Last year’s South Loup wrestling team was a very young one, and Head Coach Todd Phelps said he is looking for improvement on the mat this year that comes with experience. Phelps is in his fifth year as head coach after assisting for a year, and is joined by second-year assistant coach Gavin Robertson.

“We got better at every tournament,” said Coach Phelps of his young 2022-23 team. The Bobcats did have a state qualifier last year, and Dawson Doggett will return for his senior season looking for similar success in the 175/190-pound weight classes.

Along with Doggett, other returning letter winners for the Bobcats include Josiah Coleman-106/113, Zane Ellison- 126/132, Dawson Mason-132, Bo Brennen-138, Paxton Bierman-138, CJ Quandt-144, Dylan Handley-157, and Kyle Bloomer-190/215.

Coach Phelps cited two additional wrestlers that could also make an impact for the Bobcats this year - Noah Hyatt-106, and Ryan Lords-126/132.

“Our main goal is to get better every week,” said Phelps. “And to qualify at least five to the state tournament. This team has a great attitude. They work hard and are very coachable.”

Phelps sees his strong group of junior and senior leaders as the biggest strength for the 2023-24 team. “Our biggest weakness is not enough kids to fill weights and we are really piled up at a couple of weights.”

Regardless of the team’s shortcomings, the Bobcats are excited about their season and look forward to adding more hardware to the wrestling showcase.