50 Years of Wrestling at Oklee-Plummer Celebrated

On Saturday, April 16th, the RLCC Takedown Club held a celebration of 50 years of wrestling for the Oklee-Plummer Wrestling Programs. After months of planning, the event was a huge success as old-time wrestlers from both the Bobcat and Cardinal programs plus many wrestlers from the Mustang program showed up to enjoy a fine meal and take in the program. The meal was prepared by DeAnn Eskeli, well known in the area for her catering  abilities. None of the 175 people she served were disappointed. Greg Melin, President of the RLCC Takedown Club, began the program with thanks to everyone and by introducing the 1st speaker. To everyone’s surprise, it was none other than recently retired wrestling official, Bucky Lindberg. Bucky was going to introduce or emcee, Paul Cyr. Before the introduction, he told a few humorous stories on some of the athletes in attendance including  Kelly Lundeen, Gary Vad, John Larson,  Brent Strand and Allen Paquin. Bucky’s high school wrestling coach was Paul Cyr. Paul had encouraged Bucky to get his officials license after he graduated. 35 years later, Bucky retired from officiating. A well-respected official who had worked at the state tournament numerous times. Thank you Bucky for joining our celebration! 

Paul  Cyr, 1972 Bobcat and longtime coach at NRHEG, next took over the microphone. Paul was inducted into the MN Wrestling Coaches Hall of Fame on April 30th, 2016 in Benson, MN). Paul’s 1st duty was to congratulate Corlan Magnell, as she has had a son, or grandson, or great grandson in the Bobcat/Mustang program continuously since oldest son, Randy, began wrestling in 1972. That is 44 years of continuity. Awesome job Magnell family!

The crown than heard from elementary wrestling coaches, Isaac Magnell and Tyler Tougas. The elementary coaches are working hard and attempting to provide more numbers for the Varsity Mustang Program. Things are going in the right direction.

Next up was present Mustang coach, Aaron Nelson. Aaron joined John Larson as co-head coaches in 1997-98 and took over the runs completely in 1999-2000. He has had individual successes thru the years, but has been hampered by a lack of numbers to be able to compete team wise. He is hoping for more numbers in the future.

Gary Brantl was the next speaker. He started the Cardinal Wrestling Program in 1971-72. It was good to see members of his early teams in attendance. There were Konicksons, Mattisons, Brekkes, and Gerardys in attendance. During the early years of Cardinal Wrestling, these family names were sprinkled throughout the Plummer lineup. Gary thanked the RLCC Takedown Club for all of their planning and hard work to make this event a success. His final comment, “what a great evening!”

Charles Bishop was heard from next. He continued with the idea that wresting was a family sport and recognized  several of the families that had been a big part of the Bobcat Wrestling Program. Lundeens, Larsons, the previously mentioned Magnells, Paquins, Tougas’, Cyrs, and Bergeron’s. In 1970 when Bishop started in Oklee, there were two Bergerons in the starting lineup. For the next 17 years there were one or two Bergerons in the lineup.  The Bergeron Family had their crowning moment in 1987, when Todd won his 2nd state title. The Cyr Family won their state title in 1983, followed by the Tougas Family in 1984. What a run for the Mustang Wrestling Program: 4 state champions in 5 years. The Cardinal & Bobcat Programs had combined in 1982 due to lack of numbers in both programs. 

To wrap up the evening, emcee Paul Cyr had all of the state entrants stand to be recognized. Thank you to the entire RLCC Takedown Club for a job well done. Rumor has it that the celebration continued well into the wee hours of the morning with dancing and libation. This reporter is quite sure that aspirin was the main course in many of the celebrant’s breakfasts!  

The Takedown Club Reunion Committee would like to also say thank you to all attendants, volunteers, sponsors, and the community as a whole.  We couldn’t have done it without you!   Kelly Melin, Mandy Roisland, Emily Magnell, Carey & Teresa Sannes.