Eagle wrestlers kick off season on outdoor mats

The wrestling team held their second outdoor public practice on Saturday at 10 a.m. The cool fall morning attracted friends, family, and other Eagle fans to gather outside the Chicoine Center to watch the wrestlers practice and get a preview of what to expect this season. 

Head coach, Brett Hunter said he began the public practice last year because the college was looking for a way to get the community more involved in the wrestling program. He got the idea from an NCAA Division 1 school and with the help of the administration made it happen here in Chadron. 

Hunter says this season’s roster of wrestlers is going to be very successful. 

Speaking during the event he talked about how he has seen great chemistry and work ethic from this group, something he hasn’t been able to say about every group he has coached. 

Seniors, Chase Clasen (149) and Wade French (197) are both returning national qualifiers and Hunter says he is ready for the group to win and add to CSC’s list of national qualifiers. 

This year’s newest addition to the coaching staff, Aspen Naylor of Salt Lake City, Utah, was excited to show what this team can do. Fresh out of Chadron State and its wrestling program, Naylor is excited to be on the coaching end of the sport. “I didn’t know if the guys would respect me as much (as a coach) since I was just with them on the team, but it has been a pretty smooth transition and I am having a lot of fun coaching these guys. I’m excited to watch my old teammates win some national titles, I know what they’re capable of,” Naylor said. 

There are five seniors ready to make the most of their last season. 

Tate Allison,  (165) of Moorcroft, Wyoming, Chase Clasen, (149) of Moses Lake, Washington, Wade French, (197) of Herriman, Utah, Senior Brandon Kile, (133) of Hastings, Jake Otuafi, (157) of Sparks, Nevada,  and Jay Westcott, (184) of Grand Junction, Colorado.