Episode 5: 3 For the Takedown

In this episode, Chris Etzler and Derek Holst kick things off with a quick recap of last week’s key matches across Minnesota wrestling before diving into one of the biggest topics from last season — the rules changes.

We’re joined by Colbe Tappe, Colby Marich, and Jim Lynch for an in‑depth discussion on how the new scoring, including the 3‑point takedown, near fall points change, and out of bounds definition has impacted competition, strategy, and the overall flow of matches.

Whether you’re a coach, wrestler, or fan, this episode breaks down what these changes mean for the sport and how they’re shaping the future of high school wrestling.

#MatsideMinnesota #HighSchoolWrestling #MNwrestling #RulesChanges #3ForTheTakedown

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Episode 4 — Weekly Recap + Brainerd’s New Coach
This week on Matside Minnesota, Chris and Derek kick things off with a recap of last week’s biggest matches, breaking down key results and storylines across Minnesota wrestling.
Then we welcome Andy Pickar, the new Head Coach at Brainerd High School. Coach Pickar shares his vision for the Warriors program, his approach to building culture, and what excites him most about leading the team.

🎉 A fun highlight: Coach Pickar’s daughter Ariana joins the conversation! Ariana is currently ranked individually in Minnesota, and the Brainerd Warrior girls team also holds a state ranking — making this a true family wrestling moment.

Subscribe for weekly episodes featuring coaches, athletes, officials, and stories from across Minnesota wrestling.

#MatsideMinnesota #HighSchoolWrestling #MNwrestling #BrainerdWarriors #CoachSpotlight

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This week on Matside Minnesota, we bring you a double feature. First, Chris and Derek share their season overview, highlighting area wrestlers to watch and storylines that will shape the 2024–25 season across central and northern Minnesota.

Then, we sit down with Lynn Jennissen, Class AA ratings editor for The Guillotine, Minnesota’s wrestling newspaper. Lynn takes us behind the scenes of his process for evaluating wrestlers across all 13 weight classes and building the Top 10 rankings — a task that blends data, match results, and plenty of judgment calls.

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We sit down with two new head coaches to hear how they’re building programs, connecting with their communities, and preparing athletes for the season. Jamey Koetter (Holdingford) and Tate Card (Minnewaska) share coaching philosophies, early priorities, and the small decisions that shape a team’s culture.

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