Wrestling has long been woven into the fabric of Wagner, and for brothers Jay and Dan Swatek, the sport has shaped more than four decades of competition, mentorship, and lifelong lessons. Their dedication was recently recognized when both were inducted into the South Dakota Wrestling Coaches Association Hall of Fame — a milestone that carries special meaning for the brothers, who grew up immersed in Wagner’s wrestling culture.

Jay’s journey began in third grade when longtime coach Tom Studelska held a meeting for elementary students interested in wrestling. Curious, Jay attended and brought the paperwork home to his parents. They agreed to let him try wrestling, not realizing it would spark a lifelong passion. Dan, inspired by his older brother, stepped onto the mat around kindergarten or first grade, following in Jay’s footsteps. Though his early years included more losses than wins, those challenges helped him develop the persistence that later defined his career.

For both brothers, some of the most cherished memories go far beyond the matches themselves. Team traditions included early morning practices, weekend trips, pheasant hunting, sledding on the hills near Pickstown, and Saturday mornings spent at teammates’ homes after weigh-ins. The camaraderie and community support were as much a part of their wrestling experience as victories on the mat.

Jay recalls the thrill of ending Parkston’s long dual-meet winning streak in front of a packed home crowd, while Dan highlights the Red Raiders’ team state championships in 1992 and 1994 — the latter coming in what he calls an upset victory, showcasing the team’s confidence and determination. Both brothers credit Wagner’s competitive wrestling room as a critical influence, with practice partners and older teammates pushing them to reach their potential.

Coaches played a pivotal role in their development. Jay benefited from the guidance of Studelska, Don Harrell, and Wayne Scherr, who often drove him to early-morning sessions, while Dan cites longtime coach Mike Scherr and the support of his older brother as shaping both his wrestling career and life lessons. Their parents and the broader Wagner community also helped instill values of hard work, commitment, and sportsmanship.

Beyond the mat, wrestling taught the brothers lessons that carried into life. Jay reflects on the highs and lows, noting that “the tough days are going to come and go. People will be there to help you when you need them.” Dan emphasizes resilience, explaining that wrestling taught him to set goals, work relentlessly to achieve them, and bounce back from setbacks.

Being inducted into the South Dakota Wrestling Coaches Association Hall of Fame was a special honor for both. Jay was recognized alongside fellow Wagner native Robert Kokesh and his brother, sharing the moment with someone he has long admired. Dan, similarly, received the news while on the golf course with his oldest son, Skyler, and celebrated the achievement with family. Today, both brothers continue to contribute to their communities. Jay has spent more than 23 years in education and currently serves as elementary principal at Venture Elementary in Tea, South Dakota, earning state and national recognition for his work. Dan has served as an elementary principal in South Sioux City, Nebraska, for 14 years, with his school receiving numerous accolades and his expertise shared as a consultant for Solution Tree. Their families remain closely tied to sports, with children participating in wrestling, football, track, and other activities, passing the lessons of dedication and perseverance to the next generation. Reflecting on their journeys, both Jay and Dan credit the relationships formed through wrestling as their most enduring reward. For the Swatek brothers, it’s clear that the sport’s greatest legacy lies not just in championships or accolades, but in the values, friendships, and community spirit it helped cultivate.

“Once a Red Raider, always a Red Raider,” Jay says — a sentiment that Dan echoes, as wrestling continues to shape both their lives and the lives of those they mentor.