Chewelah’s Katzer Takes Wrestling Career to Big Bend

After finishing his Chewelah wrestling career as a state champion, Dakota Katzer is preparing for his next challenge on the mat. Katzer has signed to wrestle at Big Bend Community College in Moses Lake, where he said he plans to continue both his athletic and academic careers. For Katzer, Big Bend offered many positives that were difficult to pass up.

“Because they are a top wrestling school in JUCO (junior college), close to home, my mom graduated from there, and (I’ll have) friends (there) that are willing to help me, like if my car breaks down,” Katzer said of his decision. The choice became clearer after Katzer had the opportunity to visit the campus and see what life at Big Bend could look like. “When I toured their campus, I saw the wrestling area (and was) happy they had dorms, plus (there are) lots of people on campus that are my age,” Katzer said. Katzer said he had been in contact with one of Big Bend’s assistant wrestling coaches during the recruiting process.

Beyond wrestling, he learned the college could provide opportunities for him to work while attending school. Getting to the point of officially enrolling took help from several people around him. “My dad’s girlfriend, Krystal, helped me get signed up with FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and get my application in,” Katzer said. Katzer later traveled to Big Bend with his mother and a close friend who will also attend the school. “My mom, friend Logan, who is also going to Big Bend (and) is like a brother, and I all went down, and found out I had to fill out an identification form and show them my ID,” Katzer said.

“That’s where we got me signed up for the dorms that actually used to be the old barracks because Big Bend used to be a military base.” Chewelah wrestling coach Dustin Powers also played a role in helping Katzer make the transition to the college level. “Coach Powers was also in contact with the Big Bend coaches, talking me up,” Katzer said. “That was a big help also.” Katzer said reaching the college level has been a product of years spent surrounded by teammates willing to push him in the wrestling room.

“When it comes to my teammates, I’ve been very fortunate to have tough wrestlers in the room with me,” he said. “Not everyone gets that like I did.” Katzer credited Jake Jeanneret, Clay Jeanneret, Nolan Jeanneret, Dakota Acosta, Jared Hayden, Hunter Sterns, and numerous other teammates with helping develop him into the wrestler he is. “I’m very thankful for my past coaches; Junior Acosta who coached me all the way through little guys plus others, and my dad, Coach Wills through middle school, getting to wrestle at the high school level my eighth-grade year, being coached by Coach Burgess, Coach Hogan, and then Coach Powers,” Katzer said.

He also pointed to coaches outside Chewelah who helped him along the way, including Colville coaches Mahugh and Minnier. “I have been very fortunate to be coached by so many great people and there’s others from other towns like Colville,” Katzer said. “Coach Mahugh, Coach Minnier, and so many more that I can’t even count.” Katzer now hopes to build on the technique that helped make him a state champion while developing physically for the demands of college wrestling. “Challenging myself even more and getting stronger,” Katzer said of what he is looking forward to at Big Bend.

“I have great technique, but if I get strong, I’ll be even better.” His ambitions are not limited to simply competing at the next level. “I would love to bring Chewelah a national champ trophy at the JUCO level,” Katzer said. Academically, Katzer said he is also considering his options. “The main goal is to get my AA at this point,” he said. “I also like the idea of going into criminal justice.” The move to Big Bend will also represent something larger for Katzer as he leaves high school behind and begins preparing for life beyond wrestling. “I also just want to get ready for the real world,” Katzer said. “It’s coming up faster than I know it.