×

Senior leadership guides Magi wrestling

Jimmy Lafakis/MDN Minot High junior Isaac Fernandez (left) wrestles with senior Preston Jones (right) at a practice. The Magicians will begin their season at the Minot Early Bird Invite on Saturday, Nov. 23.

Kelby Armstrong has learned a trick or two over the course of his wrestling career.

The Minot High School senior constitutes a key cog in the Magicians’ machine. After last season’s disappointing finish, the Magi set their sights on redemption.

“We definitely have a team that can contend for a state championship,” Armstrong said. “I think it’s always something that we are trying to contend for every year. Last season, we had our slip-ups. We didn’t have the greatest state tournament last year, so we’ve just got to learn from those mistakes.”

Following a 15-6 (7-3 WDA) regular-season campaign, the Magi finished sixth in the Class A individual team state tournament and third in the Class A team dual tournament. After Bismarck High earned the championship crown, the Demons cemented their run of five state titles in six years.

Minot won state in 2017, but the Demons have blazed through the ranks since then. This season, Armstrong and five other upperclassmen (seniors Jacob Carmichael, Trevon McClanahan, Carter Peterson, Preston Jones and junior Chase Burke) will serve as captains.

Jimmy Lafakis/MDN Minot High junior Chase Burke prepares to wrestle at a practice at Minot's Magic City Campus. Burke will serve as one of six Magi captains this season.

“We’re a blue-collar team,” Minot head coach Justin Racine said. “We’ve got some tough dudes on the team that have put a lot of time and effort in. We’ve got a lot of guys with a lot of experience. They have been around the block a little bit.”

Carmichael and Armstrong will continue their wrestling careers at Minot State next year. Before heading into one of the first practices of his final season, Armstrong reflected upon values and lessons learned throughout the years.

“Over the years, I’ve just learned that you have to have fun with it and enjoy the ride,” Armstrong said. “It means a lot to be a Magician. It’s something you have to hold yourself accountable for. You have to hold yourself to a high standard.”

Although the Magi’s previous postseason ended on a sour note, the team has gleaned knowledge from its past trip to the Fargodome. According to Racine, the Magi have a healthy amount of depth for the first time in years.

“I feel like we left some points on the table (at state),” Racine said. “I preach to the guys, ‘You can’t forget that. You can’t forget the past. You can’t forget that feeling of getting beaten and not getting to your goal.’ We use that feeling and emotion to push us forward for this year. A lot of those guys didn’t finish where they wanted, and it hurt.”

As a senior captain, Jones has assumed a leadership role on the mat. He and the other captains will be tasked with mentoring the team’s new faces.

“My last two years, I haven’t really had the greatest state tournaments,” Jones said. “This year, I’m going in wanting to have a good state tournament and to peak at the right time. I want to get stuff done this year and do what I know I can do.”

Jones started wrestling when he was three years old. He attended Minot High wrestling dual events and football games early in life, knowing he wanted to participate in both sports.

“I was looking up to all those guys,” Jones said. “Now, I’m transitioning to one of those guys that people look up to. You really understand what you can mean to the younger generation of athletes and the city of Minot.”

A team-first mentality is at the forefront of Minot’s plan of action this season.

“Last year, we had some guys where anything we asked them to do, they did it for the team,” Racine said. “That’s important to me. They don’t even question. They just do it. That’s what I look for.”

The Magi will host the Minot Early Bird Invite at 9 a.m. on Saturday. Minot will welcome Turtle Mountain, Devils Lake, Bishop Ryan, Velva, Beulah and Carrington.

Jimmy Lafakis covers Minot High School sports and Class B high school sports. Follow him on Twitter @JJLII30.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today