Winner’s Apollo Willuweit burst onto the Class B wrestling scene last season. 

Willuweit capped off a 44-0 season with a 4-2 win over Bon Homme/Avon’s Ryvr Larson for the 106-pound Class B state championship. Willuweit, now a freshman, joined three generations of state wrestling champions. 

Wayne Willuweit, Apollo’s grandfather, won three state titles for Burke in 1971-73 at 98 pounds, 112 pounds and 105 pounds, respectively. Apollo Willuweit’s father, Clint Willuweit, won a Class B title for Gregory in 1997, finishing the year with a 37-0 record. Clint’s brother Justin won a state title for Gregory in 1993 at 125 pounds, finishing 31-4 that season. 

Willuweit is now aiming for his second straight Class B state championship, while the Warriors also project to be among the team title contenders this season. 

There are only two other returning state champs this season: Canton’s Conner Giedd (150) and Sisseton’s Holden Hawkins (157). 

Canton is looking to maintain its grip on Class B wrestling this season. The C-Hawks have won five of the past six Class B dual team championships, while they’ve won eight consecutive Class B state wrestling championships.