Zwiener leads the way for Westfield

Four Westfield wresters hit the mats at the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) state individual tournament last week, but only one found success in a stacked field of competitors.

Razorbacks senior Bo Zwiener led by example earning his spot in the 139-pound state finals after beginning the tournament 3-0 with a 15-5 major decision and two 4-0 and 4-1 decisions.

The feat marked the first time that Zwiener had made the state finals, and his second-place finish is the best of his career.

Meanwhile, Westfield’s Cannon Wacek (145 pounds), Gage Mullenbach (152), and Alex Lea (189) had more difficulty navigating their way around the tournament.

All three lost their opening-round matches, essentially taking the power to decide their own fate in the tournament out of their hands.

Wacek came close to securing a win in the first round, but a heart-breaking 5-4 decision did not go his way.

Fortunately, the Razorbacks junior was able to secure a wrestleback after his opening-round opponent won his quarterfinal bout.

Wacek was able to find relative success in his second match, but a few well-timed takedowns by Minneapolis North Community’s Johan Alcantara Lund resulted in a 10-5 win for the opposition.

The second loss ended the junior’s run, in what he hopes will be a good learning experience for another potential run in 2025-26.

Westfield seniors Mullenbach and Lea were not as lucky as Wacek, and were not afforded wrestleback opportunities after their opening-round opponents both lost their quarterfinal matches.

Both finished their Westfield careers on the wrong side of major decisions with Mullenbach falling 13-1 and Lea going down 10-1.

“We finished the year on a high note with four state entrants and one state finalist. Bo capped off an incredible high school career with a runner-up finish and a career record of 179-38. Unfortunately, the others did not make the podium but have a lot to be proud of. This group of seniors were a huge part of our success over the years and will be missed greatly. We are excited to have Cannon back for another season,” said Westfield Co-Head Coach David Lassahn.