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For Immediate Release February 21, 2018 • Media Contact: Leighann King • Lking@smhsbr.org • 225-247-9643

St. Michael Student Chosen to Represent Team USA at 2018 Austrian Junior Open • Press Release

 USA Wrestling Article - February 28th - Courtesy of Josh Galaso - Director of Advancement|  Head Wrestling Coach

St. Michael High School senior Dane Harter has been selected to represent the United States at the 2018 Austrian Junior Open in Greco-Roman wrestling.  Harter is the first athlete from Louisiana to be named to the United States Junior Greco-Roman team, and the first student in the history of SMHS to hold this distinguished honor. On February 28, he will travel to Gotzis, Austria, with 20 other athletes from across the country, to compete with the best wrestlers in the world. The selection process is based on skill and ability.

After attending a summer camp at the US Olympic training site for Greco-Roman wrestling, Harter caught the eye of Northern Michigan University coach, Rob Hermann. “He said he'd like for me to try to make the trip and I knew it was an opportunity I couldn't miss. I'm extremely excited to represent the USA at an international competition. Very few wrestlers from Louisiana have ever had that opportunity and I'm very lucky to be in that elite group,” says Harter. Harter also mentions he’s been preparing for the meet with his coach, John Kent, in New Orleans. “Coach Kent is an NMU alumni and knows Coach Hermann. He's an excellent Greco-Roman coach, probably the most knowledgeable Greco-Roman coach in Louisiana.”

Harter is a 6-year wrestling veteran and a current college prospect for Ithaca College, Northern Michigan, Luther College, and more.  He is also the 2018 Louisiana State champion in the 182-pound weight class.

1st - Trey Culotta	1st - LA Classic	1st Ken Cole	1st - GBR City	1st - Louisiana State Championships

2018 Division II State Finals	Louisiana Classic	Ken Cole	USA Wrestling Greco-Roman

Harter compiled a 42-2 record in the 2017-18 season.  His two losses were at 195 lbs. against the later Division I state champion Gavin Bonilla of McKinley.  Surprised by a 16-7 loss to Bonilla in the Spartan Invitational photos, Harter lower the margin in their next match, a 7-6 loss at the Zachary "Big Horse" Invitational.  After that event he went down to his normal weight class of 182 lbs. and was undefeated.  Harter won what some refer to as "The Big Three," i.e., the Louisiana Classic, the Ken Cole Invitational and the State Championships.  He also placed first at the Trey Culotta Invitational and the Greater Baton Rouge City Championships.

Dane is the son of and is coached by 1983 Holy Cross state champion Mark Harter.  He is the nephew of Holy Cross stand-out Mike Harter, a 1980 and 1981 Holy Cross state champion.

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