding his mindset heading into this 121-pound Class A title bout.
Bjerga made Hernandez uncomfortable early on, going for shots on Miklo’s legs.
Pipestone Area Schools’ Miklo Hernandez (left) earns a third-period escape point as shown here during the 121-pound Class A championship bout versus Staples-Motley’s Gage Bjerga at Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul on Saturday, March 1. (Star photo by Eric Viccaro)
Hernandez said he was able to counter those shots, and he also scrambled out of what Bjerga was trying to accomplish.
“That’s when I woke up,” said Hernandez, who turned on the intensity and showed the lightning-quick offense he’s known for.
Near the end of the opening period, Hernandez scored his first takedown — worth three points this year. Miklo powered through with three more takedowns in the second period for a commanding 12-2 lead. He added an escape point in the third for the final margin.
Hernandez said he’s improved on his feet this season, and that’s another reason for his perfect mark.
Now Miklo is part of some rather exclusive Arrow company — the eighth occasion a wrestler went unbeaten and claimed a state title in the same year.
The list is filled with stars of the past.
Pipestone Area Schools’ Miklo Hernandez said he was able to effectively scramble out of certain situations during the Class A 121-pound state championship bout in St. Paul. (Star photo by Eric Viccaro)
It includes current Morris Area-Hancock-Chokio-Alberta assistant head coach Hunter Burnett twice and Michael Suda, the school’s record-holder in wins (232) who competed at Augustana University in Sioux Falls, S.D. with Burnett.
Also in this select group are Roger Pedersen, Steve Saxlund (the son of former coach Dick Saxlund) and Perry Kozlowski.
“It means a lot to be an undefeated champion,” Hernandez said. “I’m happy to be part of it (the list).”
Hernandez said his goal entering the state tournament was earning technical falls over all his opponents. And he was close.
In the opening round, Hernandez pinned John Weiss of Eden Valley-Watkins at the 1:58 mark of the match.
Hernandez continued trampling the competition in the quarterfinals, registering a 19-4 technical fall over Keegan VonEnde. The bout was stopped at the 2:21 mark.
Pipestone Area Schools’ wrestler Miklo Hernandez acknowledges the crowd during a podium ceremony on Saturday evening, March 1 at the
Xcel Energy Center
in St. Paul.
Hernandez is now a two-time state champion in two
different weight classes (114 and 121). (Star photo by Eric Viccaro)
Then Hernandez followed that with a dominant 21-5 technical fall over Eli Greenman from Canby in the semifinals. Miklo registered five takedowns for a 15-3 lead after just two periods. The referees stopped the match at 4:28.
Hernandez lived up to the hype as the No. 1 rated 121-pound wrestler from different state sources, The Guillotine and MNWrestle.com.
“His heart goes into his training,” PAS head coach Paul Young said. Young applauded Hernandez for his goal-oriented mindset.
Meanwhile, Chatfield’s Javier Berg — who was Miklo’s opponent in the 2023 and 2024 finals — placed third with a 16-1 technical fall over Greenman.
Hernandez has sparred with several Arrow standouts as a means to get better, including current Luther College freshman Brayden Burmeister and in the Burnett’s garage.
Hernandez sweats in the wrestling room, and he studies opponents on video.
Miklo’s additional training ground is Berge Elite Wrestling Academy a 45-minute drive away in Brookings, S.D. That’s what it takes if you want the top spot on the podium.
Young said it’s “amazing” to coach Hernandez, a wrestler with heaps of determination.
“I think he’ll keep improving in the next three years,” Young said.
Hernandez finished with 265 team points, 205 takedowns, 13 pins, 20 technical falls and two major decisions. That’s domination in its purest form for the now two-time state champion.
The journey is far from over. Neither is the training for Hernandez.
Hernandez said he’s already looking forward to competing at the USA Wrestling nationals in Fargo, N.D., this summer.
He was also pleased four of his teammates made the state meet, too, in Lane Fruechte (107), Mason Fruechte (114), Haden Mulvihill (152) and Xavier Banjoko (215).
“I’m happy we took five to state,” he said. “It was a great experience for team bonding.”
The experience culminated on Sunday afternoon with a fire truck escort through the community.
Pipestone Area Schools’ coaches Gary Haupert (left) and Paul Young react after Miklo Hernandez won the Class A 121-pound title at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul on Saturday, March 1. (Star photo by Eric Viccaro)
Season ending awards
Young reported the PAS season-ending awards presentation will take place on Monday, March 17, in the school’s Commons area.