NATIONAL QUALIFIERS — Cordell Peterson, left, and Wyatt Fitterer will compete in the Asics/Vaughan Greco-Roman National Tournament in Fargo, N.D. July 20-21. (Star Eagle photo by Jim Lutgens)

By JIM LUTGENS

Editor/Publisher

By now, most high school wrestlers have long ago hung up their singlets and shoes for the season, forgetting the long hours of sweat and blood left on mats mostly found far from the spotlight.

Wyatt Fitterer and Cordell Pederson are not like most high school wrestlers.

The NRHEG students have continued to wrestle since shortly after the high school season ended in March, qualifying in May for USA Wrestling nationals in both team and individual competition as part of the Lakeville Freestyle/Greco-Roman Wrestling Club.

Fitterer and Pederson, seniors at NRHEG High School this fall, are no strangers to big time wrestling, with four state tournament appearances and an international trip to Australia and New Zealand between them. Pederson has been to three consecutive state tournaments. Fitterer, a state qualifier as a freshmen, did not make it as a sophomore and had his junior season cut short by injury.

They wrestled for the Lakeville 2 team that placed 18th among 38 squads in the national team tournament June 23-27 in Tulsa, Okla. Fitterer, wrestling at 285 pounds, finished with a record of 6-3 in Greco-Roman competition and 3-3 in freestyle. Pederson, 126 pounds, was 4-4 in Greco-Roman and 2-1 in freestyle.

Fitterer, who has a 28-9 record in USA Wrestling this year, qualified for individual nationals out of the Junior Northern Plains Tournament in Waterloo, Iowa May 14-16. Pederson qualified by placing in the top four of the Junior Southern Plains Tournament in Dodge City, Kan., May 29-31.

The two took part in the Junior National Training Camp at Augsburg College in Minneapolis July 9-13 and will compete in the Asics/Vaughan Greco-Roman Junior National Tournament in Fargo, N.D., July 20-21.

The difference between freestyle and Greco-Roman is that only upper body moves are allowed in Greco-Roman, making for some fast action and high-scoring moves.

How does it compare to high school wrestling?

“I think it’s a little better,” said Fitterer, laughing. “It’s a little faster pace than high school, but I like it. I enjoy wrestling. I did it because I didn’t get to wrestle half the (high school) season.”

“I think it’s a lot more interesting,” said Pederson. “It’s faster paced. It changes things up, gives you a new feel for wrestling.”

Having already faced and beaten some of the best competition in the country — including state champions — Fitterer and Pederson are looking forward to nationals and the largest wrestling tournament in the U.S.

“I expect a good showing from both of us, because I feel like we’re prepared and we’re ready,” said Fitterer, who feels he’s in the best physical condition of his life.”

“I expect some good competition, some well fought battles, good experiences,” said Pederson.

The wrestlers will be accompanied to Fargo by their parents, Todd Fitterer and Vera Fitterer and Barrie and Dawn Pederson. Both boys wished to thank their employers, Keck’s Repair and Paul Koziolek, for allowing them time off.

For those wishing to follow the national tournament on line, all matches will be televised at www.trackwrestling.com.