Fier factor

TAUNTON, Minn. – Last month, when the Minneota wrestling team made its first appearance at state wrestling since 2016, four cousins were on the team’s roster — seniors Adam Devlaeminck and Brock Fier, junior Cael Fier and freshman Derek Fier. All four have been wrestling since they were in preschool. One could say they have a “Fier factor”, not only when it comes to athleticism and the wrestling season, but also on the farm.

Three Fier families own and operate Fier-View Dairy near Taunton. They currently milk 350 Holstein cows but are in the process of increasing capacity to 500. Each of the four cousins has roles on the farm.

“We help with vaccinations, dehorning and regular calf chores,” Brock said. “We also help with field work … whatever we can do to help speed everything up.”

Adam’s uncles, Kevin, Kurt and Kris, are the owners of Fier-View Dairy, but that does not limit Adam’s participation in chores.

“I come out to work on the farm when my uncles need help, if someone needs to be gone, or during harvest,” Adam said.

When assigning chores, Kurt and his brothers give the boys specific responsibilities to learn from.

“We have the boys throwing straw bales and moving hay for the physical aspect, but ultimately it is about learning when to get things done and responsibility to our team on the farm,” Kurt said.

A total of 15 cousins — 11 boys and four girls — span 18 years from the oldest to the youngest. All have been and are active in various sports with no shortage of accolades, from football and volleyball to wrestling and cattle shows. 

However, wrestling is always on their mind, after chores and during all their family gatherings.

“In the house that our dads grew up in, there’s a wrestling mat in the basement,” Cael said. “After chores are done, we all go down there and wrestle.”

Just like working on a dairy farm, wrestling is hard work, especially on the state level.

“It takes a lot of dependability on the farm and at wrestling,” Brock said. “You have to show up and do what has to get done, not only for yourself, but the team depends on you.”

Kevin, Brock’s dad, attributes the cousins’ success to their parents and upbringing.

“Our parents raised us to have accountability and a strong work ethic,” Kevin said. “They instilled in us the drive to succeed. We have tried to raise our kids the same way for the kids’ sports and their lives after sports.”

The Minneota wrestling team earned fourth place at the state tournament.  Derek wrestled at 107 pounds, Adam at 139, and Brock at 172. Cael wrestled at 215 pounds for individual competition. For team competition, he wrestled in the 285-pound class, also called the heavyweight slot, because he was needed there. Cael took the challenge in stride.

“Nothing is going to come easy,” Cael said. “Everything is going to take work, and you cannot give up. You just have to keep going.” 

Kris Fier, Cael’s dad, has been a Minneota wrestling coach for 28 years. He himself earned a state wrestling championship during his junior year. Coaching his own son along with all his nephews is rewarding but also has come with some challenges.

“It is hard at times when I get too into it as an uncle or dad instead of coaching,” Kris said. “But at the same time it is exciting and emotional.”

The hard work and determination paid off for the Fier cousins. Adam received third individually at the state tournament with Cael placing fifth and Brock sixth in their weight classes. All three boys were also selected for the all-tournament team at state wrestling.

Adam said he appreciates the bond and always having someone in his corner, even calling on his 8-year-old cousin, Dane, to hear his tips on his next match.

“Throughout my entire career, I have always had cousins with me,” he said. “… to know there is always someone there for you if you need it, on or off the mat, it is just really cool.”