Since he was two years old, senior Cole Kirpach has been training to inherit the family legacy.

Both his father and brother were extremely active in the sport of wrestling. As a young child Kirpach participated in youth leagues like Gladiators and he continues to train with outside elite clubs during his off-season.

“I am part of PiNacle and the MN Storm clubs,” said Kirpach. PINacle works on training wrestlers and the MN Storm is where elite wrestlers go to compete in their off-seasons.

All his hard work paid off last season when he made it to the MN State Wrestling Tournament representing SFHS.

Competing in the 170 weight class, Kirpach came in fourth  at State.

Once Cole received fourth  place, he went back to the locker angry.

“I’m done, I quit!” he said.

However, after a few friends talked to him,  he decided not to quit and continues to wrestle in his senior year.

“Don't let failure discourage you,” he said. “Work through it and come out above it.” - Profile by Roenin Iverson