Wrestlers set to begin 2025 thisSaturday at Sioux Falls Roosevelt

With a packed practice room and growing momentum within the program, the Lennox High School wrestling teams are entering the 2025 season with confidence and high expectations.

Head coach Matt Hanson, now in his third year leading the Orioles, says the culture of hard work continues to strengthen within the program.

“We have two returning state qualifiers in Ramsey Williams and Grant Larson,” Hanson said. “Hopefully they will continue their success as qualifiers and push to place high at the state tournament. We have several other boys with good varsity experience who should make a strong push to qualify and hopefully place at the State Tournament.”

Last season, Williams placed fifth at state while Larson also represented Lennox as a state qualifier.

Hanson did note that the program’s recent graduates leave behind big shoes to fill.

“Last year’s graduating class will be missed — a hardworking, tough group that set a great example for all of the up-and-coming classes,” he said.

The girls’ team also enters the new season with excitement and potential.

“For the girls, Jocelyn Thoms will look to regain her form after fully recovering from an injury that sidelined her late last year,” Hanson said.

Also representing the girls and looking to make a state tournament push this year is returners Nikka Rassmussen and Rosaria Roher.

“Both wrestled well on varsity last year as 7th graders and are looking to make an even stronger impact this coming year,” said Hanson.

Hanson added that the upcoming younger athletes will be ones to watch as the program builds depth.

“A couple of strong, deeper classes are on the horizon, and with the leaders we have in the room currently, our future as a program could be very blessed,” he added.

While the team continues to grow, Hanson said the practice room is “the fullest it has been in three years,” and the athletes’ strong work ethic is becoming contagious.

Assistant coaches Tate Barnhardt, Sam Bowers, and Brandon Otte return to support the program.

Lennox kicks off their 2025 season this Saturday, Dec. 6 when they compete at Sioux Falls Roosevelt. On Tuesday, Dec. 9 the team hosts a quad, set to begin at 4:30 p.m. On Friday, Dec. 12 the Orioles head out west to compete at the Monument Summit Arena. Competition continues on Saturday, Dec. 13.

2025 Lennox High School wrestling team members include the following (denotes returning starters):

Boys: Ramsey Williams*; Preston Otte*; Nate Arens; Grant Larson*; Cade Aashiem*; Kedren Fergen*; Noah Hanson*; Sullivan

Weeldreyer*; Brodie Hammerstrom; Ben Hanson; Jase Thoms; Maverick Mellegard; Carsyn Schmidt; Ayden Shmidt; Cade Sweeter; Jamen Vanderwerf; Colter Jensen; Noah Rameriez; Cason Zens; Holden Thelin, and Kashton Sauer

Girls: Jocelyn Thoms*; Rosaria Roher*; Nikka Rasmussen*; Marin Bartscher; and Chloe Sauer

With depth and returning state talent, the Orioles are poised for a competitive and exciting wrestling season.