Harrisburg Tigers Wrestling 2025 Season Recap: From Underdogs to Unbreakable
Every successful team has a moment when they stop asking “can we do this?” and start declaring “we will.” For the 2025 Harrisburg High School wrestling team, that moment came in the middle of a dual against Aberdeen Central — a nail-biter that went down to the wire. Though the result wasn’t a win on paper, the Tigers found something far more important: belief. From that point forward, they stopped chasing validation and began wrestling like they belonged. And the rest of South Dakota took notice.
Under the guidance of Head Coach Nate Rotert, the Tigers wrestled their way from a team filled with question marks to Region 2A Champions, 6th place in the State A Dual Tournament, and 5th place in the State A Individual Tournament — a leap that stunned outsiders but felt right on schedule for the program’s believers.
Underrated and Overachieving
Coach Rotert’s preseason expectations were lofty, even as many outside the program overlooked his team. Harrisburg entered the 2025 season projected outside the state’s top 15, and most experts didn’t see them qualifying for the State “A” Dual Tournament.
But the Tigers had other plans
“This season exceeded the rest of the state’s expectations — but not my own,” Rotert said. “We were a team with a lot of question marks, but we finished the year with 9 state placers out of 13 qualifiers and a state finalist.”
The Tigers capped off their season with a dominant performance at Regionals, tallying 237.5 points to claim 1st Place in Region 2A. Their state success was just as impressive, scoring 138 points for a 5th-place team finish, proving their rise was no fluke.
Junior Class Power: The Team’s Backbone
At the heart of Harrisburg’s success was its formidable junior class — a tight-knit group that didn’t just win matches but defined the team’s identity. Wrestlers like Steven Lamont, Myles Kettwig, Dylan O'Connor, Lincoln Peters, and Tayge Privett led the way on the mat and in the practice room.
“They didn’t just compete — they led through their actions and attitudes,” Rotert said. “It’s been years since we’ve had such a strong leadership core, and that’s been the catalyst for all of our growth.”
Their presence was felt in every competition. Kettwig and Lamont both won regional titles. Lamont placed 4th at state (138 lbs), Kettwig 5th (120 lbs), Peters 5th (144 lbs), Privett 5th (165 lbs), and O’Connor secured an 8th-place finish at 150 lbs.
These juniors not only set the tone in 2025, but they will be the heartbeat of the program heading into 2026.
Defining Moments and the Rise of Confidence
The turning point in Harrisburg’s season was emotional and cultural, not just physical. When the Tigers pushed Aberdeen Central to the brink, something clicked.
“The team’s attitude shifted from ‘we want this’ to ‘we deserve this,’” Rotert said. “That moment changed everything. Our training intensity jumped, our expectations rose, and the results followed.”
What followed was a powerful surge through the second half of the season. The Tigers battled through pressure, injuries, and tough losses — not with excuses, but with resolve.
“Our team thrived in adversity,” Rotert explained. “They followed the plan and found comfort in the chaos. That’s a huge step forward for us as a program.”
Seniors Finish Strong: Stories of Grit and Redemption
While the juniors anchored the season, the senior class left a lasting legacy, highlighted by emotional performances from Brody Sonnenschein and Ivan Johnson.
Sonnenschein, after years of hard work, earned his first state tournament placement, taking 8th at 215 lbs.
Johnson, once unsure of his own potential, wrestled his way into the state finals at 113 lbs — his first time placing.
“Brody committed more to this season than anything in his life, and that’s special to witness,” Rotert said. “And Ivan finally believed in himself at the biggest moment. These guys are the reason we coach.”
Their stories of late bloom and inner growth exemplify the grit, dedication, and breakthroughs that wrestling often demands.
Building for the Future: Culture Over Everything
As Rotert looks ahead, it’s not just talent or technique that has him excited — it’s the culture.
“We have guys who have fully bought into our team’s values, and now they’re the leaders,” he said. “That culture will trickle down to the younger athletes. I truly believe we can be a top 3 team in the state next year — no one will expect it, but we will.”
The program's vision is clear: consistent growth rooted in belief, leadership, and an unrelenting work ethic.
The Offseason Mission: Rediscovering the Joy of Wrestling
While many programs spend their offseasons focused on drills and conditioning, Harrisburg is focusing on something more fundamental — rediscovering the joy in the sport.
“Our goal isn’t just technical improvement,” Rotert explained. “We want to change the way our team views wrestling. It can’t feel like a job or a grind. We want it to feel like a game — something they look forward to. Something fun.”
It’s a philosophy grounded in the belief that passion fuels progress and that athletes perform their best when they love what they do.
By the Numbers: Harrisburg's Standout Performances
The Tigers posted a 20-10 record in duals, qualified 13 athletes for the State “A” Tournament, and had 9 placers. At the Region 2A meet, the team saw several standout finishes:
113 lbs – Ivan Johnson – 1st (Region), 2nd (State)
120 lbs – Myles Kettwig – 1st (Region), 5th (State)
138 lbs – Steven Lamont – 1st (Region), 4th (State)
144 lbs – Lincoln Peters – 2nd (Region), 5th (State)
165 lbs – Tayge Privett – 2nd (Region), 5th (State)
126 lbs – Wyatt Davidson – 3rd (Region), 6th (State)
132 lbs – Tristan Stoeser – 3rd (Region), 3rd (State)
150 lbs – Dylan O’Connor – 4th (Region), 8th (State)
215 lbs – Brody Sonnenschein – 3rd (Region), 8th (State)
A New Standard
The 2025 Harrisburg wrestling team didn’t just exceed expectations — they rewrote them. With a deep junior class returning, a newfound confidence, and a culture of accountability and joy, the Tigers are poised to become a force in South Dakota wrestling for years to come.
Coach Rotert’s final takeaway? Simple and powerful:
“We’re on the right track.”
And if this season was any indication, the rest of the state better take notice — Harrisburg isn’t sneaking up on anyone anymore.
, Kettwig 5th (120 lbs), Peters 5th (144 lbs), Privett 5th (165 lbs), and O’Connor secured an 8th-place finish at 150 lbs.
These juniors not only set the tone in 2025, but they will be the heartbeat of the program heading into 2026.
Defining Moments and the Rise of Confidence
The turning point in Harrisburg’s season was emotional and cultural, not just physical. When the Tigers pushed Aberdeen Central to the brink, something clicked.
“The team’s attitude shifted from ‘we want this’ to ‘we deserve this,’” Rotert said. “That moment changed everything. Our training intensity jumped, our expectations rose, and the results followed.”
What followed was a powerful surge through the second half of the season. The Tigers battled through pressure, injuries, and tough losses — not with excuses, but with resolve.
“Our team thrived in adversity,” Rotert explained. “They followed the plan and found comfort in the chaos. That’s a huge step forward for us as a program.”
Seniors Finish Strong: Stories of Grit and Redemption
While the juniors anchored the season, the senior class left a lasting legacy, highlighted by emotional performances from Brody Sonnenschein and Ivan Johnson.
Sonnenschein, after years of hard work, earned his first state tournament placement, taking 8th at 215 lbs.
Johnson, once unsure of his own potential, wrestled his way into the state finals at 113 lbs — his first time placing.
“Brody committed more to this season than anything in his life, and that’s special to witness,” Rotert said. “And Ivan finally believed in himself at the biggest moment. These guys are the reason we coach.”
Their stories of late bloom and inner growth exemplify the grit, dedication, and breakthroughs that wrestling often demands.
Building for the Future: Culture Over Everything
As Rotert looks ahead, it’s not just talent or technique that has him excited — it’s the culture.
“We have guys who have fully bought into our team’s values, and now they’re the leaders,” he said. “That culture will trickle down to the younger athletes. I truly believe we can be a top 3 team in the state next year — no one will expect it, but we will.”
The program's vision is clear: consistent growth rooted in belief, leadership, and an unrelenting work ethic.
The Offseason Mission: Rediscovering the Joy of Wrestling
While many programs spend their offseasons focused on drills and conditioning, Harrisburg is focusing on something more fundamental — rediscovering the joy in the sport.
“Our goal isn’t just technical improvement,” Rotert explained. “We want to change the way our team views wrestling. It can’t feel like a job or a grind. We want it to feel like a game — something they look forward to. Something fun.”
It’s a philosophy grounded in the belief that passion fuels progress and that athletes perform their best when they love what they do.
By the Numbers: Harrisburg's Standout Performances
The Tigers posted a 20-10 record in duals, qualified 13 athletes for the State “A” Tournament, and had 9 placers. At the Region 2A meet, the team saw several standout finishes:
113 lbs – Ivan Johnson – 1st (Region), 2nd (State)
120 lbs – Myles Kettwig – 1st (Region), 5th (State)
138 lbs – Steven Lamont – 1st (Region), 4th (State)
144 lbs – Lincoln Peters – 2nd (Region), 5th (State)
165 lbs – Tayge Privett – 2nd (Region), 5th (State)
126 lbs – Wyatt Davidson – 3rd (Region), 6th (State)
132 lbs – Tristan Stoeser – 3rd (Region), 3rd (State)
150 lbs – Dylan O’Connor – 4th (Region), 8th (State)
215 lbs – Brody Sonnenschein – 3rd (Region), 8th (State)
A New Standard
The 2025 Harrisburg wrestling team didn’t just exceed expectations — they rewrote them. With a deep junior class returning, a newfound confidence, and a culture of accountability and joy, the Tigers are poised to become a force in South Dakota wrestling for years to come.
Coach Rotert’s final takeaway? Simple and powerful:
“We’re on the right track.”
And if this season was any indication, the rest of the state better take notice — Harrisburg isn’t sneaking up on anyone anymore.)
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