Pinning Down Victory: A Look at the Minnesota State Wrestling Tournament

It's that time of year again! The Minnesota State High School League is running the state wrestling tournament again, and we have the pictures to prove it. Here are some photos from yesterday's action at the Xcel Energy Center.

Minnesota prep wrestling changed a little this year with takedowns now being worth 3 points instead of 2.

Also, the scoring for near-falls also changed to reflect a new point system. That system saw wrestlers gain either 2, 3, 4, or 5 points for a near-fall.

These were two big changes for both the wrestlers and the fans to get used to.

Saturday marks the day where we will see state champions crowned during the night session.

Saturday's night session is one of those moments where you get goosebumps. There are mats set out in the middle of the arena space, and like Roman gladiators from long ago, the finalists emerge, weight class by weight class, to determine who is the best wrestler in their class at their weight.

It's a special moment for fans and wrestlers alike.

The next weight class doesn't start until there has been a champion crowned in each class, creating must-watch wrestling for who's still competing on the mats.

These young men and women spent all year for this one moment, and then it's gone.

The feelings they are left with after that final match are one of two things. You will either have complete joy because you won or utter devastation knowing you came so far and were so close.

What's important is that these athletes know they are supported by their teammates, families, and communities whether they win, lose, or draw.

I had the opportunity to wrestle through high school, and I still have former teammates that I regularly connect with, so when they say you find friends for life with the activities you are a part of, they are correct.

The life skills that wrestling teaches kids are wonderful. The sport teaches you to have self-control and self-discipline, how to be a good teammate in life, and the most important part of life: there are winners and losers, but that doesn't define you.

Enjoy the rest of the pictures from Erin Johnson below. These are just a few of the hundreds that Erin sent to us from her time at the state tournament.