Redfield Wrestling 2025 Season Recap: Leadership, Grit, and the Promise of a New Generation
At Redfield High School, the 2025 wrestling season was one of challenge, growth, and leadership. Under the guidance of Head Coach Kelby Hawkins, the Pheasants took to the mats with a team of seasoned upperclassmen and an eye on developing the future of the program. Though the season didn’t end with all the accolades the team had hoped for, there was no shortage of hard-fought battles, valuable lessons, and proud moments.
Redfield had five state qualifiers this year—a testament to the team’s competitiveness and the leadership of its senior class. While Coach Hawkins acknowledged there were "plenty of ups and downs," he also made it clear that this season laid the groundwork for long-term success. In our exclusive 2025 Winter Season Recap Series, we sat down with Coach Hawkins to reflect on this year's campaign and look ahead to what’s next for Redfield Wrestling.
Veteran Leadership: The Backbone of the Team
Every successful program relies on leadership, and this year’s Redfield squad had that in spades. Senior wrestlers Camden Murray, Dylan Murray, Collin Dean, Conner Zens, and Maddon Odland played pivotal roles throughout the season. According to Coach Hawkins, these upperclassmen were more than just skilled athletes—they were mentors, examples, and culture setters.
“They are hard workers and have been great mentors for our younger kids,” Hawkins said. “Our three seniors have been in this program for a long time and have put in the work to get where they are. They helped keep order in the wrestling room.”
Their leadership helped guide Redfield through the highs and lows of the season, and their performance—especially in the postseason—spoke volumes. Camden Murray finished 4th, Maddon Odland placed 5th, Conner Zens earned 6th, and Dylan Murray claimed 7th at the state tournament. Collin Dean also made the trip as a qualifier, marking a significant achievement in a sport where state berths are never guaranteed.
The Reality of Wrestling: Toughness Required
Coach Hawkins was candid in his assessment of the season. It had its highlights—most notably, multiple state placers—but also included its share of difficulties. Injuries, pressure situations, and the mental demands of the sport all played a role in shaping the team’s journey.
“The sport of wrestling is tough and nothing is guaranteed,” he explained. “Injuries aren’t an ‘if’ but a ‘when’ in this sport, and being able to push through them is necessary if you want to be the best.”
Hawkins emphasized the need for growth in handling adversity, something he believes the team will continue to improve on moving forward. “As a whole, we can improve by getting tougher and handling the pressure of big moments,” he said.
Still, the Pheasants showed resilience. Getting five athletes to the state tournament is no small feat, and speaks to the determination embedded in the team’s culture.
Building the Future: Young Talent on the Horizon
With the departure of a strong senior class, Redfield enters a transition period—but Coach Hawkins isn’t worried. If anything, he’s excited.
“The young kids in our program is what excites me,” he said. “The next few years we will be a bit low on numbers, though we have some studs coming up in the youth program.”
It’s a long game, and Hawkins understands that the key to sustained success lies in development. He’s confident that the younger generation can carry the torch, provided they embrace the process.
“Our goal is to keep those kids out for the sport and to develop them,” he said.
From skill-building to instilling the right mindset, Redfield is already laying the foundation for the next wave of wrestling success.
Offseason Priorities: Technique and Work Ethic
As the Pheasants head into the offseason, Coach Hawkins has a clear vision for what needs to be done. The focus? Sharpening technique and instilling a championship-level work ethic.
“Improve our technique and learn the correct work ethic,” Hawkins said when asked about offseason goals.
It’s a back-to-basics approach that prioritizes fundamentals and consistency—two things that can make all the difference when matches are won or lost by a single point. Developing muscle memory, refining takedown execution, and improving mat awareness will be key.
But just as important is the mentality. Hawkins is determined to foster a culture of effort, persistence, and discipline—both in practice and in competition.
A Team Behind the Team
While much of the spotlight rightly goes to the athletes, Coach Hawkins was quick to recognize the importance of the entire team, including assistant coach Brady Edgar, and stats managers Kylie Hermann and Savannah Risseter, whose behind-the-scenes efforts helped the program run smoothly all season long.
From stat-keeping to logistical support, their work ensured that Redfield Wrestling remained organized, focused, and prepared. It’s often said that wrestling is an individual sport, but in reality, it takes a team to build a successful program.
Where to Follow Redfield Wrestling
For those wanting to keep track of the team’s progress or revisit this season’s matchups, Trackwrestling remains the go-to source for Redfield stats and results. As the program continues to grow, this platform will be an important way for fans and families to follow the wrestlers’ development throughout the year.
Final Thoughts: Grit, Growth, and Gratitude
While Redfield didn’t achieve all of its postseason goals this year, the 2025 wrestling season was anything but a disappointment. The program showcased strong leadership, grit in the face of adversity, and the potential for a promising future. With five state qualifiers and three individual placers, the groundwork has been laid for future success.
More importantly, Coach Hawkins and his staff are building something that goes beyond medals and trophies. They are developing young athletes who are accountable, resilient, and committed to getting better, on and off the mat.
With the continued support of the Redfield community, a dedicated coaching staff, and a promising group of young wrestlers rising through the ranks, the future looks bright for Pheasants wrestling. And as Coach Hawkins puts it best: “The goal is to keep those kids out for the sport and to develop them.”
Mission accepted.
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