The North Platte girls wrestling program enters the 2025-26 season partnered once again with Mid-Buchanan, carrying championship expectations built on recent postseason success with returning state medalists.
Head coach Jake Rumpf begins his sixth season leading the co-op, which has established itself as one of the top small-school girls programs in Missouri. After back-to-back KCI Conference championships and the program’s first-ever state team trophy last winter, expectations are high, but Rumpf said the focus remains firmly on the process.
“Our expectations for the team this year are to work hard and improve daily,” Rumpf said. “We challenge our girls to out-work their opponents, and this starts in the practice room. Our team goals are to win conference again and try to go achieve another state team trophy.”
The foundation for another strong season begins with three returning state qualifiers, led by Sophia Smith, who finished as a state runner-up last year. Olivia Cunningham also returns after placing fourth at the Class 1 state tournament, while Zuzu Kountz adds additional postseason experience after qualifying for state a season ago.
That trio provides proven production at the top of the lineup, but Rumpf said the roster’s depth may ultimately determine how far the team can go in February.
“We have a lot of talented incoming freshmen who are improving daily, and we also have great senior leadership from our four seniors,” Rumpf said.
The blend of youth and experience has been evident early in the season, with younger wrestlers pushing for varsity roles while veterans set the standard for effort and accountability. Rumpf emphasized that progress over time, rather than early-season results, is the primary benchmark.
“A successful season is one where we show improvement each week,” he said. “We want to represent the program the best way possible, win or lose. It’s important that we peak at the right time of the year and wrestle our best when districts and state come around.”
That philosophy has paid dividends in recent years. Last season’s Class 1 third-place finish at state marked a milestone moment, delivering the program’s first team trophy.
Combined with consecutive conference titles, the results reflect a program trending steadily upward. Rumpf credits that success to the athletes and their parents.
The schedule will again provide several high-level tests against postseason-caliber opposition that will provide valuable experience. Among the tournaments are Willard, the team’s home event at the Civic Arena and a competitive tournament in Council Grove, Kansas.
With goals clearly defined and a roster that blends state-level experience with emerging talent, the North Platte/Mid-Buch girls wrestling team enters the season aiming not only to defend its conference crown but also to continue building a standard that has already reshaped the program’s history.