THE PROMISE OF IOWA
by C. Lynn
At S – O High School, wrestling is a part of the culture. The assistant Coach for Sibley-Ocheyedan wrestling squad is Mr. Ben Chestnut. Wrestling team members include: Brock Ackerman, Mario Cuadros, Dahson DeJong, Keegan DeZeeuw, Jonathan Krogman, Darvin Martinez, Isaac Molendorp, Alberto Ortiz, Grant Paca, Garrett Sarringer, Trey Schuck, Damon Tangeman and Dylan Top. The first varsity wrestling meet is a home meet on December 5, 2019. Opponents will include Kingsley-Pierson, Lawton Bronson, and Western Christian.
Mr. Chestnut remarked, “Wrestling is one of, if not the best sport to an athlete’s mental and physical toughness.” Mr. Chestnut chose to coach wrestling because the sport is highly competitive, provides a great environment, and only one person wins. He was also asked how he thought the season will go and he stated that he thinks there is a good season outlook. He believes the season will go well because there are more wrestlers out for this season. The regular season is scheduled to end with a tournament February 20, 2020.
This year the Sibley-Ocheyedan wrestling team has a good number of returning wrestlers and one returning State Place Winner. The returning wrestlers include Brock Ackerman, Mario Cuadros, Bert Ortiz, Grant Paca, Garrett Sarringer, and Trey Shuck (State Place Winner). The team has some new additions as well. The new Sibley-Ocheyedan wrestlers include Keegan De Zeeuw, Darvin Martinez, Jonathan Krogman, Damon Tangeman, and Dylan Top.
The wrestling team is looking to build the program and have multiple state qualifiers. They are also making it a goal to finish at the top this year. They are currently in search for some community support at the home and away meets. Even if you aren’t able to make it to the meets, you can still show support by congratulating them.