Episode 11 brings a special in‑studio conversation with Bill Wagner, former Minnesota Coach of the Year and current head girls coach for BHVPP, along with his daughter Elora, a defending state runner‑up and one of the top-ranked wrestlers in Minnesota.

Together, the Wagners take us inside the rapid rise of girls wrestling, sharing what it’s been like to build a program, develop athletes, and watch the sport explode across the state. Elora talks about her journey, the pressure and pride of competing at the highest level, and what drives her as she chases another shot at the top of the podium.

We also rewind the clock for some classic high school wrestling stories — the kind only longtime Minnesota wrestlers and coaches can tell. It’s a mix of insight, humor, and genuine love for the sport from two people who live it every day.

If you care about the growth of wrestling in Minnesota, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

#BHVPPwrestling #MinnesotaWrestling #MatsideMN

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In this episode, we sit down with two of the biggest names in Minnesota high school wrestling: Colbe Tappe and Gage Bjerga. Both are currently ranked #1 in their weight classes, both have state titles, and both recently notched wins over nationally ranked opponents.

Colbe talks about his victory over the No. 11 wrestler in the country and what it means heading into the heart of the season. Gage breaks down his electric win over the top-ranked AA senior committed to Oklahoma University — a matchup that turned plenty of heads across the state.

The guys also dive into the rise of the #1‑ranked Staples‑Motley Cardinals, the culture inside the room, and what this team is building toward.

And as a bonus, some great salvaged audio from the first recording session, you’ll hear those extra cuts at the end of the episode.

#CardinalEdition #MatsideMinnesota #StaplesMotley #MNwrestling #HighSchoolWrestling #ColbeTappe #GageBjerga

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In this episode, we kick things off with a north central Minnesota breakdown of the new all‑class rankings released by MNwrestle.

Then we welcome a guest who needs no introduction in Minnesota wrestling circles, Rance Bahr. After 14 years leading the Bemidji boys program, Rance has become one of the strongest advocates for girls wrestling in the state and now serves as the head coach of the Bemidji girls team. His passion, perspective, and commitment to growing the sport make this conversation one you won’t want to miss.

A mix of rankings, insight, and one of the most influential voices in Minnesota wrestling — Episode 10 brings it all together.

#MatsideMinnesota #GirlsWrestling #BemidjiWrestling #HighSchoolWrestling #RankingsBreakdown

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In Episode 9 we recap the biggest events across the region with a focus on the Rick Lee tournaments in Bemidji.

#MatsideMinnesota #RickLeeDuals #MNwrestling #HighSchoolWrestling

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In Episode 8 we keep it simple and get straight to the action. With no guests this week, we recap the biggest New Year wrestling events across the region, The Clash in La Crosse and Rumble on the Red in Fargo.

#MatsideMinnesota #TheClash #RumbleOnTheRed #MNwrestling #HighSchoolWrestling

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Cardinal Edition – Episode 1: The Early Years of Cardinal Wrestling
Matside Minnesota – Cardinal Edition

We’re kicking off the very first episode of the Cardinal Edition by going back to where it all began. We sit down with Mike Hajek, one of the foundational voices in Staples-Motley wrestling history, to revisit the early years of the Cardinal program. From the culture that shaped generations of wrestlers to the stories that still echo through the gym, this episode is full of memories, perspective, and Cardinal pride.

As alumni ourselves, launching this edition feels like coming home, and there’s no better way to start than honoring the roots of a program that means so much to the community.

Whether you’re a longtime fan, a former wrestler, or a parent of today’s athletes, this episode sets the tone for what the Cardinal Edition is all about: celebrating the people, stories, and legacy of Staples-Motley wrestling.

#CardinalEdition #MatsideMinnesota #StaplesMotley #MNwrestling #WrestlingHistory #CardinalPride

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Episode 7: Previewing The Clash
In this episode, We keep it simple and focused: The Clash is coming.
Held in La Crosse, Wisconsin, this nationally recognized high school wrestling tournament features 29 teams from 11 states, including Staples-Motley, Perham, and Pierz — three programs close to home. With 4 Nationally ranked teams in the mix, it’s one of the toughest and most exciting events in the country.

We’re hitting the road to watch it live, but first we break down what makes The Clash so special, what to expect from our area teams, and why this tournament is a must-watch for Minnesota wrestling fans.

#MatsideMinnesota #TheClash #MNwrestling #HighSchoolWrestling #StaplesMotley #Perham #Pierz

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Episode 6: Northwoods Wrestling on the Rise

This Christmas Day episode is packed with stories, highlights, and a whole lot of Minnesota wrestling spirit.

We kick things off by breaking down the week’s top match highlights from across Minnesota, big performances, standout duals, and the moments that caught our attention on the mats.

After that we spotlight a story from Babbitt, Minnesota, where Northeast Range/Ely is building something special in what has traditionally been hockey country. Head coach Adam Hagen joins us to share how he launched the program, the challenges of starting from scratch in a remote corner of the state, and the momentum they’re building in just their second season.

And in the middle of it all, we bring in a little holiday cheer with fun messages from some Staples-Motley wrestlers.

Whether you're celebrating with family, traveling to a holiday tournament, or just relaxing at home, we hope this episode brings you a smile and keeps you connected to the wrestling community we all love.

🎄 Merry Christmas from Matside Minnesota!
Thanks for listening, supporting, and being part of this growing statewide wrestling family.

#MatsideMinnesota #NorthwoodsWrestling #MNwrestling #HighSchoolWrestling #ChristmasEpisode #WrestlingCommunity #NortheastRange #Ely

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