Brainerd Warriors Aim for Strong Showing at Section 8-3A Individual Wrestling Tournament

The Warriors are sending 13 wrestlers to the tournament after winning the Section 8-3A Team title.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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The Brainerd Warriors wrestling team is heading into the Section 8-3A Individual Tournament on Saturday, February 21st with momentum from their recent team title win. The Warriors will be sending 13 wrestlers to compete at Bemidji High School, including four ranked individuals. Head coach Andy Pickar expects several of his wrestlers to advance to the state tournament.

Why it matters

The Warriors' strong performance in the team tournament has built excitement around the program, and the individual tournament represents an opportunity for the team's top wrestlers to continue that success on the state stage. A large contingent of state qualifiers would further cement Brainerd as a wrestling powerhouse in Section 8-3A.

The details

The Warriors conducted wrestle-offs earlier in the week to determine their 13-wrestler roster for the individual tournament. Four Brainerd wrestlers are currently ranked in the top 10 in their weight classes in Class 3A, including William Dircks (No. 3 at 114 lbs), Jackson Berhow (No. 10 at 133 lbs), Easton Dircks (No. 3 at 152 lbs), and Tyce Faber (No. 7 at 189 lbs). The Warriors will face stiff competition from other ranked wrestlers in the section, but coach Pickar is confident his team will 'find ways to win every position and put points on the board.'

  • The Section 8-3A Individual Tournament will take place on Saturday, February 21, 2026 starting at 10 a.m.
  • The Brainerd Warriors conducted wrestle-offs earlier this week to determine their 13-wrestler roster for the tournament.

The players

Andy Pickar

The head coach of the Brainerd Warriors wrestling team.

William Dircks

A Brainerd wrestler ranked No. 3 in Class 3A at 114 pounds.

Jackson Berhow

A Brainerd wrestler ranked No. 10 in Class 3A at 133 pounds.

Easton Dircks

A Brainerd wrestler ranked No. 3 in Class 3A at 152 pounds.

Tyce Faber

A Brainerd wrestler ranked No. 7 in Class 3A at 189 pounds.

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What they’re saying

“It's not easy. It's the hardest thing you do. You wrestle off and take away a spot from your teammate. That's part of the sport on the individual side. We're fortunate to have some really good depth and some fantastic kids.”

— Andy Pickar, Head Coach (Brainerd Dispatch)

“I just expect they'll do the same thing they've been doing all year. Our kids have been doing a fantastic job of just going out on the mat and battling every single position. We hope to see more of that. Just finding ways to win every position and put points on the board. I think we should have a good chance to see four, five, six kids advance to the state tournament.”

— Andy Pickar, Head Coach (Brainerd Dispatch)

What’s next

The top finishers from the Section 8-3A Individual Tournament will advance to the state tournament.

The takeaway

The Brainerd Warriors wrestling team has built strong momentum heading into the individual tournament, with several highly ranked wrestlers poised to make a push for state berths. Their depth and competitive spirit have the program positioned for a potentially banner postseason run.