Werstling season begins Saturday in Ft. Pierre

 

December 4, 2019



by Sandra Frickson

Ipswich, Leola and Bowdle wrestlers began the season with practice on November 18. The three schools combine to create the Ipswich Area Wrestling program.

They will begin their season on Saturday, Dec. 7 in Ft. Pierre.

Coach Todd Naasz returns 10 letter winners and one state place winner. Although the team returns a good number of wrestlers from last season, they continue to be a very young team, with only three of them being sophomores or older. The team will have 11 high school athletes; two from Bowdle, four from Leola and five from Ipswich.

High School-aged wrestlers include freshmen: Grant Weisser, Preston Martin, Parker Gill-Olson, Lucas Rowland, Darrel Yost, Matthew McCloud, Tanner Frickson, Brady Unser; sophomore Zach Geditz; junior Alex Schmit; and senior Carter Heinz.

Middle School-aged wrestlers include sixth graders Sebastian Walter, Sullivan Gill Bollinger, Marley Guthmiller, Gunner Knittel; seventh graders Kaden Gaub and Marcus Hoffer; eighth graders Kadyn Weisser, Denver Wolff and Adam Kanable.

With such a young team, coach is looking forward to improving on technique. Naasz saw a lot of growth last season and is looking forward to building on that this season.

Coach Naasz is looking for leadership out of three of his athletes who each have a different role. “Carter Heinz leads by example. Zach Geditz is the team motivator and Tanner Frickson connects with the team and picks them up when they are down or helps them get ready for their matches,” he said. With increased numbers this year Naasz is hoping to see some of the younger kids step up to help the team be successful in dual meets.

He would like to see the wrestlers be competitive at all the tournaments. “Every tournament this season will have a different measurement in success. Some of the tournaments we go to have really tough competition and success will be measured in winning some matches and self-improvement. Some of the tournaments that are aimed more for experience I would like to see our athletes on the podium in the top places. I would like to see the athlete’s medal at every tournament but for me success is all about improvement from the beginning to the end.”

The Tigers compete in the Lake Region Conference. Naasz notes that “Faulkton always has tough athletes and Warner/Northwestern is seeing their numbers improve each year.” Thus he sees these schools as the toughest competitors in the conference.

Coach Naasz has seen growth and success in the wrestling program recently. “I feel that a big part of the success our program is starting to see is because of the amazing people that I get to work with. Our athletes have great attitudes and are always striving to make their team and themselves better. Our parents are very supportive of the program and athletes. Coach Austin Manzey is a great addition to our team. I am thankful for the Ipswich Boosters for their support. The Wrestling AAU program has some amazing members that go up and beyond to help our program in being successful. Not everyone gets the privilege that I do in seeing how hard working and dedicated all the individuals are. I am so proud and thankful to be able to work with them.”

The 2019-20 Schedule sites (all away) include:

Dec. 7 Ft Pierre

Dec. 14 Faulkton

Dec. 21 Plankinton

Jan. 11 Miller

Jan. 16 Highmore

Jan. 18 Gettysburg

Feb. 1 Groton

Feb. 6 Warner

Feb. 7 Warner

Feb. 11 Highmore

 

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