By Matt Thomas, Wayzata.com Sports Reporter
Wayzata junior Danny Zilverberg is certainly no stranger to the Xcel Energy Center and the state wrestling meet.
As a sophomore in 2007, Zilverberg placed fourth in the 112 pound division. Then in 2008 as a junior, Zilverberg moved up a spot by placing third in the 125 pound division.
This year, the University of Minnesota recruit finds himself wrestling for a state championship in the 145 pound division.
Zilverberg is undefeated this season, but he doesn’t have as many matches under his belt as most of his competitors. That’s because the senior was forced to sit out a majority of the season due to back problems.
If his performance so far at the state tournament is any indication, it appears that his back problems are history. Now he’d like to make a little history by taking home an individual state championship.
His opponent in today’s title match will be Chaska senior Pat Smith. Smith entered the state tournament with a 40-2 record and beat Apple Valley senior Jarret Hoeppner in the semifinals.
On his way to the title match, Zilverberg has defeated Dawson Lovestrand of Bloomington Jefferson/Kennedy, Andrew Wachsmuth of Brainerd/Pillager, and Tyler Rohr of Hastings.
The Wayzata team is also still wrestling as the Trojans will face St. Cloud Apollo in today’s consolation final at 10 a.m. The Trojans earned a spot in today’s consolation final with a narrow 30-29 victory over Centennial in a consolation round match on Friday.
