Simley High School junior Charli Raymond achieved her fifth individual state wrestling title with a 15-0 technical fall victory over Roseville Area’s Anica Barze in the 118-pound championship match at Grand Casino Arena. Raymond became the first girls’ wrestler to win a match at the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) state tournament in 2022 and was also the inaugural Girls Wrestling State Champion.
Raymond remains undefeated this season and is now alone as a five-time champion. If she secures another title next year, she will become only the second wrestler in Minnesota history to win six individual state crowns, joining Mark Hall of Apple Valley, who accomplished the feat in 2016.
Raymond is known for her aggressive style, consistently pressing her opponents and controlling matches by accumulating points quickly. After celebrating her latest accomplishment, she plans to take a short break from wrestling before joining Simley’s softball team as their starting left fielder.
“I love competing in wrestling, without a doubt,” Raymond said. “It’s an intense season and it seems like the increased attention is always there. It’s nice to transition, though, and be able to compete in other activities. There’s still plenty to accomplish in wrestling, so I’ll get back to it soon enough.”
In other notable performances at the tournament:
Twins Joel and Titan Friederichs completed their high school careers with championships for Simley. Joel secured his second crown at 121 pounds in Class AA, while Titan followed with a victory at 127 pounds. Titan finished his career with four individual titles and set a state record with a 194-match winning streak without surrendering a takedown. Both brothers plan to wrestle for the University of Minnesota next season.
Northfield senior Caley Graber earned her third individual state championship after defeating Pine Island’s Lauren Elsmore by technical fall in the 130-pound final. Graber previously made history as the first girl to win a match in the boys’ tournament on her way to finishing fifth.
Westonka senior Cooper Rowe won his third title by technical fall against Kasson-Mantorville ninth-grader Rex Ayshford in the Class AA 160-pound division.
Stillwater Area senior Audrey Rogotzke claimed her third championship after defeating Elora Wagner of Bertha-Hewitt/Verndale/Parkers Prairie by decision in the 148-pound class.
Apple Valley’s Cassy Gonzales captured her fourth career title with an overtime victory against Luverne junior Cece Rock at 155 pounds. Gonzales has not lost a match during her four seasons of competition.
Moorhead senior William Ward came from behind to defeat St. Michael-Albertville’s John Murphy—who was seeking his third straight title—in the Class AAA 189-pound final. Ward is committed to Arizona State University; he was last year’s champion at 215 pounds.
Greenbush/Middle River-Badger junior Sarah Pulk won her fourth consecutive state championship by pinning Rochester Mayo ninth-grader Olivia Martinez in all four matches during this year’s tournament.
The Minnesota Wrestling Coaches Association named Matt Myrvik and Matt Buysse (Minneota) as Class A coaches of the year; Kevin Briggs (New Ulm) for Class AA; Geoff Staab (Northfield) and Tim Haneberg (Hastings) for Class AAA.
