WS-W-W-W Wrestlers Train Outdoors, Sharpen Skills Ahead of Regions in Winner
On an unseasonably warm February afternoon, the Wessington Springs-Woonsocket-Wolsey/ Wessington Warhawks weren’t inside on the wrestling mat last week, they took their training regimen outdoors.
From the Wessington Springs School gym to the city park, the Warhawks turned sunshine into opportunity. At the park, they knocked out pull-ups — a few even powering through muscle-ups — before heading to the ski hill for a grueling sequence: sprint up, reverse bear crawl down. Five times.
According to Warhawks Head Coach Adam Haake, it’s the kind of work that builds champions.
“We’ve been drilling and drilling and drilling a ton,” Haake said. “It’s nice to get out of the room, get outside and train and team build before regions.”
Regions are set for Saturday, Feb. 21, in Winner, the gateway to the state tournament.
Wolsey-Wessington junior Jacksen Carter (138) enters the postseason undefeated.
Haake has coached him since he was seven years old and has watched his commitment grow year after year.
“He puts a tremendous amount of time in,” Haake said. “All he does is wrestling.”
Carter trains year-round at Berge Elite Wrestling Academy in Brookings and competes in major national tournaments, including events in Las Vegas. His goal is clear: wrestle in college.
Wolsey-Wessington senior Ethan Rearick (144), ranked fourth in the state, heads into regions with high expectations.
“Ethan’s an animal,” Haake said. “People are terrified to wrestle him.”
Haake believes Rearick isn’t just capable of qualifying for state, he’s capable of winning it.
“I believe he could be a state champion. I know he can. I’ve seen him wrestle all year.”
Wessington Springs sophomore Jaspur Gran continues to turn heads as well. In just his second year in the sport, he’s beaten top-ranked opponents, including the No. 3 wrestler in his class.
“He’s beat some studs,” Haake said. “It’s incredible, the season he’s having.”
Seventh-ranked Wessington Springs sophomore Carson Finn (157) along with classmate Chase Dunsmore round out a group that has steadily improved throughout the season.
Haake has coached many of these athletes since elementary school and he said he thoroughly enjoys the time spent at practice and at tournaments.
“I’ve been with all these kids since they were really young,” he said. “It’s hard work. There’s so much mental strength that you need. But it’s a lot of fun. I love the sport, and I love the kids.”
Whether it’s drilling five days a week, grinding through ski hill repeats or logging offseason miles, the Warhawks have embraced the process.
“This is what builds state champions,” Haake said.
Now, the work turns toward this weekend. The Warhawks will compete at the Region tournament in Winner, with state tournament berths on the line. The event will be livestreamed on Winner Warriors Live.