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The Wagner Red Raiders wrestling program is entering the new season with record numbers, renewed confidence, and one of the deepest rosters the team has seen in years. Head coach David Kocer says practices have been strong, energy is high, and the outlook is bright for both the boys’ and girls’ squads.

“The team has looked great this far into the season,” Kocer shared. “We have had more numbers than ever before and look forward to a great season.” With 29 boys and 17 girls on the roster, Wagner is able to fill all 14 weight classes, many with backups, creating healthy competition in the room and pushing every athlete to improve.

Kocer describes this year’s group in one word: potential. The coaching staff emphasizes improving a little each day, believing that steady progress on and off the mat will lead to big gains by season’s end.

As a young team, Wagner devoted much of the offseason to gaining mat time through camps and open rooms. Their commitment is already showing.

“This team’s work ethic is their biggest strength,” Kocer said. “They’re not afraid to work.”

Wagner returns a powerful core of athletes who have already made noise at the state level: Gannon Knebel

Senior, two-time state runner-up — a high-energy wrestler who never leaves points on the mat and continues to lead the team with experience and intensity.

Frank Krcil

State placer last season (6th as an 8th grader) — expected to be strong again at 113/120.

Thayne Tjeerdsma & Jaxton Hill

Both wrestlers are returning state qualifiers with a strong preseason.

Hunter Weichmann

Coming off a solid year and already off to a strong start.

Kocer also highlighted a standout seventh-grade group already seeing varsity time, including Tom Krcil, Grayson Knebel, and Hayes Bartunek.

Strength Across Weight Classes

The Red Raiders feel especially solid in several key spots: 113 – Frank Krcil, 150 – Hunter Weichmann, 157 – Thayne Tjeerdsma, 165 – Jaxton Hill, and 215 – Gannon Knebel are the back bone of the team and represent Wagner wrestling well. But the full lineup, from 106-pounder Hayes Bartunek to heavyweight Bodie Chafin, shows promise, and Kocer believes many athletes beyond the veterans will turn heads this season.

As a largely young team, adjusting to the speed and strength of older opponents will be the biggest learning curve. Kocer says the more mat time they get, the better they’ll become.

Region 3B will again be tough, but the Raiders welcome the challenge. “There are good guys at every weight, we just have to train harder with the proper focus and prepare ourselves to beat them.” Kocer believes this is a group that can make noise at both Regions and State.

Kocer stresses the importance of continued support from the Wagner community and credits the youth wrestling program for setting the foundation for future success. He encourages young athletes to give wrestling a try, stay dedicated, learn from mistakes, and, most importantly, never quit.

For Kocer, coaching in Wagner is about more than wins. “I like the work ethic this team has. It will be a great asset to them in coming years,” he said. Watching young athletes grow, learn, and mature on and off the mat is what keeps him passionate about the sport.

With strong numbers, seasoned returners, and a driven young roster, the Wagner Red Raider wrestling team is poised for an exciting and competitive season. The community will have plenty to cheer about as these athletes continue striving toward improvement, and toward making their mark across South Dakota mats.

BUILT TOUGH.

READY TO RAID.