MOORHEAD — The Cobber wrestling team has found great success in the early stages of their season. With three meets under their belt the team sees themselves ranked 15 in the division three national rankings as of November, 28.
The Cobbers also boast two wrestlers who are nationally ranked in their respective weight classes. Junior Ty Bisek is in the number three spot at 133 lbs boasting a 7-1 record on the season. Senior Gabe Zierden is ranked number seven at 197 lbs sporting a 5-0 record this year.
Additionally, two other wrestlers senior Kellen Schauer and sophomore Alex Rapelje are listed as honorable mentions in their weight class rankings.
For the team, the early success they have found isn’t a mistake. They have been putting in work and everyone continues to try and improve everyday.
“One thing I’ve challenged the team with is holding ourselves accountable and doing what it takes to not only do what I require for their training, but also, making sure they’re putting time in on areas they need to improve as individuals,” head wrestling coach, Quincy Osborn said.
“As a team we have seen a lot of early success and a lot of growth throughout individuals and as a team. The team has responded well throughout the season to any kind of challenge we have faced. I personally have been able to get to my game plan this season which has led to my early success,” Zierden said.
It is clear when talking with members of the team that this group of guys love what they do. They enjoy being around each other and have formed bonds beyond the wrestling room.
“My favorite thing by far us my teammates and coaches. We are all very close and have put together a very positive and fun environment,” Kellen Schauer said.
“The team companionship and bond that the wrestlers have as teammates is always great to see,” Osborn said.
“My favorite part of being on the wrestling team here at Concordia is definitely my teammates and coaches. We have an amazing team culture that has made me feel like I have built a home away from home here at Concordia. I have made life long friendships here and wouldn’t change it for the world,” Zierden said.
Looking forward to the rest of the season the Cobbers will attempt to build on their early success and keep the ball rolling.
“Keep focusing on bringing positive energy into everything that we do, especially the daily process, and staying in the moment as we work towards maximizing our potential,” Osborn said.
The Cobbers have high expectations, but the team seems grounded in what they need to do going forward and how they set their goals for the rest of the season.
“Our goals this season are to focus on executing our game plan every match, see continued growth throughout the season, be aggressive out on the mat and most importantly have fun in everything we do. By doing these things I feel I will be able to have continued success out on the mat and so will my teammates,” Zierden said.
“My personal goals are mainly just having fun and enjoying my last year of wrestling. I obviously want to perform well, but our team has the mindset of enjoying and focusing on the process rather than results. The results come if you focus on the process,” Schauer said.
On Sunday, Dec. 3, the Cobbers hit the mat at the MSU Moorhead Dragon Open. Then the team gets a bit of a break until their next meet at Nebraska Wesleyan on Dec. 16. Following that the Cobbers start off the new year at the NWCA National Duals on Jan. 5 where many of the top teams in the nation will be present.
“NWCA National Duals is an invite event and an honor for our program to attend. I am very excited to see where we stack up against the best teams in D3 wrestling,” Osborn said.
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