Seniors lead Harrisburg wrestling to 3-0 day at O'Gorman duals

Chris Simunek and Tayge Privett secured a key dual win over O'Gorman to help the Tigers go undefeated at the event.

Feb. 5, 2026 at 11:47pm

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The Harrisburg boys wrestling team went 3-0 at the O'Gorman Quad Meet on Thursday, with seniors Chris Simunek and Tayge Privett delivering key wins against O'Gorman to secure a 46-34 dual victory. Harrisburg also beat Sioux Falls Washington 67-12 and Sioux Falls Roosevelt 72-6 on the day.

Why it matters

Harrisburg's seniors stepped up in a big way to help the team bounce back from a recent 1-5 stretch against some of the top teams in the state. The wins came at an important time as the Tigers prepare for the postseason, including the state duals tournament and individual state championships.

The details

With Harrisburg trailing O'Gorman 29-23, Chris Simunek pinned Kayen Hammer at 175 pounds to give the Tigers a chance to win the dual. Tayge Privett then delivered a dominant 19-3 technical fall at 190 pounds over Gavin Boyle to put Harrisburg ahead 34-29, a lead they would not relinquish. Harrisburg rolled past Sioux Falls Washington and Roosevelt as well, showcasing their depth despite battling some sickness on the team.

  • On Thursday, February 5, 2026, Harrisburg competed at the O'Gorman Quad Meet.

The players

Chris Simunek

A senior wrestler for the Harrisburg Tigers who delivered a key pin against O'Gorman to help his team secure the dual victory.

Tayge Privett

A senior wrestler for the Harrisburg Tigers who won by 19-3 technical fall against O'Gorman to give his team the lead they would not relinquish.

Nate Rotert

The head coach of the Harrisburg Tigers wrestling team.

Harrisburg Tigers

The high school wrestling team from Harrisburg, South Dakota that went 3-0 at the O'Gorman Quad Meet.

O'Gorman Knights

The high school wrestling team from O'Gorman High School in Sioux Falls, South Dakota that lost to Harrisburg 46-34 in a dual meet.

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What they’re saying

“The coach told me we're going to need a big win out of me. I went out there and knew a pin would be huge, but a win would get us going in the right direction. Once I put him on his back, I was like, 'OK, let's get six.'”

— Chris Simunek, Harrisburg senior wrestler

“It felt amazing to do all the stuff I normally do and get in that zone.”

— Tayge Privett, Harrisburg senior wrestler

“Tayge has been a horse for us all year. He's one of our top guys, one of our leaders.”

— Nate Rotert, Harrisburg head coach

What’s next

The Class A state duals tournament will be held at Pierre T.F. Riggs High School on Friday, February 13, 2026. The state individual tournaments will take place at the Denny Sanford Premier Center from Thursday, February 26 to Saturday, February 28, 2026.

The takeaway

Harrisburg's seniors stepped up in a big way to help the team bounce back from a recent rough stretch and go undefeated at the O'Gorman Quad Meet. The Tigers' ability to rely on their veteran leadership is a positive sign as they prepare for the postseason and look to make a deep run.