Colby Boys Wrestling Preview

The Colby High School boys wrestling team enters the 2025–26 season carrying a familiar blend of high expectations and blue-collar confidence under third-year head coach Cole Garcia. With a full lineup, returning state qualifiers, and several promising newcomers stepping into major roles, the Eagles are poised to compete hard from opening night through the postseason.

Garcia said he is energized by the balance of veteran leadership and rising underclassmen pushing into the varsity lineup. “We’re going to have a little bit of everything,” he said. “This team has experience, maturity, and several young guys ready to prove themselves.”

Leading the way is a senior class that brings postseason credentials and high aspirations. Two-time state champion Ryder Dempewolf looks to close out his decorated career with a third title. Fellow seniors Eric Schroeder returns as a two-time state qualifier with the skill and drive to climb deeper into the bracket, while Talon Wark brings state tournament experience, preseason rankings, and the kind of mat savvy that anchors a competitive lineup. Their presence gives Colby a seasoned, confident core.

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106 — Laken Sharpe, Freshman
Laken enters the varsity lineup after winning a competitive wrestle-off, becoming one of only two freshmen to open the year as starters. Sharpe brings several years of kids wrestling experience, multiple Kids State appearances, and two seasons at Colby Middle School. Coaches praise his calm demeanor and strong fundamentals. His technique and confidence should help him settle into varsity action quickly.

113 — Julian Salcido, Junior, 2025 State Qualifier
Julian returns with purpose. After winning a regional title last season, an injury during the opening round at state forced a medical forfeit that ended his run prematurely. Garcia said the experience left Salcido hungry for redemption. With quickness, strong hand-fighting, and the ability to score from anywhere, he is expected to be one of Colby’s most dependable point scorers. His postseason experience places him firmly among this year’s contenders.

120 — Ryder Dempewolf, Senior, 2025 and 2024 State Champion, 2023 Third Place
Ryder begins his final season as one of the most accomplished wrestlers in Kansas. A two-time state champion with a third-place finish as a freshman, Dempewolf remains grounded despite national-level success and a college commitment already in place. Garcia calls him the easiest athlete to coach, noting his composure and relentless consistency. Dempewolf’s leadership and championship expectations set the tone for the entire program.

126 — Ethan Reinert, Freshman
Ethan secured the varsity spot after winning one of the toughest tryout matches of the preseason. Reinert brings a strong kids’ wrestling background, and two standout years with Colby Middle School. His technique, pace, and composure in tight situations have impressed the staff. Reinert is positioned to be one of the team’s biggest breakout candidates.

132 — Talon Wark, Junior, 2025 State Qualifier
Talon drops to 132 after competing at 138 last season, entering the year with a preseason ranking in Class 4A. Wark’s state tournament experience, strong scrambling ability, and explosive scoring make him one of Colby's most dangerous middleweights. His maturity and varsity background give the Eagles a proven competitor in a tough range of the lineup. Wark is viewed as a wrestler capable of taking a major leap this winter.

138 — Nathan Schroeder, Junior, 2025 State Qualifier
Nathan follows up last year’s impressive postseason run with even higher expectations. Schroeder notched a memorable state victory over an opponent who had pinned him earlier in the year, showing both resilience and improvement. Now stronger and more confident, he enters 138 with a reputation for constant pressure and high energy. He and his brother share a trademark motor that opponents struggle to match.

144 — Pierce Bartlett, Sophomore
Pierce steps into a varsity role after a strong freshman year on JV. Coaches believe he is ready for the grind of a full high school season, noting his sound technique and improvement over the offseason. Bartlett performed well in varsity-level JV tournaments last year and is expected to solidify the middle of the lineup.

150 — Eric Schroeder, Senior, 2025 and 2024 State Qualifier
Eric returns as a two-time state qualifier and one of the key leaders of this year’s squad. After adding strength and sharpening his technique, Schroeder is committed to competing at 150, where he believes he can maximize his pace and offensive output. His experience and versatility give Garcia flexibility in the lineup, and his postseason background brings valuable stability to a young room. Schroeder is poised to make another strong push toward the state podium.

157 — Vance Dempewolf, Junior
Vance brings an element of controlled chaos to the mat. Known for his ability to throw and change momentum instantly, Dempewolf thrives in big moments and isn’t afraid to take risks. He gained key varsity experience last season and pushed the top regional seed to the brink. His athleticism and fearlessness make him one of the most exciting wrestlers on the team.

165 — Dalton Jacob, Sophomore
Dalton returns after finishing one match shy of state last season. Undersized at 157 a year ago, Jacob now competes at a weight that fits his frame. Coaches consistently praise his toughness and effort, noting a major surge in performance as last season progressed. With his work ethic and improved strength, Jacob is a strong candidate for a breakout year.

175 — Boston Woofter, Junior
Boston steps into a full-time varsity role after two years of training behind state qualifiers. His deep youth background and steady technical improvement position him well for success at 175. Daily practice battles with standout upper-weight McCager Wright have sharpened his instincts. Coaches value his consistency, positioning, and competitive maturity.

190 — Laken Lindberg, Sophomore
Laken joined late last year but quickly picked up the team’s technique system. Now stepping into the 190 slot, often above his natural weight, Lindberg brings athleticism, toughness, and a strong work ethic. With a full preseason under his belt, his potential for growth is high as he gains more mat time in meaningful duals and tournaments.

215 — McCager Wright, Junior
McCager enters the season as one of northwest Kansas’s top upper-weight athletes. Known for his strength and explosiveness on the football field, Wright has developed exceptional body control and mat awareness. After a dedicated offseason in the weight room, he is poised for a push toward the state tournament. His speed and athleticism make him a difficult matchup for most 215-pounders.

285 — Zane Gray, Junior
Zane is currently recovering from a foot injury and will return gradually as the season unfolds. Though relatively new to the demands of a full season, Gray brings raw strength and size with a willingness to learn. Early competition will come through JV opportunities, but his continued development could become a key factor in dual situations later in the year.

With every varsity weight class filled and a roster that blends state-tested seniors with talented underclassmen, Garcia believes this team has the pieces to surprise people. “When you look at the lineup, all these guys have experience,” he said. “We should be a pretty salty team.”

The Eagles open their season with a marquee dual at Hoxie before hosting the annual Eagle Invite, giving the Colby community an early chance to pack the gym and support a team built on toughness, discipline, and tradition.

Wrestling season is back — and in Colby, expectations rise with it.

by Derek White