North Polars’ Johan Alcantara Lund of East Isles Wins State Silver.
Wrestler Johan Alcantara Lund, an East Isles resident and a senior at Minneapolis North, earned silver at 152 pounds in Class AA at the 2026 Minnesota State High School League state tournament.
He finished the season with a 44-2 record, marking his third trip to state and his second consecutive year on the podium for the Polars. The No. 2-ranked Johan won a dramatic 5-3 overtime semifinal to reach the finals.
“I’m proud of how far I’ve come.”
“I’m proud of how far I’ve come,” said Johan, or “Yogi,” as he’s known by teammates and fans, noting he has only been wrestling since eighth grade.
Most wrestlers at this level have been competing for many more years. Since first stepping onto the mat, after discovering the sport through judo during the 2020 Olympics, he has also become a three-time AAU Minnesota state judo champion.
He credits his mom and his coaches, and says he was inspired by a North High graduate who qualified for state as a senior when Johan was in eighth grade. “I thought, well, if he can do it, so can I.” And he did.
Often up by 5 a.m. for an early workout, followed by classes, practice and weightlifting, Johan understands the effort required for success. He also emphasizes the importance of his teammates, even on a smaller team, saying he would have had zero chance of success without them.
“Johan will not be outworked,” said Minneapolis North Principal Mauri Friestleben. “He will be the first to arrive in the gym and the last to leave. He will find every mind, body and soul guru he can to learn from them. He will watch, listen and study and not stop until he masters whatever skill he’s got his eyes on. He is truly an entity all his own, and I am so proud to see him as the current face of North High School.”
Johan attended Kenwood Elementary School and Anthony Middle School. Asked what it was like to be among the first students to attend North when attendance lines changed, he said he was nervous.
Most of his friends were going to other schools, and he described himself as a somewhat shy kid. But he quickly made new friends and says he likely would never have become a wrestler if he hadn’t gone to North. For that, he says, he has the school to thank.
Johan has found success both on and off the mat. Academically, he has completed every AP class available at North and is now considering college options in Minnesota and beyond, with an interest in political science. Wherever he chooses to go, continuing his wrestling career will be a major factor in his decision.
Steve Kotvis is a professional sports photographer and community advocate with a passion for nature. He lives in Bryn Mawr.
