Three Johnnie wrestlers find podium at UW-Eau Claire

The St. John’s wrestling team has gotten off to a fast start as they had three athletes place in the top three as the Johnnies competed in the UW-Eau Claire Eight-Man Battle last week.

First-year Owen Herbst, junior Logan Thorsten and senior captain Ben Gilbertson have led the way this season for SJU.As a transfer, Herbst has been welcomed by his Johnnie teammates.

“The transition has gone very well for me both athletically and academically. The teammates and staff have brought me in and have been very kind. Everyone has a great work ethic. St. John’s commitment to being student-athletes works very well with my goals. This is why it has been a great decision for me personally,” Herbst said.

He also stated that he feels like he has been at SJU for more than just this season.

“The guys made me feel like I belonged here instantly. We’ve been putting in the work, and I have built relationships in both practices and during competition. Camaraderie among teammates is a key to success. I’ve made connections already that I know are going to last even beyond just our time at St. John’s University,” Herbst said.

Thorsten has also had a big impact on the Johnnie wrestling program during his time in Collegeville. This season, he has a record of 5-2, winning three matches at the opening Haws/Elton Four-team Rumble. In the second meet, he recorded two wins against Augustana (Illinois) and Lakeland University (Wisconsin).

“Our goals are to improve every day and build on what we did last year. We want to work hard every day and not accept falling into a routine and not getting better,” Thorsten said via email.

Thorsten thinks that this season’s group of Johnnie wrestlers is something special.

“The group of returners will be big for mentoring the first-years. The change between high school and collegiate wrestling is a big jump. We all need to be on the same page as a group to be successful,” Thorsten said.

Gilbertson has been grateful for his time as a student-athlete at St. John’s University. In his final season of collegiate wrestling, he is most looking forward to the trip to Florida.

“We will be able to spend Christmas and New Year’s with our families in warm weather. But, like any competition, it is a business trip. Throughout the past two seasons, I have been one match away from placing in the top eight (warrior bracket). Being my last year, I do not want this to happen again,” Gilbertson said.

Gilbertson wants to look back on his wrestling career with no regrets. He has been pleased with the level of competition he has faced as a Johnnie.

“I will look forward to all of the dual meets with the team, but specifically the regional tournament at the end of the year. The squad has increased in numbers and in the level of competition. It is very ironic that my first college meet was at UW-Stevens Point. The regional meet this year will be also hosted at UWSP, and that could be where I end my career. As a senior, I look forward to seeing the growth of our team as athletes and also good people. I am hoping my last ride will end in triumph,” Gilbertson said.

Head coach Kevin Schiltz has been very happy with the leaders he has coached during his time at St. John’s. This leadership has stemmed from Gilbertson, Thorsten and another team captain, junior D.J. Myles. Leadership and being a tight-knit group have contributed to much of the team’s success during the young season this year.

“This group has been no different than past leaders. They have the ability to guide younger Johnnies down the right path. The team bond will be weak without positive leaders. This makes my job easier. Without leadership, my job would be impossible,” Schiltz said via email.

Schiltz praised the team’s competitive level. He discussed how the guys need to be level-headed and calm during competition.

“We are in line to get more team activities and travel together to make that bond even stronger. This sport is tough enough, and you don’t want to make things harder. Divided teams also seem to lose teammates faster with guys quitting the sport,” Schiltz said.

When returning from Eau Claire, St. John’s will travel to Moorhead for a meet at Moorhead State University on Sunday to compete in the MSU-Moorhead Open. Following the in-state meet, the Johnnies will travel south to compete in Storm Lake, Iowa on Dec. 9 as they take part in the Buena Vista University Open.