Rochester's Dana Gostomczikmade a successful mixed martial arts debut Saturday at Mystic Lake Casino in Prior Lake.
Gostomczik is a former three-time state wrestling champion from Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton. He won state titles in 1996, 1997 and 1998. He's now living in Rochester and is a supervisor at Crenlo.
Gostomczik made his MMA debut Saturday at age 34. He fought as a 170-pound amateur as part of "Mecca 2," which was the first-ever MMA event held at Mystic Lake.
Gostomczik dominated the opening round against fellow newcomer Lucas Luloff. He finished a single-leg takedown and then landed several big punches.
In the second round, Gostomczik again looked for a takedown and quickly transitioned to Luloff's back. He sunk in a rear-naked choke and choked Luloff unconscious just 51 seconds into the round.
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Gostomczik, who trains at the Mario Roberto Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Rochester, plans to return to action Feb. 1 at the Austin Holiday Inn Conference Center. Also expected to compete on that card are fellow standout wrestlers Chad Curry, Heath Rud, Mike Schmitzand Thomas Herrera.
Tickets for Gostomczik's fight in Austin will be available online this week or are available from all participating fighters.
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The Rochester Community and Technical College football team will play in the MCAC state championship game on Sunday at St. Cloud State for the fifth straight year. RCTC is also in position to earn a bowl berth.
"We've been drawing some interest, but we're not looking too far ahead," RCTC coach Bill Quistorffsaid.
RCTC will face Central Lakes in the state title game in a rematch of last season. Both teams enter the game 9-1. RCTC defeated Central Lakes 48-21 during the regular season. Despite that win, the Yellowjackets were ranked 13th in last week national Top-20 poll and Central Lakes was 11th.
Central Lakes won the state championship game 33-23 a year ago, preventing RCTC from receiving a bowl bid. The losing team most likely will be out again this season.
"It's win or go home," Quistorff admitted. "But we definitely want to give the boys a chance to go on the road and compete on the national stage."
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Matt Schultzhas stepped down as the head football coach at Red Wing after six years on the job.
"I've had an excellent six years working with our football program here in Red Wing," Schultz said, "but I feel it is time for some new energy to get our young men in the weightroom in the off-season."
Schultz is also the activities director at Red Wing, a position he will continue to hold. The Wingers were 0-9 this season in football. Schultz had a 22-71 record in 10 years as a football coach, six at Red Wing and four at Cannon Falls.
"This should be a great transition time for a new coach," Schultz said. "Next fall we'll be in position to compete in the Big Nine Conference with some great young athletes that have significant varsity experience on the football field."
Red Wing will move from the Missota Conference to the Big Nine starting with the 2014-15 school year.
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Former Minnesota Twins infielder Gene Larkinhas been hired to coach the Edina American Legion baseball team. Larkin, 51, helped the Twins win both of the World Series titles in 1987 and 1991.
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He became a cult hero among Twins fans for hitting the game-winning single in the 10th inning of Game 7 in 1991.
Larkin replaces Nick Kennedy, who led Edina to an outstanding 113-29 record over three seasons. Kennedy, an Edina High School graduate will continue to serve the team as an assistant coach.
"I am humbled and excited to take on this opportunity with the Edina Legion team," Larkin said. "I look forward to building upon the program's tradition and the success Coach Kennedy and his staff had in the past few seasons."
