Early in September, the varsity wrestling coach Steve Chapman stepped down after 7 years of leading the program. After league titles, district titles, and even some state qualifiers, Chelsea wrestling was left with an opening they hadn’t had in quite some time which was the position of head coach. The man who filled that position is Sean Kiebler.
“Well, Coach Kiebler shows that he really cares about each individual wrestler and helps you reach your maximum potential by working with everyone and connecting with everyone.” Max Collins (‘26) said. “He really helped us prepare for Tecumseh and it resulted in us defeating a really solid opponent.”
The team came on top with this victory, scoring 47 to 31, and Collins made a huge contribution. Collins worked hard in the off-season and defeated a state-ranked opponent in his first match of the new season. This win is a great look for the new head coach, Sean Kiebler, and his new team.
“After that dual against Tecumseh, our hopes for this season definitely started going higher.” Caleb Fitch (‘27) said. “I think that it showed our capabilities and how dangerous we are as a team”
Heading into this season, the wrestling program had many question marks. Wins like the one Fitch had among other young wrestlers should give the team confidence for this season and the next few as Coach Kiebler continues to build up the program.
“Having my dad as my coach is a new adjustment for me but he has always been sort of a coach anyways, we’re still close and have a lot in common but it is still new,” Emerson Kiebler (‘28) said. “I didn’t have my best performance against Tecumseh but I was able to come out in the next meet and perform better.”
With Kiebler being one of many young wrestlers on this team and his dad having wrestling experience in college and now as a coach, his wrestling future is very bright.
“I believe this year could have its ups and downs as any season does,” Fitch said. “But I believe that once we get rolling this year and have momentum heading into next season, Chelsea Wrestling will be very successful and dangerous.”