Bemidji girls wrestling hands out seasonal awards

011525.S.BP.BHSGWRES2 Chasity Skerik.jpg — Bemidji's Chasity Skerik's arm is raised after winning her championship match during the Rick Lee Invitational on Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025, at the Sanford Center.

By Pioneer Staff Report

April 28, 2025 at 3:17 PM

BEMIDJI 鈥� The 2024-25 season was a good one for the Bemidji High 歪歪漫画 girls wrestling team.

The Lumberjacks went 20-2, setting a new single-season best for wins and a fourth-place finish at the Minnesota Wrestling Coaches Association Tournament.

Twenty Lumberjacks received a varsity letter this season, meeting the criteria of attending at least 80% of team sessions, completing preseason and postseason workouts, meeting the academic standards of BHS and successfully completing 鈥減hysically and mentally challenging tasks,鈥� according to head coach Rance Bahr.

The Jacks wrapped up their season by dishing out team and individual awards.

BHS was recognized with the Team Gold Academic Award with a 3.69 grade-point average. Bemidji also won the Libson Duals, the Blue Ox Invitational, the Thief River Falls Invitational, the Rick Lee Duals and the Hopkins Invitational.

BHS also recognized Taylor Merschman as a section champion and Maya Schmidt as a section runner-up. Schmidt was also a state runner-up, while Merschman took fourth place in her bracket.

Bahr also announced that youth coaches Jadyn Eichberg and Brenalen Fredriksen-Holm won the Sportsmanship Award for the Northland Youth Wrestling Association.

The following wrestlers received plaques for their efforts during the 2024-25 season:

Kiera Hagman: Most wins (40); Back Down to No One Award
Taylor Merschman: Most team points (217); Most near fall points (110); most takedowns (70); Outstanding Sophomore
Most falls: Chastity Skerik (28); Outstanding Little
Dezi Puffe: Outstanding Junior
Emma Richards: Outstanding Freshman
Maya Schmidt: Most Outstanding Wrestler (three-time state placewinner and two-time state finalist)
Tasha Severson: Most Improved Wrestler
KeeKee Goodfellow: Rookie of the Year
Synneva Flom: In-Season Dedication Award
Brenalen Fredriksen-Holm: Offseason Dedication Award
Jackie Matheny: Bemidji Girls Wrestling Appreciation Award

Click to go to the prep sports calendars and standings page

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By Pioneer Staff Report

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