The 2024-25 Hastings Raiders boys wrestling season has officially come to a close, and once again, the blue and gold left their mark on the mats across Minnesota. With grit, heart, and a relentless work ethic, the Raiders continued to uphold their proud wrestling tradition, turning in a year filled with notable individual performances, academic excellence, and standout leadership.
At the helm of it all was a talented, tightly knit roster, a crew of athletes who took every challenge head-on, whether inside the gym or in the classroom.
One of the season’s biggest highlights came at the Minnesota State High School League State Tournament, where several Raiders punched their tickets to compete among the best. Leading the charge was junior standout Trey Beissel at 133 pounds and eighth-grader Beckett Edstrom at 107.
Beckett Edstrom showed maturity beyond his years, navigating a deep bracket to secure third place in Class AAA. After a narrow semifinal loss, Edstrom bounced back with poise, shutting out Owatonna’s Kaden Lindquist 4-0 in the third-place match. Finishing his season with an impressive 46-8 record, Edstrom proved he’s a force to be reckoned with, and it’s hard not to get excited about what lies ahead for him in the coming years.
Joining Edstrom on the podium was the always steady Trey Beissel. Beissel came into the tournament with a stellar 51-3 record and lived up to expectations, battling all the way to the championship match at 133 pounds. In the finals, Beissel went toe-to-toe with St. Michael-Albertville’s Lincoln Robideau in a thrilling bout that went to sudden victory, ultimately falling 4-1. Still, Beissel’s runner-up finish only solidified his reputation as one of the state's top competitors.
Several other Raiders earned their shot at the state stage. Rocco Iallonardo and Fletcher Peterson fought hard but saw their tournaments cut short after their opening-round opponents were eliminated early, denying them a chance to wrestle back through the consolation bracket. Taylon Little Soldier, wrestling at 139 pounds, showed resilience after dropping his first match. He rebounded with a gutsy 5-3 win in the second round before being eliminated in a tightly contested third match. Mark Svoboda (160 pounds) and Elijah Christopher (215 pounds) also represented Hastings well, though they each fell in consecutive rounds.
While the medals and match wins are easy to tally, the Raiders' success wasn’t just measured by what happened on the mat. Their efforts in the classroom and as leaders in the community were equally impressive.
The National Wrestling Coaches Association recognized a host of Raiders for their dedication to academics. Elliot Renneke, Barrett Boardman, Kasen Esterby, Hunter Hoff, Jack Bainbridge, Lucas Poellinger, and Bennet Brockman were all named Scholar All-Americans—an achievement that speaks volumes about their commitment to balancing both athletic and academic excellence.
After a devastating injury, Jack Bainbridge was sidelined for the majority of this season. That injury did not stop him from contributing to the team in other ways which garnered him special recognition, earning the NWCA Character and Leadership All-American Award. Bainbridge has consistently exemplified the Raider Way, setting the tone with his sportsmanship, work ethic, and ability to lead by example. It’s athletes like Bainbridge who help define what Hastings wrestling is all about.
For head coach Tim Haneberg and his staff, the season may have ended, but the foundation continues to strengthen. Throughout the year, Hastings showcased depth across weight classes, a mix of veteran leadership and emerging young talent. From experienced wrestlers like Beissel to rising stars like Edstrom, the program is poised for sustained success.
The regular season featured its share of battles, highlighted by fierce conference duals and a strong showing in key tournaments. The Raiders maintained their reputation as one of Minnesota’s most respected programs, consistently fielding competitive lineups that challenged top teams across the state. It wasn’t always smooth sailing—like any good wrestling season, there were ups and downs—but the athletes responded each time, sharpening their skills and growing together as a unit.
And let’s not forget the supportive wrestling community that backs these athletes year after year. The parents, alumni, and Raider faithful filled gyms across the state, their energy unmistakable and unwavering. Whether it was an early-season invitational or the electric atmosphere of the Xcel Energy Center at state, Hastings wrestling always had a crowd behind it.
Looking ahead, the future is bright. With Beissel returning for his senior campaign and a rising core led by Edstrom, expectations will be high once again. Combine that with the program’s culture of hard work, discipline, and academic integrity, and it’s clear the Raiders will remain a fixture on both the state and national radar.
This year’s group may be hanging up their singlets for now, but their impact will resonate far beyond the season’s final whistle. They’ve upheld the standard, inspired the younger wrestlers coming up, and reinforced why Hastings wrestling is one of the crown jewels of Minnesota high school athletics.
And next winter, when the mats are rolled out once more, you can bet the Raiders will be ready.