On Tuesday, Feb. 10, the wrestling team will start their quest to state. The Royals (9-16) will be facing Minneapolis South (14-10) in a sectional tournament match at HHS.

The last Royals wrestling state title as a team was in 1968, the last single weight class winner in state for the Royals was Larry Zilverberg (138) in 1975.

Last year, the season ended when the Royals fell to Mound Westonka in the second round of sections.

“If we can get a lot of pins I think we will have a good chance of keeping the season alive and getting a win,” said Willie Rohweder, junior.

The Royals are looking for not only some pins and a win from their best wrestlers but some of the same from their younger, or less experienced wrestlers.

“We just have to come in to the match with a winning attitude eager to win.  We also need to come into the match with confidence and swagger, knowing, not thinking but knowing that we will get pins and win matches,” said Sam Szuba, junior.

If the Royals beat Minneapolis South, they will face the section’s number one team and undefeated Willmar Cardinals (23-0).