Minnesota State University-Moorhead senior Blake Bosch came a match short of a Division II national championship Saturday in Birmingham, AL.  Bosch fell by 7-5 decision to Ashland senior Michael Labry in a match that Labry controlled from start to finish.  Labry won the takedown battle 3-0, and only Bosch’s superior effort from bottom allowed the Dragon to keep the match close until the end.  Bosch controlled the pace throughout much of the match, but Labry never wavered, scoring an early takedown to take a 2-0 lead and then another to make it 4-2 after the first period.  Bosch made it 4-3 with an escape to start the second, but that was as close as he would get.  Labry scored on an escape to start the third period, and then scored a beautiful double leg to grab a four point cushion.  Though Bosch again escaped and pressured hard, Labry’s stellar defense-especially noticeable on a double leg to peek out attempt from Bosch that was his best chance of the match-never wavered.  A late stalling point made the final score 7-5.

Blake Bosch ends his MSUM career a 3X All American, and the second winningest wrestler in Dragon history (115).  More importantly, Bosch gained the respect of North Dakota wrestling fans during his prep and college career for his reputation as a humble worker-nails tough- who always represented the state with the highest level of class and dignity.  Though Blake’s wrestling career ends just short of the ultimate prize, his contributions to wrestling in this state will be long-lasting.