“The Wayzata wrestling team beat Rogers 49-21 in the Section 5AAA semifinals Friday evening to advance to the section final. The second seeded Trojans won the first six matches to build a 34-0 lead before the Royals got on the board. The tables were turned in the championship match as top-ranked St. Michael-Albertville won all but two matches in a 52-9 rout of Wayzata.” via CCX Media.
Tag: Wayzata Wrestling
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“The Wayzata wrestling team jumped out to a quick 24-0 lead on the way to a 52-18 win over Buffalo in a Lake Conference match Thursday night. The Trojans recorded four pins along the way. Wayzata also beat Eden Prairie 60-9 in the tri-meet. Buffalo also beat Eden Prairie.” via CCX Media.
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“The Wayzata wrestling team started the match with three quick pins from highly ranked wrestlers and went on to beat Maple Grove 54-14 Thursday. Gavin Hoeft, Peter Schutz, and Wyatt Koenen, who are each ranked number four in their weight classes, each recorded falls to start the evening for the Trojans. Wayzata built a 23-0 lead in the match. The big highlight for Maple Grove was the 200th career win for Connor Peterson in the 145-pound match. Peterson is ranked second and is the career wins leader for Maple Grove.” via CCX Media.
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“As expected, host St. Michael-Albertville dominated at the Section 5AAA individual wrestling tournament, winning 10 of 13 weight classes and qualifying 12 for state. Maple Grove’s Ben Schultz won the 215-pound title to return to state, where he was runner up last season. Rogers won the other two titles. Wayzata and Maple Grove each qualified four wrestlers for state as second place finishers in the section, with Park Center netting two spots and Osseo and Hopkins one each.” via CCX Media.
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“On senior night the Wayzata wrestling team took care of business to beat Edina 48-21 in a Lake Conference match. The Trojans had five pins in the match, including in the final three matches, as they pulled away after leading 30-21. Both teams will compete in section team competition in two weeks. Wayzata will be in the Section 5AAA team tournament at Park Center February 14th.” via CCX Media.
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The Wayzata Youth Wrestling program is set to launch its 2024 season on November 4th at Wayzata High School, offering classes for children from kindergarten through 6th grade. With options ranging from “Tiny Tusslers” for K-2 students to beginner and advanced/travel classes for older students, the program aims to foster skill development, teamwork, and sportsmanship.
Coached by a dedicated team, the young athletes will have the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of wrestling in a fun and supportive environment. Registration is open for all interested participants, with more information available at WayzataWrestling.com.
Families and students are encouraged to sign up as soon as possible, as the season is fast approaching. Classes will be held in the Wayzata High School Wrestling Room, ensuring young wrestlers have access to top-notch facilities to hone their skills.
For registration, scan the QR code in the program flyer or visit the official website for details. Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity for Wayzata’s youth to get involved in a dynamic and disciplined sport!
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P.A. Announcer will be remembered for his artificial attendance reports, imitations of officials’ penalty calls, and his faith
After more than three decades as the unmistakable voice of Wayzata High School athletics, Joe Komarek stepped away from the microphone earlier this year, bringing an end to his 33-year tenure as the public address announcer for the Trojans. Known for his rich voice, keen sense of timing, and the occasional lighthearted quip, Komarek became a beloved figure in Wayzata sports.
Komarek, a graduate of Armstrong High School in Plymouth, is an avid golfer and a proud member of the Golden Valley Country Club. His love for golf has been a lifelong passion, offering him a way to relax and stay active when he’s not behind the microphone or involved in community service.
A 33 Year Legacy as the Voice of the Trojans
Throughout his time, Komarek handled public address duties for a wide array of varsity sports, including football, soccer, wrestling, volleyball, and basketball. Komarek began announcing girls’ basketball in 1991-92 with then new head coach Larry Larson. His first football game followed in the fall of 1994.
His contributions extended beyond announcing; Komarek also DJed pre-game and in-game music, introduced starting lineups, and handled timeouts with flair. When needed, he took on scoreboard operations and official scoring duties, embodying his belief that being involved in local sports is a way to serve the community while enjoying the thrill of high school competition.
Simply the Best
In 2008, the Star Tribune recognized Komarek’s unique style, awarding him “Best Football Announcer” for his ability to blend humor into the job. The award noted his playful artificial attendance reports and spot-on imitations of officials’ penalty calls—small touches that made every game an experience. The largest “unofficial” crowd sizes announced were 52,871 for a football game, and 14,871 for a basketball game. Komarek also humorously announced “Train” in a deadpan style when a locomotive and cars would roll past the football field.
Joe Komarek holds an award from the Wayzata Athletic department as the “Best Football Announcer”, as recognized by the Star Tribune. Image copyright Wayzata.com. Reuse prohibited without written consent. Over the years, Komarek also emceed at the James J. Hill Days parade and dachshund races as part of his duties for many years, at the request of the Wayzata Chamber of Commerce.
Beth Ulrich and Joe Komarek have emceed the James J. Hill Days Parade for many years. “It was 33 years of announcing overall, 30 years of announcing football when I officially dropped the mic. My last day was March 12th, when Wayzata beat Hopkins in Section 6AAAA basketball and the Trojans went on to the state tournament, the lord put it right on my heart that I was going to be done,” Komarek stated in a recent interview.
“It’s been a privilege to be a part of the Wayzata athletic family for so long,” Komarek said, reflecting on his time behind the mic. “The positive impact sports have on student-athletes is something I’ve been lucky to witness firsthand.”
Joe Komarek and Dan Gustafson attend the Wayzata Baseball State Championship Game in 2016. Komarek coached the varsity Baseball team in the 1990’s. Teacher and Coach
Komarek’s service to Wayzata didn’t stop at the announcer’s booth. Between 1991 and 1998, he was a full-time mathematics teacher in Wayzata Public Schools, where he developed a character-based math curriculum to help remedial students succeed on the Minnesota Standardized Math Test. In addition to teaching, he coached girls’ soccer, junior high girls’ basketball, and varsity baseball, leaving a lasting impact on countless students.
A Man of Faith, Leading Others
Beyond the classroom and the field, Komarek is a man of deep faith, which has guided much of his life. In 1998 he started what would be called a faith group called “Wayzata Bay Fellowship,” providing a space for spiritual growth to people in the community. The group migrated back and forth between the Wayzata Bay Center, Sunsets, and other spaces in downtown Wayzata.
In his professional life outside of education, Komarek has worked with organizations such as the Navigators, FaithSearch International, and E210 Ventures. These roles allowed him to serve as a nonprofit representative, providing life and marriage coaching services, supporting church ministries, and offering Biblical history and inspirational teaching tours.
E210 Ventures, a nonprofit, aims to create lasting positive impacts on communities, an initiative that aligns with Komarek’s passion for helping others live meaningful lives of purpose and faith.
Komarek also served as the on-call chaplain for the Wayzata Fire Department, providing spiritual support during life-threatening emergencies—a role that underscored his commitment to serving the community in times of greatest need.
Jeo Komarek meets with members of the Wayzata Bay Fellowship on September 12, 2024. Image copyright Wayzata.com. Reuse prohibited without written consent. Fond Farewell & New Beginnings
On Thursday, September 12, friends, family, and community members gathered for a farewell reunion at Nine Twenty Five, a restaurant inside the Hotel Landing, to bid him and his wife, Jennifer, a fond goodbye.
Relocation to Florida
Now, Komarek and his wife have relocated to northeast Florida, south of Jacksonville where he will continue his passion for sports as the public address announcer at Tocoi Creek High School. As the new voice of the “Toros,” Komarek will call football, basketball, and wrestling. True to form, he will also continue his ministry work, serving his new community with the same dedication and faith that defined his years in Wayzata.
For over three decades, Joe Komarek was not just the voice of the Trojans, but a pillar of the Wayzata community. While his presence in the press box will be missed, his legacy of service, humor, and faith will be felt for years to come.
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From CCX media:
“In this week’s CCX Sports Spotlight segment, Chaz Mootz profiles Wayzata wrestling seniors Luke Koenen, Logan Swensen, & Charlie Petit.The three Trojans standouts have been close teammates and friends since their days in the Wayzata youth wrestling program.
Currently, Koenen is ranked second in the state in the 121 lb. weight class of class AAA.
Both Swensen (133 lbs.) and Petit (160 lbs.) are ranked first in Class AAA. Wayzata as a team in ranked sixth in class AAA.”
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The Wayzata wrestling team is ranked sixth in class AAA but the Trojans fell to third-ranked Shakopee 47-15 as part of a tri-meet Thursday.
The Sabers won all but three matches on the way to the win. Wayzata defeated Hopkins 66-3 earlier in the evening.
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“For the fifth straight year the Wayzata wrestling team advanced to the Section 5AAA team final to face power St. Michael-Albertville. The top-ranked Knights beat Wayzata 46-15 to advance to state for the 25th consecutive season. After the teams split the first four matches, the Knights won five straight from 132 pounds through 160 to build a 35-6 lead. Wayzata won three straight matches from 170 through 195 but it was too little too late as STMA will head back to the Xcel Energy Center to defend their state class AAA title.” From CCX Sports.
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