The North Platte boys wrestling program enters the 2025-26 season continuing a decade-long cooperative with Mid-Buchanan while leaning on experienced leadership, a returning state medalist and a coaching staff that emphasizes steady growth from November through February.
North Platte and Mid-Buchanan have combined to form one program for roughly 10 years, a partnership that has resulted in two state championships with both schools remaining competitive against Class 2 competition. At the center of that stability is head coach Daniel Kountz, who begins his 21st season guiding the program.
“We are returning one state medalist from last year but have high hopes and expectations for the team to work hard and get better throughout the season,” Kountz said. “So far, I have been extremely happy with the team’s efforts daily. The team is made up of a great bunch of boys that have been fun to work with.”
Kountz will be joined by assistant coaches Cortney Wheeler and the newest addition, JD Culp. The coaching staff will oversee a roster that blends veteran leadership with younger wrestlers looking to take the next step.
The program’s top returner is Mid-Buchanan sophomore Colby Schreck, who placed third at last year’s state championships. Schreck enters the winter as a reigning conference champion and the lone returning state medalist, but Kountz believes the team’s ceiling will be determined by its seniors.
Seniors Grady Coons, Maddox Kountz, Gus French and Galen Christiansen, a returning conference champion, are expected to play key roles, both competitively and as leaders in the practice room. Kountz said the group has set the tone early with its effort and approach.
“Our expectations are pretty similar every year,” Kountz said. “We expect them to come in every day with a good attitude and give great effort. We also expect growth throughout the season.”
The combined roster again features athletes from both schools. North Platte is represented by Sawyer Coons, Grady Coons, Dylan Miller, Sawyer Dyerson, Heston Stockbauer, Johnny McCracken, Mike Heath, French and Christiansen. Mid-Buchanan wrestlers include Kholden House, Tyler Hecker, Carter Tworek, James Faye, Jagger Mejia, Zaidyn Head, Tatum Shelter, Kountz and Schreck.
That depth will be tested by a challenging schedule that includes several high-level tournaments. The Platte City Tournament stands out as one of the toughest events the team will face, providing an early-season benchmark against some of the area’s strongest programs.
While postseason success remains a goal, most recently taking second place in 2023, Kountz emphasized that the focus remains on daily improvement rather than results alone. With a seasoned head coach, a returning state medalist and a senior class ready to step into leadership roles, the North Platte/Mid-Buchanan team enters the season aiming to peak at the right time for another postseason push.