Eleven to follow on the mat

BISMARCK – The West’s dominance on the mat isn’t linked to just one or two teams, but rather a collective effort by the conference. Each program is capable of putting together a competitive lineup that contains some real gems. This season is no different. Here’s a look at 11 wrestlers to keep any eye on this season.

LJ Araujo, Bismarck High

The senior has already established himself as one of the top wrestlers to come out of the storied Demon program. Araujo has won four individual state championships and has been a key part of the program’s region and state team championship teams. He has also placed high at region and national competitions. He finished second at the USA Greco National Championship and won the Super 32 wrestling tournament. His excellence extends in the classroom as a 4.0 student. His drive and talent make him a rare breed on the mat. 

Ole Taylor, Bismarck Century

The junior has excelled on the mat during his time in the program. He was runner-up at the Class A Tournament at 182 pounds as a freshman and won the state 195 class a season ago. The quiet, but intense team captain leads by example through his work ethic on the mat and in the classroom. Taylor continues to learn new techniques that will help improve and remain successful. So far this season, Taylor is emerging as the frontrunner in his weight class.

Nicolas Enzminger, Bismarck Legacy

The sophomore has already built an impressive resume as his one of the top wrestlers in the state. He won a state championship a season ago at 106 pounds. He was runner-up as an eighth grader and finished fourth as a seventh grader. Enzminger figures to be a serious contender for another title at 121. His tenacity on the mat keeps his opponent on the defensive. Couple that with a strong skill set and ability to wrestle through positions makes him tough to beat. 

John Richter, Bismarck St. Mary’s

The defending state champion at 152 has his sights set on another title. The senior is off to a good start this season with his losses only to out-of-state wrestles. What sets him apart his persistence efforts to keep improving his technique and skills. He placed seventh state as a sophomore before his breakout season as a junior. Richter is also a leader in in the Saints’ wrestling room, encouraging his fellow teammates to commit to the work needed to improve and find success on the mat.

Colton King, Dickinson

The senior has come into this season on a mission after spending a portion of his offseason attending ultra-competitive summer team camps. Colton was part of Team North Dakota for junior duals in Fargo and Tulsa, OK. He also attended a team camp, hosted by Northern Colorado University. Last season, King is projected to be at the 139 weight division. He placed seventh at last year’s state individual tournament and has his sights set on a better finish as well as contribute to his team’s dual season.

Grady Anderson, Jamestown

The senior is poised to end his Blue Jay wrestling career on the top step of the awards podium after a couple of state runner-up performances. Anderson finished second as a freshman at 120 pounds and was second again as a sophomore at 132. An injury, unfortunately, derailed his pursuit of a state crown a season ago. His work ethic and competitive spirit have put him in prime position to reach his end goal. He’s slotted in the 152- pound class this season and his persistence and positive attitude and make him a leader in the wrestling room.

Marquis Richter, Mandan

The junior is one of the standouts at the 139-pound division and expected to be in the hunt for a region and state individual title. He’s rated second in the recent state coaches’ poll.  Richter is coming off a breakout season where he was state runner-up at 126. His quickness and strength make him hard to handle.

Noah Bledsoe, Minot High

The junior is off to a good start to the season, already winning 15 matches and has had a pair of top three finishes in the two tournaments he’s entered at the 172 weight division. Bledsoe is a team captain for the Magicians and possesses a strong worth ethic. He likes to push the pace on the mat against his opponent. With his strong start he’s hoping to break through and be a state qualifier.

Gabriel Parisien, TMCHS Belcourt

The senior has qualified for the state tournament at the 285-pound division the past two seasons and is on track to make it three in a row. Parisien picked up wins in all three of his matches at the GF Sertoma Dual Tournament in early December. His experience at this weight class and his ability to get his opponents off balance with his size and strength contribute to his success.  

Brier Arnegard, Watford City

The junior is coming off a solid season where he finished eighth at the state tournament at 138 pounds. Just a couple weeks into the season he has already posted seven wins at the 145/152 divisions. Arnegard has put in a great deal of time in the offseason improving his neutral and bottom positions. He excels out at the top position where he can control his opponent with his long arms and grip strength. His mental toughness is another strength. He is patient and waits for opportunities to present themselves and then is quick to strike. 

Ty Wiedrich, Williston

The senior is coming off a breakout season as a junior where he finished runner-up at 182 pounds, falling in a 3-2 decision in the title match. A football injury kept him from being on the mat his sophomore season, but showed his potential last year. He likes to push the pace while on the mat, forcing opponents into mistakes. He’s very good in the top position and he’s tough to keep down on the mat very long. The hard-nosed competitor entered this season as the top ranked wrestler at 189 and won both his matches at the season-opening Minot Early Bird Tournament.

Photo: Marquis Richter, Mandan