MITCHELL — Mitchell High School senior Jagger Tyler is keeping his athletic talents close to home, signing to wrestle collegiately at Dakota Wesleyan University on Monday morning.
"It's really exciting," Tyler said. "I love the coaching staff and they're bringing in a lot of good guys. It's just exciting to be a part of an up-and-coming program, and I'm hoping to make my mark right away."
Tyler expressed relief and gratitude in being able to set his future plans now so he can place more focus on finishing his senior high school season strong. According to Tyler, he was set on DWU from very early on in the decision-making process.
"This has always been the front-runner, for sure," Tyler said. "I had talked with others, but DWU was always in the lead and I landed on this decision pretty easily."
Last season, Tyler became the first Kernel to win a state wrestling championship since 2018, going 37-2 at 145 pounds and recording a third-period pin against the No. 1 seed in the championship match.
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This season, Tyler started at 160 pounds and has since worked down to be Mitchell's mainstay at 152 pounds, compiling a 27-3 record as of Jan. 21.
"Jagger is so committed to (wrestling) and bettering himself in every aspect of his life," said MHS wrestling coach Andy Everson. "There's no doubt in my mind that he's going to excel when he comes here (to DWU). They have a heck of a room full of really good guys for him to train with and he's going to eat up all the knowledge they can give him. I'm super excited for him."
DWU wrestling coach Martin Mueller wasn't shy in expressing his expectations for his newest signee, saying he can already see Tyler in a leadership role despite his relative youth.
"He's obviously one of the better kids in the entire state," Mueller said. "He's got all the tools, and he's going to come in and make a difference as a freshman.
"Part of the reason I took this job is I want to keep these great South Dakota kids that can come compete right away," Mueller continued. "We got a lot better today."