Matside Minnesota

Chris Etzler and Derek Holst
  • 0.0 (0)
  • WRESTLING

Matside Minnesota Podcast is your weekly front-row seat to high school wrestling across central and northern Minnesota. Co-hosts Chris Etzler and Derek Holst deliver in-depth recaps, exclusive interviews with coaches, athletes, fans, and officials, and insider commentary that dives into the stories, triumphs, and grit behind every takedown.

  1. 2D AGO

    Cardinal Episode 5 – Senior Standouts: Elijah Greenwaldt & Riley Reese

    Matside Minnesota – Cardinal Edition In this episode, We sit down with two of the Staples‑Motley Cardinals’ most experienced and wrestlers, Elijah Greenwaldt and Riley Reese. Both seniors are highly ranked in their weight classes and bring the perspective of athletes who have already battled their way to the Minnesota State Tournament in past seasons. The guys talk through some of the biggest matches of the year, how these seniors have grown as competitors, and what it means to lead a Cardinal team with major postseason aspirations. Elijah and Riley share insights on training, mindset, and the challenges of navigating a tough schedule as they prepare for one final run. A great mix of experience, personality, and Cardinal pride. #MatsideMinnesota #CardinalEdition #StaplesMotley #MNwrestling #HighSchoolWrestling #ElijahGreenwaldt #RileyReese Support the show

    49 min

  2. 3D AGO

    Episode 13: Section Showdown, Six Minutes at a Time

    Matside Minnesota In this fast‑paced episode, we break down all seven sections we cover — 6A, 7A, 8A, 6AA, 7AA, 8AA, and 8AAA — using a six‑minute timer for each preview. Some sections stayed within regulation… and a couple needed overtime. We look at: The top seeds in each sectionPotential high‑stakes rematchesOne or two must‑watch individual matchupsStorylines that could shape the road to stateIt’s rapid‑fire and full of the energy that makes section week one of the best times of the year in Minnesota wrestling. #MatsideMinnesota #MNwrestling #SectionPreview #HighSchoolWrestling #RoadToState Support the show

    54 min

  3. 4D AGO

    Cardinal Edition Episode 4: History Made - Kana, Leah, Anika & Coach Truax

    Matside Minnesota – Cardinal Edition This week, we celebrate a moment that will be remembered forever at Staples‑Motley High School. Kana Reese, Leah Greenwaldt, and Anika Tureson made school history by becoming the first girls ever to qualify for the Minnesota State High School Girls Wrestling Tournament. Kana and Leah each battled their way to second place, while Anika became the first girls section champion in Cardinal history. We sit down with all three trailblazers — along with their coach, Holt Truax — for a fun, energetic, and heartfelt conversation. The group talks about their section matches, the emotions of qualifying, the growth of girls wrestling, and what it means to be the first to break through. There are laughs, great stories, and plenty of Cardinal pride as these athletes get ready to take the mat at the Grand Casino Arena. #MatsideMinnesota #CardinalEdition #GirlsWrestling #StaplesMotley #MNwrestling #StateBound #WrestlingHistory Support the show

    1h 20m

  4. FEB 7

    Cardinal Edition Episode 3: Ranked and Ready — Luke Bjerga & Adrian Gomez

    Two ranked Cardinals. Two big personalities. One episode you don’t want to miss. This week on the Cardinal Edition, we sit down with 189‑pound hammer Luke Bjerga and heavyweight force Adrian Gomez to talk big wins, big moments, and the road to the section tournaments. These two are wrestling their best when it matters most, and they brought the energy to the studio. Catch the full conversation — and get ready for postseason fireworks #MatsideMinnesota #CardinalEdition #StaplesMotley #MNwrestling #HighSchoolWrestling #LukeBjerga #AdrianGomez #STMOwrestling Support the show

    40 min

  5. FEB 5

    Episode 12 – Inside the State Tournament with Mark Kuisle

    In this episode, we sit down with Mark Kuisle, Activities Director at Big Lake High School and co‑manager of the Minnesota State High School League State Wrestling Tournament. Mark brings a rare behind‑the‑scenes look at how the state’s biggest wrestling event is organized, operated, and continually improved. We dive into the new state tournament format, why changes were made, and how they impact athletes, coaches, and fans. Mark also shares insight into the logistical challenges of running a multi‑day, multi‑class event, details most people never see. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to run one of the premier wrestling state tournaments in the country, this conversation pulls back the curtain. #MatsideMinnesota #MNwrestling #StateTournament #MSHSL #HighSchoolWrestling #BigLakeWrestling Support the show

    1 hr

  6. JAN 29

    Episode 11: Wagner Legacy: A Coach, A Contender, and the Rise of Girls Wrestling

    Episode 11 brings a special in‑studio conversation with Bill Wagner, former Minnesota Coach of the Year and current head girls coach for BHVPP, along with his daughter Elora, a defending state runner‑up and one of the top-ranked wrestlers in Minnesota. Together, the Wagners take us inside the rapid rise of girls wrestling, sharing what it’s been like to build a program, develop athletes, and watch the sport explode across the state. Elora talks about her journey, the pressure and pride of competing at the highest level, and what drives her as she chases another shot at the top of the podium. We also rewind the clock for some classic high school wrestling stories — the kind only longtime Minnesota wrestlers and coaches can tell. It’s a mix of insight, humor, and genuine love for the sport from two people who live it every day. If you care about the growth of wrestling in Minnesota, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. #BHVPPwrestling #MinnesotaWrestling #MatsideMN Support the show

    1h 1m

  7. JAN 25

    Two #1s — Colbe Tappe & Gage Bjerga Lead the Cardinal Charge

    In this episode, we sit down with two of the biggest names in Minnesota high school wrestling: Colbe Tappe and Gage Bjerga. Both are currently ranked #1 in their weight classes, both have state titles, and both recently notched wins over nationally ranked opponents. Colbe talks about his victory over the No. 11 wrestler in the country and what it means heading into the heart of the season. Gage breaks down his electric win over the top-ranked AA senior committed to Oklahoma University — a matchup that turned plenty of heads across the state. The guys also dive into the rise of the #1‑ranked Staples‑Motley Cardinals, the culture inside the room, and what this team is building toward. And as a bonus, some great salvaged audio from the first recording session, you’ll hear those extra cuts at the end of the episode. #CardinalEdition #MatsideMinnesota #StaplesMotley #MNwrestling #HighSchoolWrestling #ColbeTappe #GageBjerga Support the show

    1h 41m

  8. JAN 22

    Episode 10: MNwrestle All-Class Rankings Recap and the Voice of Girls Wrestling — Rance Bahr

    In this episode, we kick things off with a north central Minnesota breakdown of the new all‑class rankings released by MNwrestle.  Then we welcome a guest who needs no introduction in Minnesota wrestling circles, Rance Bahr. After 14 years leading the Bemidji boys program, Rance has become one of the strongest advocates for girls wrestling in the state and now serves as the head coach of the Bemidji girls team. His passion, perspective, and commitment to growing the sport make this conversation one you won’t want to miss. A mix of rankings, insight, and one of the most influential voices in Minnesota wrestling — Episode 10 brings it all together. #MatsideMinnesota #GirlsWrestling #BemidjiWrestling #HighSchoolWrestling #RankingsBreakdown  Support the show

    1h 8m
See All (18)

About

Matside Minnesota Podcast is your weekly front-row seat to high school wrestling across central and northern Minnesota. Co-hosts Chris Etzler and Derek Holst deliver in-depth recaps, exclusive interviews with coaches, athletes, fans, and officials, and insider commentary that dives into the stories, triumphs, and grit behind every takedown.

Information

  • Creator
    Chris Etzler and Derek Holst
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    18
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Matside Minnesota
  • Show Website
    Matside Minnesota

You Might Also Like