The head coach for the 2023-2024 Wagner Red Raider wrestling team is David Kocer. Coach Kocer is assisted by Jason Knebel and the JV/Jr. High coach is Jacob Ziegler. This is Coach Kocer’s fourth season as the Red Raiders head coach.

Senior members of the team are Karstyn Lhotak, Dan Soukup, Owen Bekenich, Riley Roberts, Jhett Breen and Tim Bouza. The lone junior for the team is Kahle Hill. Sophomore include Gannon Knebel, Johnny Redlightning, Cord Kreeger, Octavian Kocer, Leighton Carda and Rowdy Meyer. There are no incoming freshmen on the team.

In the offseason, the team at-tended the South Dakota State University (SDSU) team camp this past June. Last season’s highlights included having so many team members make it to the state tournament.

This season the team goal is to place in the top three as a team at the state tournament. Coach Kocer will look to the six seniors to play key leadership roles for the team. For the Raiders, the toughest matches are always those during regions and the state tournament. It is what they train for though, so Coach Kocer knows that his team will be ready for those matches.

Coach Kocer looks forward to the post season every year the most. It is a chance for the wrestlers to take all the lessons they have learned and hard work they have put in to the next level. Kocer’s coaching philosophy is that he believes in working hard toward a set goal while staying disciplined and focused in the process. These are key factors in building a successful program.

The 2023-2024 season has already started for the team. Their next match is a home triangular against Burke and Gregory that will start at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, December 7th.

Best of luck on your season Red Raiders!