MINOT, N.D. – The Minot State men's wrestling team put on a fantastic show over the weekend, willing all but one match in their duals against Saskatchewan and Jamestown.
A high standard of success for any newcomer to meet, but Beavers head coach expects that his newest recruits can meet that standard as Coach
Evan Forde is pleased to introduce four future Beavers who each signed a National Letter-of-Intent during the early signing period.
"We plan on bringing in a pretty big group of recruits this year, and we are off to a great start with this group," Forde said of current high school seniors Kyan George from Oceanside, California, Jack Harrison from Rancho Bernardo, California, Tristan Pekas from Hettinger, North Dakota, and Nicholas Womack from Escondido, California, all of whom will be freshmen in the classroom and on the mats next fall.
"These are guys that will have the potential to make an immediate impact on our program," Minot State's coach added. "It is great to get them all signed early. I am very excited to follow them through their senior seasons and thrilled to add them to our program."
Kyan George, 165-pounder from Escondido HS in Oceanside, California
A two-time California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) placer, George most recently finished eighth in the CIF in 2022. He is undecided on his potential major at Minot State.
George said he chose Minot State: "Because of the small-town feel, and the wrestling team and the coaches."
Coach Forde said of George: "Kyan is our second signee out of Rancho Bernardo High School. He is going to add some great talent to our middleweight group next season. I'm very excited to follow his senior season and to welcome him to Minot State!"
Jack Harrison, 133 or 141-pounder from Rancho Bernardo HS in Rancho Bernardo, California
A team captain as a junior and senior at Rancho Bernardo HS, Harrison went 31-9 last season on the mats and earned the Coaches Award last season.
He plans to study Criminal Justice at Minot State.
Harrison said he chose Minot State: "Because when I went to visit I loved the energy in the room and the team dynamic. I felt very welcomed and I feel like I can make some noise!"
Coach Forde said of Harrison: "Jack is our third signee out of Southern California. We have a scrappy group of lightweights, and I expect Jack to add a lot to that dynamic in the practice room next season. He is a dedicated and skilled wrestler. He is going to be fun to coach."
Tristan Pekas, 184-pounder from Hettinger Public School in Hettinger, North Dakota
Pekas is a three-sports athlete who also played football and competes in track and field.
A five-time state qualifier in wrestling, he twice placed at state has been named Most Inspirational Night Hawk three times.
Pekas, who plans to major in Finance, also excels in the classroom as he is a five-time Academic All-State honoree, is a High School Scholar All-American, and a member of the National Honor Society
Pekas said he chose Minot State: "Because it feels like a family."
Coach Forde said of Pekas: "Tristan is a dangerous wrestler who gets a lot of pins. I have had the chance to work with him in the summer with Team North Dakota, and I am looking forward to continuing to coach him throughout his collegiate career. He has great potential."
Nicholas Womack, 165 or 174-pounder from Escondido HS in Escondido, California
A three-sport athlete who played football and baseball, Womack is a two-time California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) placer, a two-time First Team all-league selection, and was a Second Team all-league honoree in football.
Womack has been named to the honor roll, and intends to major in Business at Minot State.
Womack said he chose Minot State: "Because of the affordability, the location, and the wrestling coaching staff along with the team atmosphere."
Coach Forde said of Womack: "Nick is an exceptional student-athlete who has had a lot of success in the classroom as well as on the mat. I think he is going to be a great fit for us, and I'm looking forward to seeing what he can do this year."
