Shakopee Wrestlers Eye Bright Future This Winter

The Shakopee wrestling program has always enjoyed a certain level of success. In 10 years under coach Mark Neu, the Sabers have consistently been in the hunt for conference championships, winning it in 2004 and 2011.

But there’s a certain level of optimism surrounding Shakopee’s wrestling room this winter. Coming off the Missota Conference championship and a regular-season best 21 wins a year ago, the Sabers are primed to keep building on that success.

“We definitely are there,” Neu said. “Our goal is to win the conference. Certainly, we take it one day at a time. We don’t look ahead. We don’t talk about it. Nobody talks about it. We just come to work every day, do our job, go home and come to work the next day.”

It’s a recipe for success the Sabers hope will lead to the next step: A trip to the state tournament.

Shakopee lost the section championship to former conference rival Prior Lake a year ago, but four individuals reached state and two of those wrestlers return this year.

Junior Patrick Casey returns after a 30-11 season last year and a trip to St. Paul, and senior Corey Anderson went 40-9 and took fourth place at state as a heavyweight.

Combined with a group of underclassmen who are coming from a deep youth wrestling program, and Neu said the future is looking bright.

“We’re strong, we’ve got a good program,” Neu said. “Our youth program is extremely strong. We’ve got a group of very, very committed parents. Those kids coming through the youth program are ready to go right off the bat. It’s a really, really good future.”

Neu said seven of his varsity athletes from a year ago went to J Robinson wrestling camps at the University of Minnesota, and the team’s numbers in the wrestling room are reaching 40 athletes. Thirteen of those athletes are seniors.

Now, the first goal is repeating as Missota Conference champions. Neu said New Prague will be near the top of the conference as well.

The Sabers’ depth and their dedication to one another is what Neu hopes will continue to push Shakopee to the next level.

“We have kids that are willing to work and have done it before,” Neu said. “We’re committed. We trust you, you trust us and we are working together to meet our goals.”

The Sabers will have their first test tonight on the road against Lakeville North.