Head coach Will Evans has a full wrestling room and a number of returning starters from last season who qualified for the state tournament and are looking to take that next step to become state placers or champions.
“This will be one of more experienced teams we have had in the past few years. We return nine state qualifiers – Jackson Yeatman, Orlando McClain, Topher Garrett, Hayze Ivey, Trae Rios, Mason Armstrong, Cole Olguin, Devin Lacroix and Gavin Gagnon. We return two state placers – Trae Rios and Cole Olguin,” Evans said. “Our men had a successful spring and summer having multiple Fargo National Team Qualifiers and One Fargo All American – Trae Rios. As of the OSSAA December 9th Rankings our men are ranked 6th in Tournament and 5th in Duals.”
Trae Rios (Sr.) makes his return as a two-time state placer and a Fargo All-American. Rios is joined by Cole Olguin (Sr.) as the only two returning state placers and guys who look to get back on the podium this year. Rios is committed to wrestle at the University of Oklahoma.
Coach Evans mentioned several wrestlers who qualified for state and are looking to take that next step. Jackson Yeatman (Jr.), Orlando McClain (Jr.), Topher Garrett (Sr.), Hayze Ivey (Sr.), Mason Armstrong (Sr.), Devin Lacroix (Sr.) and Gavin Gagnon (Sr.) are all looking to make this a memorable season for the Bulldogs.
Also look for Gavin Chatham (Jr.), who was a junior high state placer, to take a big step this season and help this team in duals and tournaments. Other wrestlers to watch are Zach Alford (So.), Eli Archer (So.), Brady Huffer (Sr.), and Hunter Blair (Jr.). Huffer as overcome some injuries and is known as the ultimate team player for Westmoore. On or off the mat, Huffer is everything you want in a student-athlete.
Currently ranked in the Top 10 in Class 6A, the girls team at WHS returns several key wrestlers this season as they look to solidify themselves as one of the top programs in the state.
“Our women’s team is currently ranked No. 5. We have three returning state placers – state champion Kyrain Perez, state runner-up Kyrstan Perez and fourth place finisher Ranelle Smith,” Evans said. “Our JH women finished 3rd at Shawnee Duals and varsity women finished 2nd at Blanchard.”
Also look for Kaysie Gallope (Sr.) who will likely wrestle at 155 or 170-pounds this season. Gallope has the highest GPA on the team and is a leader on and off the mat. Addison Cole is another hard worker and a wrestler to watch this season after she battled through some injuries a year ago.
Other wrestlers to watch include Mikaeka Pinley (So.), Jazmyn Martinez (So.), Isabella Poole (Sr.), Brayli Haggy (Fr.), Cami Roark (So.), and Isabella Oldfield (Fr.).
