Strong senior group provides leadership for a deep squad

The large number of wrestlers inhabiting the Okoboji/HMS wrestling room this year will not lack for senior guidance. “We have a very strong group of seniors this season, many of whom have been dedicated to wrestling since elementary school,” noted coach Nate Dau, who returns for his 17th year at the Pioneer helm. “They’ve been integral to the team since their freshman year and now serve as leaders for our younger wrestlers. We also have significant depth across several weight classes, with a roster of about 45 male wrestlers this season.”
Seniors are prominent among the grapplers who are coming off successful seasons as part of last year’s 12-4 dual meet record. “Key returning athletes include state qualifiers Tyce Hanson and Nathaniel Franklyn, along with James Gellerman, who has been just one match away from qualifying on multiple occasions,” said Dau. “We also have Alex Rouse, Dylan Wittrock and Nathan Stofferan returning this season, each bringing extensive varsity experience that will benefit the team.” Of those, only Stofferan is a junior.
In addition to Gellerman and Stofferan, the HMS wrestlers on the team are sophomores Taylor Dykstra, Austin Greer, Mykle Myers and Easton Teal and freshmen Braxton Ball, Dallas Greer, Emelio Martinez, Riley Mattingly, Anthony Olvera and Victor Rodriguez.
The freshman group as a whole is a promising one, according to Dau. “We’re excited about our incoming freshman class, which shows a lot of potential,” said the coach. “Chase Franklyn, in particular, stands out as a freshman to watch. He’s set high goals for himself and has the potential to be a serious competitor in any weight class he chooses.”
Dau, who is being assisted by Todd Gonnerman, Josh Pratt, Ryan Pratt, Ethen Johnson, Alex Spooner and Breanna Small, expects the competition among his wrestlers to be keen in some of the weight classes. “One of our challenges this season will be managing the competition within certain weight classes, where we have multiple skilled wrestlers vying for spots,” he noted. “We need to address this early and develop a strategy that works best for each individual and for the team overall. Additionally, with some key leaders graduating last season, we’re looking for new athletes to step up and fill those leadership roles.”
Graduation has caused some uncertainty when it comes to identifying the top teams in the Siouxland Conference. “With many of last year’s top wrestlers graduating from various teams, it’s hard to predict the competition fully,” admitted Dau. “However, traditionally strong teams like Central Lyon/George-Little Rock, Sioux Center, and Boyden-Hull/Rock Valley will likely remain competitive. That said, we feel confident in our own chances to perform well in the conference this season.”
The coach touched on the definition of success for the team and the individuals who constitute it. “Success this season means finishing with the same team we started with, maintaining our unity and commitment,” he stated. “When each wrestler meets their personal goals, the team’s success will naturally follow.”

Okoboji/HMS Boys Wrestling Schedule

Thursday, Dec. 5, Triangular, (GTRA, Spencer), at Graettinger, 6:00
Saturday, Dec. 7, Okoboji Invitational, at Milford, 10:30 a.m.
Tuesday, Dec., 10, Double Dual (Sioux Center, Le Mars), at Sioux Center, 6:00
Saturday, Dec. 14, Bob Roethler Invitational, at Emmetsburg, 10:00 a.m.
Thursday, Dec. 19, Double Dual (West Lyon, Central Lyon/GLR), at Rock Rapids, 6:00
Saturday, Dec. 21, Austin Roberts Memorial Tournament, at Spencer, 10:00 a.m.
Tuesday, Jan. 7, Quad (Alta-Aurelia, South Central Calhoun, Woodbury Central), at Moville, 5:30
Thursday, Jan. 9, Double Dual (East Sac County, Manson-NW Webster, Pocahontas Area), at Milford, 5:00
Saturday, Jan. 11, Forest City/Clear Lake Tournament, at Forest City, 10:00 a.m.
Tuesday, Jan. 14, Double Dual (Algona, Cherokee, Estherville Lincoln Central), at Algona, 6:00
Thursday, Jan. 16, Double Dual (Sheldon/South O’Brien, Sibley-Ocheyedan), at Milford, 6:00
Thursday, Jan. 23, Double Dual (BH/RV, MOC-FV), at Orange City, 6:00
Friday, Jan. 24, OABCIG Herb Irgens Invite, at Ida Grove, 4:30
Saturday, Jan. 25, OABCIG Herb Irgens Invite, at Ida Grove, 9:30 a.m.
Thursday, Jan. 30, Conference Tournament, at Sioux Center, 5:00
Monday, Feb. 6, Spirit Lake, at Milford, 7:00