Perham Wrestling Opens Season Undefeated, Places Ninth at STMA Invitational

Perham High School wrestlers began the 2025 2026 campaign with a busy week of competition that produced measurable results and encouraging signs for the community. The Yellowjackets went undefeated at a Bemidji triangular earlier in the week, beating host Bemidji and Thief River Falls, then traveled to the STMA Invitational where they finished ninth on December 9. Coaches characterized the sequence of meets as a positive start for this season’s roster.

The undefeated performance at the triangular provided match experience across multiple weight classes and set a competitive tone heading into the STMA field. Competing at the STMA Invitational exposed Perham to a deeper regional field and yielded a top ten team finish, a meaningful benchmark in the early season when rankings and seeding for later events begin to take shape. Match level results highlighted individual wins and development across the lineup, contributing to the team score that produced the ninth place finish.

For Otter Tail County residents and families that follow high school sports, the early results matter beyond the scoreboard. Early season success tends to increase community interest and attendance at dual meets, which supports volunteer driven booster programs and concession revenue that help fund travel, equipment, and youth outreach. The combination of a sweep at Bemidji and a solid showing at a major invitational also boosts wrestlers’ confidence heading into conference competition and section tournaments where seeding and matchups will be influenced by these performances.

Looking ahead, Perham’s schedule includes additional regional meets that will test depth and provide further data points for rankings. Coaches and athletes will be focusing on converting the momentum from this busy week into consistent results against conference rivals. For local families invested in the program, the takeaway is clear. The Yellowjackets have started with competitive wins and meaningful exposure to regional competition, positioning the team to pursue improved seeding and deeper postseason runs as the season progresses.