Evart Wrestlers Make Major Strides This Season

New coach Dakota Campbell guides team to 4-6 record and all-conference honors for two wrestlers

Mar. 21, 2026 at 7:52pm

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In his first season as Evart's varsity wrestling coach, Dakota Campbell led the team to a 4-6 record and saw two wrestlers, Brendan Magnusson and Chloe Huss, earn all-conference honors with second-place finishes at the Highland Conference tournament. Despite having an inexperienced roster, the Wildcats showed steady growth throughout the season and are poised to build on this progress next year with their entire roster returning.

Why it matters

Evart's wrestling program had struggled in recent years, so Campbell's first season as head coach was crucial in rebuilding the team's competitiveness and setting the stage for future success. The progress made this season, including all-conference honors for two wrestlers, demonstrates the program is headed in the right direction under Campbell's leadership.

The details

Campbell, who previously worked with the youth program, focused on teaching fundamentals and building strength and conditioning with the largely inexperienced varsity roster. The Wildcats picked up notable wins over McBain and Manton, and Magnusson and Cameron Winters advanced through districts, each placing fourth. Campbell credited team leaders Kody Grabill and Maverick Cass for setting the tone with their work ethic and commitment.

  • Evart's wrestling program made major strides this season under new head coach Dakota Campbell.

The players

Dakota Campbell

Evart's new varsity wrestling coach in his first season leading the program.

Brendan Magnusson

Evart wrestler who earned all-conference honors with a second-place finish at the Highland Conference tournament.

Chloe Huss

Evart wrestler who earned all-conference honors with a second-place finish at the Highland Conference tournament.

Cameron Winters

Evart wrestler who advanced through districts and placed fourth.

Kody Grabill

Evart wrestler who stepped into a key leadership role, setting the tone with his work ethic and commitment.

Maverick Cass

Evart wrestler who stepped into a key leadership role, setting the tone with his work ethic and commitment.

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What they’re saying

“I think the team exceeded expectations this season. Despite having no prior varsity wrestling experience, they showed tremendous growth, determination and resilience. I'm incredibly proud of how far they've come.”

— Dakota Campbell, Head Coach

“One of the biggest challenges was our overall inexperience. It took time to teach fundamentals while also building strength and conditioning. Finding that balance wasn't easy, but we showed steady growth throughout the season.”

— Dakota Campbell, Head Coach

“They set the tone with their work ethic, commitment and willingness to lead by example.”

— Dakota Campbell, Head Coach

What’s next

Evart's entire wrestling roster is returning next season, giving the program a strong foundation to build upon the progress made this year. The Wildcats also expect to add a talented group of eighth graders, further bolstering the team's future outlook.

The takeaway

Under new coach Dakota Campbell, the Evart wrestling program has made significant strides in competitiveness and laid the groundwork for long-term success. Despite an inexperienced roster, the Wildcats showed steady improvement throughout the season and are poised to take another step forward next year with their entire team returning.