Bernard in contention for third place at state

One more win

in wrestlebacks would have Eagle in 3rd place match

By BOB VARMETTE

Journal Sports Writer

ST. PAUL -- Andy Bernard was just wrestling. He wasn't trying to prove anything; he wasn't trying to mask the hurt.

He was just wrestling.

Less than 24 hours removed from a 2-1 double overtime loss to top-ranked Mike Peterson of Bemidji -- a match decided by a stall call with just five seconds left, the New Ulm High 189-pounder posted a pair of workmanlike wins Friday at the Class 3A individual wrestling tournament at Xcel Energy Center.

"I really don't let much bother me, it only gets me for about an hour," Bernard said. "You got to shrug stuff like that off.

"It's just wrestling."

Bernard (36-2) will meet Kyle Massey of Circle Pines Centennial in the third round of wrestlebacks, which will begin at 10 a.m. today. Bernard is just one win away from wrestling for third place; he is guaranteed at least sixth place.

The Eagles senior advanced with a 7-2 decision of New Brighton Irondale's Mark Perry.

"I'll sum it up for you real quick, that made my day," said New Ulm High coach Dar Arndt. "Now he can place in the state -- guaranteed. He can't be less than sixth, but we're going for third."

After a scoreless first period, Perry took a 1-0 lead with an escape to start the second period. About 30 seconds later, Bernard got his first takedown with 1:20 on the clock. Bernard rode Perry the rest of the period and took a 2-1 margin into the final two minutes.

Bernard got the lead to 3-1 with an escape from the down position to start the final period. With 59 seconds left in the match, Bernard took control, earning another takedown for a 5-1 lead with a "Front Head" move.

After Perry got an escape point, Bernard used the same move for another takedown with just two seconds in the match.

"I knew I could get a 'Front Head' on him, which I think I scored three times on that," Bernard said. "He wasn't real aggressive so I used my 'Front Head' and took some quick shots."

In the first round of wrestlebacks, Bernard handled 10th-ranked Paul Starkovich of Virginia 9-4. Bernard tied the match at 4 with an escape with 1:41 left in the match. Bernard took Starkovich down with just 22 seconds left, converting for a three-point near fall and the final 9-4 margin.

The two wins did a lot to erase the memory of Thursday night's loss to Peterson. Bernard is confident.

There was no problem," Bernard said. "It was just a match, just another match. ... Hey, I'm looking at No. 3."