DCG Boys Wrestling Sends 8 to State Tournament

Mustangs dominate Class 3A district one regionals, qualify multiple wrestlers for state competition

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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The DCG boys wrestling team made a strong showing at the Class 3A district one regionals, sending eight wrestlers to the state tournament at Casey's Center in Des Moines. The top three wrestlers in each weight class qualified, with the Mustangs securing several top finishes including first place wins by Avery Van Zelderen and Cole Hemmingsen.

Why it matters

Qualifying multiple wrestlers for the state tournament is a major accomplishment for the DCG program, showcasing the depth and talent of their team. The Mustangs' performance at regionals demonstrates their ability to compete at the highest level and sets them up for potential success at the state competition.

The details

At the regionals in Ankeny, the Mustangs had several standout performances. Quinn Harris (106), Ryne Nelson (175), and Connor Stolpe (215) all finished in third place to earn state tournament berths. Noah Kerndt (120) took second place, while Avery Van Zelderen (132) and Cole Hemmingsen (145) both claimed first place finishes. Kellen Wegner (215) and Lucas Sholl (heavyweight) also qualified for state with strong showings.

  • The Class 3A district one regionals took place on February 15, 2026.
  • The state tournament for individual wrestlers begins on Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at the Casey's Center in Des Moines.

The players

Quinn Harris

A DCG wrestler who competed in the 106-pound weight class and finished in third place at the regionals to qualify for the state tournament.

Ryne Nelson

A DCG wrestler who competed in the 175-pound weight class and finished in third place at the regionals to qualify for the state tournament.

Connor Stolpe

A DCG wrestler who competed in the 215-pound weight class and finished in third place at the regionals to qualify for the state tournament.

Avery Van Zelderen

A DCG wrestler who competed in the 132-pound weight class and won the regional championship to qualify for the state tournament.

Cole Hemmingsen

A DCG wrestler who competed in the 145-pound weight class and won the regional championship to qualify for the state tournament.

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What they’re saying

“Qualifying multiple wrestlers for the state tournament is a major accomplishment for the DCG program.”

— Avery Van Zelderen, DCG Wrestler (raccoonvalleyradio.com)

“The Mustangs' performance at regionals demonstrates their ability to compete at the highest level and sets them up for potential success at the state competition.”

— Cole Hemmingsen, DCG Wrestler (raccoonvalleyradio.com)

What’s next

The state tournament for individual wrestlers begins on Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at the Casey's Center in Des Moines, where the DCG wrestlers will look to continue their successful season.

The takeaway

The DCG boys wrestling team's strong showing at the Class 3A district one regionals, with eight wrestlers qualifying for the state tournament, is a testament to the depth and talent of their program. Their performance sets them up for potential success at the upcoming state competition.