Dakota Grappler

08/11/2024

Order your Dakota Grappler (Dry Fit) T-Shirt.
Limited # and Sizes on order #1. Get yours before this first order is gone.
https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/C64M772EPZCS8

07/11/2024

"After the Weigh-In"
by Jon Gums - Dakota Grappler

Barefoot on the cold scale, the number’s light but steady,
but the weight in my chest feels heavy—am I ready?
Butterflies twist tight in my empty core,
is this the hunger I know, or something more?

Across the room, I see him there,
a mirror of me, that steady stare.
Not a word exchanged, just that silent pact—
we’ll meet on the mat, each move exact.

I turn, find my space, shut out the din,
and let the music rise, settle in.
This is my ritual, my place, my calm,
a beat for my breath, a psalm in my palm.

Every headlock, every sprawl, every drill I’ve learned,
now rises within, my muscles burned
with memories forged on countless nights—
the breakdowns, the switches, the endless fights.

And that storm within, it starts to grow,
a thunder pulsing, steady and low.
The world fades out, it’s only me,
and that wild-eyed hunger, fierce and free.

They say some days the skies break and pour,
some days the sun cracks through once more.
But I bring my own lightning, I’m my own rain,
I’m ready to wrestle through fire, through pain.

It’s a balance I know, this edge, this line—
a mix of blood, of grit, of time.
Each down block, each hip heist, each stance I take,
is a brick in the foundation I fight to make.

The whistle’s call is sharp and clear,
I step toward it, shedding fear.
Win or lose, it doesn’t define—
it’s the test, the journey, the constant climb.

For when the match is over and I stand tall,
whether I rise or stumble, win or fall,
I know this road, every inch, every mile,
has built the strength, the grit, the trial.

And in the silence after, when the mat clears away,
I feel the weight lift; I’m here to stay.
This is where I’m more than a wrestler’s form—
I’m the thunder, the calm, the eye of the storm.

05/11/2024

Need Help for a Wrestling Team. My name is Paul Young and I am the head coach at Pipestone, MN. Do I contact you or someone else to see if anyone in South Dakota has open wrestling dates for January 14th and January 28th? Right now, I have these dates as duals and I was wondering if someone in South Dakota would be interested in coming to make them a tri.

[email protected]

Thanks,



Mr. Young
MS/HS Social Studies Teacher
Head Wrestling Coach
JH Football Coach

Send a message to learn more

05/11/2024

Mark your Calendars... All you Ex-NDSU wrestlers!

05/11/2024

• Easiest: 1. What sport does the movie Win Win prominently feature?

• 2. What is Mike Flaherty’s profession outside of coaching?

• 3. Why does Mike become the legal guardian of an elderly man named Leo?

• 4. Who is the unexpected visitor that shows up at Leo’s house, changing Mike’s life?

• 5. What talent does Kyle reveal that makes him valuable to Mike's high school team?

• 6. In Win Win, where does Mike place Leo after gaining legal guardianship?

• 7. What state does Win Win take place in?

• 8. What emotional challenge does Kyle face due to his troubled family background?

• 9. What motivates Kyle to continue wrestling and connect with the team, despite his tough past?

• 10. Hardest: Kyle’s wrestling success leads to several wins for Mike’s team. What specific wrestling move does Kyle excel at that is highlighted in the film?

I will post answers on the comments below later today.

04/11/2024

Thanks for being a top engager and making it on to my weekly engagement list! 🎉

Annette Hamley, Jim Kadoun, Bryce Moen, Denise Mathias Wagner, Dex Gaikowski, Brandon Mc Elwain, Christopher Magrum, Rose Wolf, Greg Britton, Daniel Hausauer

04/11/2024

Monday Motivation: The Countdown to Greatness Starts Now
by Jon Gums - Dakota Grappler
Wrestlers, it’s time to take a look at the big picture. In just 14 short weeks, the State Wrestling Tournament will be here. While that may sound far off, in reality, it’s just around the corner. With one week of pre-season training left before regular season practices officially start, this is your opportunity to set the tone for your season. Being prepared—mentally and physically—will make all the difference as you step onto the mat each week, progressing toward your goals.

1. Set the Foundation: Preparing Mentally and Physically
Preparing yourself isn’t just about the physical grind; it’s about strengthening your mind to handle the intensity of a wrestling season. Mental toughness will be what sustains you during long practices, tough matches, and late nights. Start each day with a clear purpose and focus on why you’re putting in the work. As Tony Robbins says, “Setting goals is the first step in turning the invisible into the visible.” Visualize yourself succeeding in each match, staying resilient even in tough situations, and lifting that state championship trophy.

Physically, you should already be pushing yourself in pre-season conditioning. This week is all about getting comfortable with discomfort and embracing the hard work. Make every rep, every sprint, and every drill count. “You’ve got to be comfortable being uncomfortable,” says motivational speaker Gary Becka. And he’s right—success in wrestling comes from putting yourself through challenges that others might shy away from. The pain you experience now is the preparation that will power you through when the stakes are high.

2. Fueling Your Body Right
Your body is your tool, and it needs the right fuel to perform. Take your nutrition seriously—think of food as fuel that will

Read the rest of the article at:
https://www.dakotagrappler.com/monday-motivation-the-countdown-to-greatness-starts-now/

02/11/2024

Jimmie Open Finals

02/11/2024

K DeCoteau UMary vs c. Holien NSU semis

02/11/2024

Live at the University of Jamestown

02/11/2024

02/11/2024

LJ Araujo fans wrestle off news!

02/11/2024

Virginia 30 NDSU 6
Just looked at the dual results NDSU has a way to go… wish I could have been there.

01/11/2024

Big News. Book went to print! Digital Copies Pre-Sale and Hard Pre-Sale start today! $20 Digital Copy get today or tomorrow! Hard copy $20 plus $7.50 shipping. ($27.50). Venmo + CC I also added a few example pages out of the 188 page book.. Wow 25 years I have done this.

01/11/2024

Perfect saying for wrestling!

Everyone wants the view, but few want that climb!