Fremd Boys Wrestling 2025 Season Recap: Champions Crowned and a Foundation Strengthened
The 2025 wrestling season was one to remember for the Fremd High School boys' wrestling program. Under the leadership of Head Coach Jeff Keske, the team not only produced a state champion but also saw three wrestlers earn All-State honors, tying a school record in the process. With an impressive finish in the top 10 at the IHSA Individual State Tournament and several underclassmen showing great promise, the Vikings laid the groundwork for both current and future success.
Coach Keske and his squad brought a focused intensity to the mat this winter, combining veteran leadership with youthful energy. The result: a program-defining season that blended historic accomplishments with emerging talent and resilience.
Top Performers Set the Tone
A successful wrestling season often hinges on individual grit and collective discipline. For Fremd, a core group of standout wrestlers carried that weight with pride and excellence.
At the forefront of the team’s success was Evan Gosz, who captured the IHSA State Championship at 144 lbs. Gosz’s path to the title was a testament to his technical mastery, toughness, and competitive spirit. His state crown was not only a personal milestone but a rallying point for the entire program.
Joining Gosz in the All-State ranks were Drew Fifield and Owen Jakubczak. Fifield secured a 6th place finish at 138 lbs, while Jakubczak claimed 5th at 285 lbs, proving his dominance in the heavyweight division. Both wrestlers displayed resilience in the face of high-level competition and helped catapult Fremd to a top-10 finish in the state — an achievement that reflects the team’s strength across multiple weight classes.
Also earning statewide recognition was Lucas Nance, who finished in the top 8 at state and was a key contributor throughout the season. His performance added further depth to an already talented lineup.
“This year’s group tied a school record with three All-Staters,” Coach Keske shared. “It was a historic season and a huge accomplishment for these young men.”
Emerging Stars on the Rise
While the veterans held the spotlight in postseason competition, several underclassmen began writing their own narratives. Freshman Lucas Crandall quickly established himself as one to watch. He became a sectional qualifier in his debut season and later placed at the Freshman/Sophomore State Tournament, showing that the future of Fremd wrestling is in good hands.
Equally promising was Junior Max Duberstein, who also qualified for sectionals and provided key depth in the team’s middle weight classes. His growth over the course of the season reflects the strong development culture within the program — one where hard work and commitment consistently translate to results.
These younger wrestlers didn’t just fill out the lineup — they rose to the challenge, stepped into pressure situations, and gained invaluable experience that will benefit the team for years to come.
Team Resilience and Season Identity
Though Coach Keske didn’t elaborate on specific challenges, it's clear that navigating a long wrestling season always brings adversity — be it through tough losses, injuries, or the relentless pressure of competition. What set this Fremd squad apart was its ability to endure, adapt, and rise.
The team’s success wasn’t built overnight. It came from the grind: early-morning practices, weight cuts, match film, and a shared belief in each other. With wrestlers like Gosz, Fifield, Jakubczak, and Nance leading the way, younger athletes had strong role models to emulate — not just in performance, but in how to carry themselves on and off the mat.
That culture of accountability and leadership paid dividends in close matches and high-stakes tournaments. Fremd wrestlers didn’t flinch under pressure — they thrived.
Senior Class Legacy
This season’s achievements would not have been possible without the contributions of the senior class, who set the tone both on and off the mat. While Coach Keske didn’t go into specifics, the accomplishments of seniors like Gosz and Fifield speak for themselves.
Beyond individual accolades, the seniors brought leadership, focus, and work ethic to the room every day. Their legacy isn't just in medals or titles — it's in the culture they leave behind for the next generation to carry forward.
As they graduate, the bar is now set even higher. They’ve shown what’s possible and, in doing so, have redefined what success can look like at Fremd.
Looking to the Future
There’s no question that excitement is building around the future of Fremd wrestling. With key contributors like Nance, Duberstein, and Crandall returning — along with the promising development of the Sattler twins (from other schools) as a model of youthful contribution — Coach Keske knows his team has the potential to compete at an even higher level next season.
“We’re returning a solid group,” said Keske. “There’s a lot to look forward to, and the offseason will be critical.”
Improvement never stops in wrestling, and that’s where the team’s focus is now directed. From refining technique to building strength and endurance, the coaching staff is emphasizing fundamental development to ensure that athletes can compete with the best — not just regionally, but statewide.
Building Momentum
Momentum is a powerful force in sports, and Fremd has plenty of it. A top-10 state finish, a state champion, and record-tying All-State performances — all backed by a motivated underclass — give this program a competitive edge moving forward.
Moreover, the team’s results have put Fremd wrestling on the map. Recruits, fans, and opposing coaches alike are beginning to take notice of the culture Coach Keske and his staff have created.
As the offseason begins, there’s one goal that resonates clearly throughout the wrestling room: build on the foundation. With returning leadership, up-and-coming talent, and a program-wide commitment to excellence, the Vikings are poised for continued success.
Where to Follow the Vikings
For those interested in keeping up with Fremd Wrestling’s stats and match results, information is available on platforms like TrackWrestling and other IHSA-affiliated stat trackers.
As this season proved, there’s plenty of reason to keep an eye on Fremd wrestling. The program isn’t just producing champions — it’s building a tradition.
Conclusion
The 2025 wrestling season at Fremd wasn’t just successful — it was a statement. A statement that the program is on the rise. A statement that hard work, grit, and resilience can produce champions. And most importantly, a statement that this is only the beginning.
With a core of talented returners and a coaching staff committed to growth, the future of Fremd wrestling looks incredibly bright. As Coach Keske and his athletes enter the offseason, one thing is clear: the Vikings are just getting started.
 as a model of youthful contribution — Coach Keske knows his team has the potential to compete at an even higher level next season.
“We’re returning a solid group,” said Keske. “There’s a lot to look forward to, and the offseason will be critical.”
Improvement never stops in wrestling, and that’s where the team’s focus is now directed. From refining technique to building strength and endurance, the coaching staff is emphasizing fundamental development to ensure that athletes can compete with the best — not just regionally, but statewide.
Building Momentum
Momentum is a powerful force in sports, and Fremd has plenty of it. A top-10 state finish, a state champion, and record-tying All-State performances — all backed by a motivated underclass — give this program a competitive edge moving forward.
Moreover, the team’s results have put Fremd wrestling on the map. Recruits, fans, and opposing coaches alike are beginning to take notice of the culture Coach Keske and his staff have created.
As the offseason begins, there’s one goal that resonates clearly throughout the wrestling room: build on the foundation. With returning leadership, up-and-coming talent, and a program-wide commitment to excellence, the Vikings are poised for continued success.
Where to Follow the Vikings
For those interested in keeping up with Fremd Wrestling’s stats and match results, information is available on platforms like TrackWrestling and other IHSA-affiliated stat trackers.
As this season proved, there’s plenty of reason to keep an eye on Fremd wrestling. The program isn’t just producing champions — it’s building a tradition.
Conclusion
The 2025 wrestling season at Fremd wasn’t just successful — it was a statement. A statement that the program is on the rise. A statement that hard work, grit, and resilience can produce champions. And most importantly, a statement that this is only the beginning.
With a core of talented returners and a coaching staff committed to growth, the future of Fremd wrestling looks incredibly bright. As Coach Keske and his athletes enter the offseason, one thing is clear: the Vikings are just getting started.){kind=tracking}
Share With