By Rich WInter

605 Sports

RAPID CITY — The move from Class A to Class B was a good one for Sisseton. 

In their first year of wrestling in the Class B ranks, Ian Metz (126) and Holden Hawkins (157) each won state titles, breaking a boys championship drought with the last title coming 13 years ago.

“The last time we had an individual champion was 2023,” Kasey Metz, Sisseton coach, said. “The first year of girls wrestling we had a state champion but putting three in the finals was huge, and going home with two champions, that’s big time.” 

In addition to Metz and Hawkins winning titles, Vi Anderson reached the finals of the girls tournament (114). Anderson dropped a 1-0 decision to two-time state champion Alexis Bryant of McCook Central/Montrose. 

Metz was the first to win a title Saturday when he defeated top-seeded Zach Bartels of Canton, 5-4. Hawkins was wrestling the last match of the night and observed while his friend broke the Sisseton title drought. 

“I was so proud of him and I knew he had it in him,” Hawkins said. “After he beat Trystan Traupel (McCook Central/Montrose) in the semifinals I knew he had it from there.” 

Sisseton's Ian Metz points to the crowd after he defeated Canton's Zach Bartels 5-4 to win the Class B state championship at 126 - Rodney Haas / 605 Sports

Metz, a senior, finished his season 22-1 after struggling with multiple injuries throughout the season. 

“He picked up a knee injury at the Faulkton tournament,” Kasey Metz said. “In his first match back at Aberdeen he hurt his shoulder. We used him sparingly after that and tried to get him healthy and tonight he did what he needed to do.” 

Hawkins had to wait several more matches before he took to the mat against Philip/Kadoka Area/Wall senior Jace Blasius. Hawkins, 42-2 on the season and Blasius (41-1) were selected as the Class B featured match. 

He gave up an initial point via a penalty and trailed 1-0 early in the match. 

“In that first period I accidentally grabbed at his knee brace and they gave him a point,” Hawkins said. “I told myself there was no need to get nervous and let’s just go wrestle.” 

Metz was able to secure a first period takedown that proved to be the difference in the match on his way to a 4-2 victory. 

“I just tried to have the same game plan and stay calm and confident,” Hawkins said. “I was able to get his leg for that takedown and then had a tough, tough ride at the end to hold on. “ 

Hawkins reached the Class A final in 2024 but lost to Rapid City Stevens’ Jacob Williams. 

“I told him the whole time that it’s Jace’s match to lose and all the pressure is on him here,” Kasey Metz said. “We were there last year and came up a little short but we came here today and got work done.”