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Velva’s Helseth has chance to realize dream

Garrick Hodge/MDN Velva's Justin Helseth, left, takes control of Carrington's Colton Buskness during their 195-pound semifinal matchup at the state wrestling tournament Friday at the Fargodome.

FARGO — The saying “the third time’s the charm” is a cliche in most circles, but Velva wrestler Justin Helseth doesn’t care.

After experiencing heartbreak in the semifinals the last two seasons, Helseth made the most of his third opportunity by beating Libson’s Spencer Schwab by a 6-2 decision in the 195-pound semifinals Friday to clinch a state title berth.

With one more meet to go in his senior season, Helseth has dreamt of being a state champion since he began wrestling when he was 5-years-old.

“I’m finally going to have a chance to get up there under the lights,” Helseth said. I’ve wanted this since kindergarten and if I can win, it would all be worth it.”

Velva wrestling coach Chad Barstad said he was happy to see Helseth finally get past the roadblock the semifinals had been for him in the past.

“Helseth is honestly one of the best leaders we’ve ever had,” Barstad said. “For him to have all of his hard work pay off really makes us happy.”

Things won’t get any easier from here, though. If Helseth really wants the state championship, he’s going to have to earn it. Standing in his way is Ellendale/Edgeley/Kulm’s Clayton Grueneich, who is an unblemished 36-0 on the season.

Helseth is no slouch himself at 39-2, but dropped a 4-1 decision to Grueneich earlier in the year. He won’t be lacking confidence the second time around, however.

“I’m going to work harder than him and have more heart,” Helseth said. “That’s the only way I can do it.”

Barstad said he hopes Helseth comes out more aggressive than the last time the pair wrestled.

“He just has to go in and attack,” he said. “The first time, he didn’t do anything. In a 4-1 match, he realized he didn’t do much the first time around, but I think he’ll come out and be the aggressor this time around.”

Garrick Hodge covers Minot State athletics, the Minot Minotauros and high school sports. Follow him on Twitter @Garrick_Hodge.

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