Duchscherer takes charge

His heart bleeds New Rockford-Sheyenne's Columbia blue and gold, but Matthew Duchscherer has made his mark on the high school grappling circuit wearing the Rockets' rivals' colors.

Competing in the singlet of the Carrington wrestling program, Duchscherer, a freshman at NR-S, has so far put together an impressive first varsity season.

The 106-pounder has accumulated a record of 33-8 after this last tournament, the Nick Storhaug Tournament in Lisbon Jan. 18-19, in which he placed fourth. 19 of his victories come via pinfall. He was ranked second in Region 2 at 106 in the first poll of the season released on Dec. 7.

Duchscherer competes in the lightest weight class recognized at the varsity level. Wrestlers compete in 14 different weight classifications, ranging from 106 pounds to the heavyweight division (285-pound weight limit.)

The past two years, Matthew has wrestled exclusively in the junior high ranks, as his physique has now matured sufficiently enough for him to take the mat on a more-even playing field.

His season resume includes weight class championships at the Minot Early Bird, Velva Invitational, and Carrington Al Larson Memorial tournaments. He also finished second at the Linton Holiday Tournament and was runner-up for his class in the junior varsity division of the Rumble on the Red in Fargo over the Christmas break.

Much of Duchscherer's life has been spent wearing the headgear, first as a member of the Pitcrew youth wrestling program in Carrington, and he has seven years of experience on the mat.

He qualified for the Elementary and Junior High National Dual Team for the state of North Dakota three straight years from 2016-18, and was a "Triple Crown" winner in 2016 and 2018 by winning the state Greco-Roman, Folkstyle and Freestyle tournaments sponsored by USA Wrestling.

Matthew is the son of Todd and Renae Duchscherer of New Rockford.