SIOUX FALLS — One year after a third-place finish, Ryken Orel stood atop the podium on Saturday. 

The Winner High School senior claimed the Class B 150-pound state wrestling title at the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center. The state championship came one year after Orel placed third in the 144-pound class, motivating the Warrior to finish the job in 2026. 

“It means a lot to me,” Orel said. “I have been grinding all season long. I have been going to extra workouts in the morning and everything I can just to get on top of that podium and it finally paid off.” 

Orel defeated Britton-Hecla’s Bryce Hawkinson, 4-3, for the state championship. It was their second meeting at a state tournament, with Orel winning a 13-4 major decision in last year’s quarterfinals. 

“I beat him 13-4, but this year was a little bit closer in the state championship,” said Orel, who finished the season 42-2. “But all that matters is that I won.” 

After a scoreless first period, Orel went ahead 4-0 in the second on an escape and a takedown. In the third period, Hawkinson scored a takedown in the closing seconds. But Hawkinson ran out of time and Orel won the state championship. 

“When I felt my hips go up in the air I was like ‘I can’t give up any back points. Get to your belly as quick as you can and you will be good.’ ” 

Orel also helped the Warriors finish second in the Class B team standings with 149 points, behind first-place Canton (161.5). Orel said the team placing was the result of extra hours on the mat. 

“All of us are in the room every day getting better,” Orel said. “We are doing seven workouts a week. We are going extra on Sundays. We are doing everything we can.”