Confidence and determination are at an all-time high for Southwest Minnesota State
By Matt Krumrie
Chayse Jackson isn’t shy about hiding his excitement for this year’s Southwest Minnesota State University wrestling team.
And he shouldn’t be. The Mustangs return eight starters, headlined by two-time All-American and World Team Trials Qualifier Caden Steffen (184/Zumbrota/Zumbrota-Mazeppa High School). Add in returning Super V Regional place winners Dillon McEachran (197/Faribault) and Jacob Dykes (285/Iowa City, IA), along with Hunter Pfantz (133), Justin Sampson (141), Luke Peterson (149), Sean Howk (157), and Lucas Hodges (165), and the Mustangs have an experienced and talented lineup ready to battle this season.
In addition to the collegiate experience, several wrestlers competed in freestyle, Greco-Roman, and beach wrestling events since their last collegiate season, and that dedication and determination are also part of what’s driving Jackson’s excitement.
“It’s simple,” says Jackson. “We are returning a lot of talent to the lineup, and that talent has only improved since last season. With a phenomenal off-season, confidence, and determination is at an all-time high. This team is primed to fire. My true role as a coach is to direct that energy and keep it under control until it’s time to compete.”