Express Wrestling Shines at ND Youth State Tournament

33 Express wrestlers compete at the NDUSA Wrestling Youth Tournament, with several champions and top finishers.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 10:22pm

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An abstract, expressionist painting in vibrant neon colors depicting the dynamic movements and raw power of youth wrestlers competing on the mat, conveying the intensity and excitement of the North Dakota state wrestling tournament.The Express wrestling team's youthful energy and competitive spirit shine through in an explosive, neon-hued illustration of their standout performances at the North Dakota state tournament.Bismarck Today

The Express wrestling team had a successful weekend at the NDUSA Wrestling Youth Tournament in Bismarck, North Dakota, with 33 of their wrestlers competing. The girls' team finished in 2nd place for team points on the first day, led by high school wrestlers Deegan, Emma, Hope, Gracie and Hailey. The boys' team also had strong performances, with Carter and Wyatt helping secure team points. Many of the Express wrestlers, both boys and girls, placed in their brackets despite the tough competition.

Why it matters

The Express wrestling program has built a strong reputation in North Dakota, with a focus on developing young talent. This tournament showcases the hard work and dedication of the Express wrestlers and coaches, and highlights the program's continued success in producing top-level youth wrestlers.

The details

The Express wrestlers competed in the NDUSA Wrestling Youth Tournament over two days in Bismarck. The girls' team got things started on Friday, finishing 2nd for team points. High school wrestlers Deegan Kirschenmann, Emma Trapp, Hope Sjostrom, Gracie Heitzmann and Hailey Ford led the way, each earning team points. The 5th grade girls also had a strong showing, with all 5 of them placing. On Saturday, the boys' team was anchored by Carter Coghlan and Wyatt Maresh, helping the team secure more team points but falling just short of the top 10. The 6th grade boys also had some standout performances, with Nathaniel Russell placing 5th and Conley Bulow coming up just short of placing.

  • The NDUSA Wrestling Youth Tournament took place on Friday, March 27 and Saturday, March 28, 2026.
  • The Express wrestlers have more competitions coming up over the next couple of weeks, including the Black Hills Nationals, Midwest Duals, and Heartland Duals as part of Team North Dakota.

The players

Express Wrestling Team

A youth wrestling program based in North Dakota that had 33 of its wrestlers compete at the NDUSA Wrestling Youth Tournament.

Deegan Kirschenmann

A high school wrestler on the Express team who helped lead the girls' team to a 2nd place finish for team points on the first day of the tournament.

Carter Coghlan

A wrestler on the Express team who helped the boys' team secure team points at the tournament.

Wyatt Maresh

A wrestler on the Express team who helped the boys' team secure team points at the tournament.

Nathaniel Russell

A 6th grade wrestler on the Express team who placed 5th at the tournament.

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What they’re saying

“It was a great weekend of competition, wins and loses, but mostly fun, team building, seeing what they were made of, and a train full of pride.”

— Matt Maresh, Express Coach

What’s next

The Express wrestlers will continue their season by competing at the Black Hills Nationals, Midwest Duals, and Heartland Duals as part of Team North Dakota over the next couple of weeks.

The takeaway

The Express wrestling program has built a strong foundation of youth talent, with wrestlers of all ages contributing to the team's success at the NDUSA Wrestling Youth Tournament. The program's focus on development and team-building is paying off, as the Express continues to be a force to be reckoned with in North Dakota wrestling.