The Dike-New Hartford boys wrestling team made some strides as a program in 2024-2025.
Going 21-9 in duals, Head Coach Tony Norton says having a full lineup was a major key to success. Last season, they struggled to fill the 14 weight classes.
“We had, for the most part, a pretty full lineup this year, all 14 weights we were able to fill,” Norton says. “And certainly that helps, to not give up those six extra points at the different weight classes and just, know, even strategizing, you know, moving guys around or whatever. We had pretty good numbers, so we were able to do some of that at times and prevent other teams from doing that to us. So we had good progress. We want to be closer to some of those top teams.”
It was a deeper roster than some previous years. Tate DeBuhr, Conner Weedman, Dax Weedman and Karson VanHeiden each recorded 25 or more wins.
Wins leader Gavin Gerbracht went 40-11, and was the team’s lone state tournament qualifier. He went 2-2 at 150 pounds in Class 2A.
“He started hitting his stride, you know, well, all year, but I felt like the last three, four weeks he was really doing his best wrestling, which is what I want for everybody. He’s got a few things to polish up. That was one of the things we talked about even in Des Moines. And he’s been putting in some extra time, hitting the weight room hard, and confidence wise, even for next year, he’s going to be a tough kid. He’s going to be tough to beat, so looking forward to it.”
The team graduated five seniors.
Tony Norton interview:
