Edina Building Its Wrestling Foundation

Josh Burhans’ goal is to build a program.

The second-year wrestling co-coach began the journey a year ago, when wrestling returned to Edina after a four-year hiatus. The Rampage, formed from two school districts forced to wrestle separately during the postseason, took its share of lumps in its first season but found a way to endure.

The foundation for Edina wrestling was set. Now, it’s time to build.

“Our goal is to go out there and be competitive in every dual. I think we have the talent to do that,” Burhans said. “We’re going to be running some tough kids out there, and it’s just going to be a matter of time for some of our young guys going out there and being ready.”

This winter will include the first varsity wrestling meet held in Edina since the 1994 season, the year before Edina and Richfield began their first cooperative from 1995-2005, Burhans said. On Jan. 10, the Rampage will host Southwest High School at the .

As practice began Monday, Burhans thinks the Rampage have the talent to build on last year’s foundation.

It begins with senior , Edina’s lone state entrant from a year ago. Lettow finished the season with a 25-16 record and qualified for the Class AAA meet in the 130 pound weight class.

As a second-year captain, Lettow will be providing leadership on the mat and in the locker room.

“His goal is to get back into the state tournament and hopefully come home with some hardware,” Burhans said. “I think he’s got the talent to do it.”

Junior Shane Walfoort will be another important piece of Edina’s squad, as will Joseph Smith. 

Last year’s initial cooperative year provided surprises and learning experiences along the way. For example, though the Rampage played as a team through the regular season, Richfield and Edina were forced to split into separate teams during postseason play. 

This year, the Rampage are ready for that situation.

“It did get unique during the section tournament time when we both split up,” Burhans said. “That can weaken both teams, so you go into it not knowing what to expect in how competitive you’re going to be. But the kids go out and wrestle hard. That’s the plan.”

Last year the Rampage sent Lettow plus two Richfield wrestlers—Chandler Arrendondo and Mike Dyer—to state. This year, Burhans hopes that number increases.

“I think if we had four or five guys total, that would be something that would really help the program,” he said.