Friday, March 6, 2026
The CSC Eagle Newspaper – Chadron, NE
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The CSC Eagle Newspaper – Chadron, NE
Wrestling

Wrestlers prepare for season with new coach

Molly Wedan

With the mats dusted off, Chadron State’s wrestlers prepare for the 2012 season. After multiple weeks of practicing, the wrestlers are ready to start the season with their annual Red and White dual held in the NPAC at 6 p.m. today.

“The season is going very well so far, we had a very tough pre-season but the guys really worked hard and to see that is very encouraging,” interim Head Coach Brett Hunter said.

Brett Hunter, former CSC wrestler and graduate assistant coach, will be coaching his first year as interim head coach. A native from Rushville, Hunter holds the record for the most wins in school history with 133. He also was a two-time national champion.

“I am very grateful to have the opportunity to be the head wrestling coach. I would like to thank Scott Ritzen for really believing in me and giving me the opportunity to learn underneath him,” Hunter said. “I also would like to thank Brad Smith for giving me the opportunity to coach at my Alma-Mater.”

CSC ended the 2011-2012 season with a 6-9 record overall, 3-5 in the RMAC.

When asked how he feels about the season, Hunter acknowledges his nervousness.

“Obviously, there are some nerves right now, I want to do things right and want to make sure my guys are ready to compete every week at a high level.”

Some returning wrestlers are team leaders and are expected to shine this season. Jordan Debus, junior of Mitchell, wrestles at 184. Last year, Debus made it to the NCAA Division II National Championship, but ended up losing in two duals. He was CSC’s only representative and finished out last season with a winning record of 15-11.

“Debus is a big leader on the team, more of a doing-by-action leader and the guys really feed off him,” Hunter said.

Reed Burgener, freshman of Douglas, Wyo., flips his wrestling partner Tuesday afternoon in the NPAC. — Photos by T.J. Thomson
Reed Burgener, freshman of Douglas, Wyo., flips his wrestling partner Tuesday afternoon in the NPAC. — Photos by T.J. Thomson

Another leader is Chris Leak, senior of Omaha, who wrestles at the 197-weight class. Leak competed in the NCAA/RMAC Super Region 4 Wrestling Tournament last season, but didn’t make it to the National Championship and came in sixth place. However, just last week, Leak was named to the RMAC Preseason Wrestling All-Conference team. He finished the 2011-2012 season with an 11-13 record.
“Chris is pretty vocal when it comes to pushing the guys,” Hunter said.

Another leader that has stepped up his game is Perry McAfee, senior of Casper, Wyo., who wrestles at 133. According to Hunter, McAfee has become a leader by example.

“Every day it seems like a different leader steps up, that’s why this team is so unique,” Hunter said.

CSC begins their regular season in Laramie, Wyo., at the University of Wyoming Cowboy Open. Action starts at 9 a.m.

“I want to thank the community for all of their support and hope the support continues the whole season,” Hunter said.