By Chad Zutter, Sports Reporter
Let’s do this again!
The Mustangs wrestling team made their first ever trip to Madison for the WIAA Division 1 State Tournament a season ago and have high hopes to duplicate that experience. Menomonie lost to Mukwonago 35-26 in the state quarterfinals, but the Mustangs return three quarters of their starting lineup with piles of varsity and tournament experience.
Third year head coach Rylan Lubeck commented, “Like last year we should have good numbers, which leads to good depth” when asked about his team's strengths for the upcoming season. “The kids buy into the five C’s of our program pillars,” Lubeck added about his team.
This stacked Mustangs wrestling team will be immensely challenged throughout the season. “Tough duels will lead to guys having to step up,” said Lubeck about the strength of schedule the Mustangs have in front of them. The Clash (https://clashnationalduals.com/), held in LaCrosse, and the Minnesota Christmas tournament, held in Rochester, are wrestling meets that will host schools from all over the country and have nationally ranked teams and individuals scattered throughout. “There is going to be a lot of tough competition individually and as a team with our schedule,” said Lubeck.
Key returners include four of five individual state qualifying wrestlers in Bailey Casey, the younger brother of Brayton Casey, Aiden Aure, Luke Pember and Ray Pember with more talent throughout those large program numbers. Sectional returning wrestlers include Aaron Howard, Jake Anderson, Ben Helminski and Bryce Shepard. With 20 total returning wrestlers, weight classes will fill in throughout the season. “Varsity will work its way out as we get into the season,” said Lubeck about his varsity roster. “We will have a couple of weight classes where we are pretty young,” added Lubeck.
The Mustangs lost excellent wrestlers and leaders from last season in Brayton Casey, who took second place at the individual state meet, Steel Schaefer, Walker Ferguson and Andrew Schaefer.
The Mustangs wrestling schedule can be found below.
Livestream matches can be viewed on Mustangs TV.
Season Notes:
Head Coach Rylan Lubek: Dual Meet Record (44-11) / 3rd season as head coach at Menomonie
Lubeck was an assistant wrestling coach at Middleton High School from 2017-2019.
Graduate, and Minnesota Gopher wrestler, Brayton Casey finished his high school career 150-17. He captured a state title in 2021-22 at 113 and was a three-time state finalist.
Bailey Casey needs 22 wins to reach 100 career wins. His overall record is 78-20 coming into his junior season.
Returning wrestlers Aaron Howard, Aiden Aure, Bailey Casey and Ben Helminksi traveled to Estonia to compete in the Tallion Open in the spring of 2024. (Watch for an article about this trip soon to be posted on the Menomonie Minute.)
Fargo National Participants this past summer were Aidan Aure, Aaron Howard, Luke Pember, Ben Helminski and Bryce Shepard.
Bryce Shepard was also a member of the Team Wisconsin National Cadet Greco Team this past summer.
Current collegiate wrestlers from Menomonie: Kellan Aure (Central Michigan University), Cody Kwak (Minnesota-Mankato), Brayten Casey, (University of Minnesota, RTC)