A new wrestling season is set to start soon for Columbus/Winfield-Mount Union. The Columbus/WMU boys are coming off a strong campaign last year that included winning a Southeast Iowa Super Conference championship and reaching state qualifying for team duals.

Among the top returners are senior Jacob Nelson, who went 40-11 last season and reached the Class 1A state tournament at 113 pounds, and junior Kason Dopler, who also made it to state and had a 37-12 record at 175.

Juniors Dakota Aney and Bowen Thomson also return for the Wildcats and will look to build on 30-win seasons last winter, while seniors Riley Kaalberg and Cooper Buffington will be asked to lead the way for the team while looking for a leap from 20 wins each last season.

Even with state qualifiers like Russell Coil and Ty Scorpil to replace, head coach Andy Milder tells KCII Sports that he has a deep team full of grapplers eager for their chance to seize the spotlight.

“They’re excited,” Midler says. “I give them a workout and they do their own thing. They’re showing up [and] they’re excited. I think the nucleus, the foundation is there for these kids.”

The Columbus/WMU girls will be led by senior Josie Nelson, who went 18-4 at 140 lbs last season and will look to make it back to state, while junior Quin Smith looks to build on her 11 victories at 130.

The Wildcat ladies will begin their new season Thursday when they host a meet with other Super Conference squads, while the Columbus/Winfield-Mount Union boys’ first bouts will take place December 3rd at Mount Pleasant.