Rocky Mountain wrestlers begin season with early intensity

The Rocky Mountain High School Grizzly wrestling team is kicking off the year with energy and commitment, launching their season with two weeks of two-a-day practices that begin at 6:15 a.m. each morning. The early sessions focus on conditioning, while the evening practices are dedicated to refining technique. As the early-morning grind continues, practices are gradually shifting into harder conditioning.

Third-year head coach Eddie Whiting noted, “I believe our hard work and technical preparations will pay off later in the season.”

Whiting returns this year with assistant coaches Travis Lytle and Kyler Marchant, along with volunteer assistant Jacob Jolley. Reflecting on the group he has this season, Coach Whiting said, “The 2025-26 team brings a lot of experience but also young talent to the team. We are all excited for what this season might bring. I believe everyone that is here has the potential for success. It’s not an easy road, but if we believe in the process, it will happen.”

The program continues to grow, with 10 Rocky Mountain boys joined by one Burlington High School wrestler and three homeschooled boys. Rocky also has four Lady Grizz wrestlers this year, bringing the total team count to 18.

Coach Whiting has several key returning athletes as early leaders. 

“If we were to single out a few of our returning wrestlers, we have state placer Triffen Jolley coming off a remarkable football season,” Whiting said. “He’s not only talented but also a great teammate and a hardworking young man to have in the room. We also have Masen Twomey, another state placer who had an outstanding football season. He brings fire and passion every time he wrestles, and he’s the kind of teammate who lifts the whole room by how he works with others.”

On the girls’ side, Coach Whiting highlighted both returning strength and new momentum.

“The girls side of our team is Emmilee Wambeke making her way back after a season ending injury last year but looking like a solid wrestler. She brings a new perspective to our girls team this year, and we have Charlee Anderson who was a state contender last year. She has been showing tremendous strength and growth and the grit to never stop.

Rocky’s roster is deep across all grades. Freshmen include Benson Jolley, James Laffin, Michael Broederlow and Lucas Undem. Sophomores are Alexander Walker, Zachary Unruh, Nathan Undem, and Austin Weller. The junior group includes Dalan Wambeke, Grace McAlhany, Lyle Montanez, Twomey, Sam Loyning and Anderson. Seniors leading the way are Colten Bitton, Wambeke, Gabriel Whiting and Triffen Jolley. Team managers this season are senior Taylor Gifford and junior Whisper Isabell.

Wrestling weights are still being finalized as the coaching staff evaluates the lineup and completes the required safety assessments in accordance with WHSAA guidelines.

This year’s schedule keeps the Grizzlies closer to home, with the bulk of their competitions in the Big Horn Basin. The team opens the season with two meets before the Christmas break beginning in Powell on December 12–13 and continuing in Worland for a December 19 event, giving the wrestlers two solid tune-ups before the break and a chance for parents and fans to attend.