Pella Boys Wrestling Seniors Discuss Postseason

Carter Van Kley and Brecken Ritzert look ahead to the wrestling playoffs

Jan. 31, 2026 at 1:15am

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In a radio interview, Pella High School wrestling seniors Carter Van Kley and Brecken Ritzert discussed the upcoming postseason for the boys wrestling team. The two athletes shared their thoughts and expectations as they prepare for the final stretch of their high school careers.

Why it matters

High school sports, especially wrestling, are a point of pride for many small towns like Pella. The success of the wrestling team is closely followed by the community, and the seniors' perspectives offer insight into the team's mindset heading into the playoffs.

The details

Van Kley and Ritzert, who have been teammates for four years, talked about the challenges of the regular season and their goals for the postseason tournaments. They discussed the team's strengths, their personal growth as wrestlers, and the support they've received from their coaches and the Pella community.

  • The interview aired on January 30, 2026.

The players

Carter Van Kley

A senior wrestler at Pella High School who has been a member of the varsity team for four years.

Brecken Ritzert

A senior wrestler at Pella High School who has been a teammate of Van Kley for the past four years.

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What they’re saying

“We've been working hard all season, and we're ready to give it our all in the postseason. The team has really come together, and we're excited to see what we can accomplish.”

— Carter Van Kley, Pella High School Senior Wrestler

“The support from our coaches and the Pella community has been incredible. We're grateful for the opportunity to represent our town on the mat.”

— Brecken Ritzert, Pella High School Senior Wrestler

What’s next

The Pella High School wrestling team will compete in the district tournament on February 15, 2026, with the goal of advancing to the state championships.

The takeaway

The Pella High School wrestling team's senior leaders, Carter Van Kley and Brecken Ritzert, are focused and determined as they prepare for the postseason. Their commitment to the sport and their team reflects the pride and community spirit that is central to high school athletics in small towns across America.