by Coach Michael Arvidson

Craig Orlando entered his third state tournament as the top seed and defending State Champion.  His first two matches would be rematches from the season, but Orlando was on top of his game as he put each of them away guaranteeing his podium spot. The semifinals went the same as great position and technique ended in a pin to advance to the finals. 

The finals would be a rematch from the state quarterfinal a year ago that gave Orlando a scare when his opponent headlocked him. This time around, Orlando kept his head buried on his opponent’s chest and never allowed it to happen. After an escape in the second period and the 1-0 lead, Orlando finally got the positioning he wanted and seized the opportunity with a crushing bear hug. The ref slid around, slapped the mat, and it was over as his opponent laid there knocked out cold. It was a very impressive weekend for Orlando as he wrestled seven matches in 11 minutes and 36 seconds combined in the state tournament with seven pins and a knockout for his second state championship.

BHVPP finishes 6th 

After a great send-off of three pepfests on Wednesday and the drive to the cities, BHVPP made its debut in the MSHSL State Team Tournament last Thursday.  Being drawn in as the seven seed, the opening round opponent was second ranked and second seeded Tracy-Milroy-Balaton/Westbrook-Walnut Grove from Section 3.  The Raiders needed to start strong and get momentum in order to pull off the upset.  . . .

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