Lien looking to repeat as Class A state champion for Tigers

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RAPID CITY — Huron senior Tyson Lien will begin his quest for the second straight state title when the Tigers open competition in the Class A State Wrestling Tournament on Thursday at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center.

Lien is one of six Huron wrestlers in the boys’ tournament. The Tigers will also have three wrestlers competing in the inaugural Class A State Girls’ Wrestling Tournament.

“I want everyone to wrestle hard and have fun,” Huron coach Matt Goth said. “The wrestlers need to take this weekend one match at a time and not overlook anybody

“This tournament is spread out over three days, so the wrestlers need to use their downtime to relax and recover for the next round,” he said.

After winning the state title at 170 pounds last season, Lien has put together a 31-1 record this season at 182 for the Tigers.

“Tyson needs to be ready to go every time he steps on the mat,” Goth said. “Tyson is 1-1 with the No. 1 seed, who is the returning 195-pound state champ. Both matches have been close.”

With the second seed, Lien will open the tournament against Athony Marquardt of Sioux Falls Lincoln, who is 12-15.

Joining Lien in the boys’ tournament for Huron are eighth-grader Moses Gross at 120, senior Kaiser Ruth at 145, senior Lucas Hofer at 160, senior Tristan Cardona at 220, and senior Sebastian Cardona at 285.

“All of the wrestlers have a seed this year, which sets them all up to have a good chance at placing this year,” Goth said. “Moses Gross, Lucas Hofer and Sebastian Cardona are all fourth seeds. This sets them up to have a good start to their weekend.

“Tristan Cardona, who was one match away from placing last year, is the No. 7 seed,” he said. “Kaiser Ruth will make his first appearance at the state tournament as the No. 10 seed.”

Gross is 30-7 this season and will open against Brandon Sparks of Mitchell, who is 21-11.

Ruth has posted a 20-8 record this season at 145 and will open against Robby Edberg of West Central, who is 25-5.

Hofer is 17-4 at 160 and will open against Garret Ristau of Chamberlain, who is 25-22.

Tristan Cardona is 19-10 at 220 and will open against James Olson of Brookings, who is 23-12.

Sebastian Cardona is 26-7 at 285 and will open against Buck Fickbohm of Sturgis, who is 9-15.

“Moses Gross, Lucas Hofer, Tyson Lien, Tristan Cardona, and Sebastian Cardona all have experience at the state tournament and can use that to their advantage,” Goth said.

Rapid City Stevens is the defending Class A champion, with Brandon Valley finishing as the runner-up a year ago.

Ae Si Lar will compete for Huron in the girls’ 131 division, while Ehler Klay and Htee Htoo will compete in the girls’ 143 division.

“All will get their first experience at the state tournament,” Goth said.

Opening matches for the Class A State Dual Tournament will be Brandon Valley vs. Tea Area; Mitchell vs. Pierre; Rapid City Stevens vs. Chamberlain; and Watertown vs. Harrisburg. The winners advance to the semifinals, while the losers are eliminated.  

Winners from the semifinals will meet for the title, while the losers will wrestle for third place.