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In 2025, Pipestone Area Schools sophomore wrestler Miklo Hernandez became a nationally known commodity.
Hernandez competed at the U.S. Marine Corps Junior Nationals in late July, claiming a national title in the 16-under, 126-pound bracket.
What made this achievement even more impressive?
There were more than 100 wrestlers in that bracket.
Pipestone’s Miklo Hernandez, here wearing a Minnesota singlet, competed at the U.S. Marine Corps Junior Nationals in Fargo, N.D., last July. Hernandez eventually took the garland in the 16-under, 126-pound weight class — rising to national prominence with the victory. (Contributed file photo by Jeff Beshey/The Guillotine)
“It means a lot (to be national champion),” Hernandez said in a telephone call with the Star that month. “It’s been something I’ve been dreaming about since I was little.”
PAS head wrestling coach Paul Young complimented Hernandez.
“Miklo has the mindset to set goals,” Young said. “He wants to keep pushing himself.”
Hernandez is currently ranked in the top-20 nationally by FloWrestling, WIN Magazine and from other scholastic wrestling sources.
During the national tournament, Hernandez showed a dazzling array of speed and hand fighting — thanks to trainers Brady Berger and Tanner Cook from the Berge Elite Academy in Brookings, S.D.
2025 year in review. (Contributed graphic from Vector Stock)
Hernandez surrendered just nine points in seven matches. California-based Paul Ruiz scored the only takedown against him. Four of the wins were by technical fall.
On Saturday, March 1, Hernandez became a multi-time state champion — posting a 13-2 major decision over Staples-Motley’s Gage Bjerga in the Class A 121-pound division. He was undefeated as a freshman.
Bjerga is a talented ranked wrestler in his own right, but Hernandez earned multiple wins over him during the 2024-25 season — also beating him at the Red Rock Central tournament in Lamberton last January.
During last weekend’s Braves Classic at Benson, Hernandez recorded the 125th win of his illustrious scholastic career — and he’s currently tied for all-time wins with Walker Kor.
The 125-plus win club also features former Augustana University standouts Michael Suda and Hunter Burnett plus Steve Saxlund, Garrett Ploeger, Brady Bos, Grant Budden, Hudson Burnett, Jadon Evans, Brayden Burmeister and Blake Wolters.
Miklo Hernandez reacts after winning the national freestyle title. (Contributed file photo by Jeff Beshey/The Guillotine)
On Saturday, Dec. 20 at the MatBoss Christmas Tournament in Rochester, Hernandez posted an 18-9 major decision over Stillwater’s Noah Nicholson for the 133-pound title.
He also recorded a hard-fought 7-2 decision over Aidan Aure from Menomonie, Wis., and earned three technical falls en route to the championship. There were 64 wrestlers in his bracket.
Hernandez also has an ever-increasing leadership role with the Arrows, helping younger wrestlers improve while simultaneously keeping his skills razor sharp.
Pipestone Area Schools’ wrestler Miklo Hernandez acknowledges the crowd during a podium ceremony on Saturday evening, March 1, 2025, 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)