SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Augustana wrestling head coach
Jason Reitmeier announced the signing of six athletes for the incoming 2025-26 class, with Carter Katherman, Lucas Kral, Gunnar Mullen, Kaden Nicolas, Ty Saulter and Cole Welte set to join the Vikings.
Coach Reitmeier on the class: "We are very excited about this group of early commits. We tried to fill some needs and feel good about that. They are an exceptional bunch, exceeding expectations on the mat and in the classroom. They are talented but are not only great student-athletes but great people which shows how well they were raised by their families. Excited to get them in and get to work next fall."
Carter Katherman | 125/33 pounds | Waconia, Minn. | Waconia High School
High School: Katherman is a three-year letterwinner and starter for Waconia High School who has qualified for the state tournament in all three seasons. He has earned three All-Conference distinctions, three straight "Mr. Hustle" team awards and was elected team captain as a junior—a season in which he collected a 38-11 record.
Personal: Carter is the son of Jeff and Kelli Katherman and is undecided on a major at Augustana
Coach Reitmeier on Katherman: "We have known Carter for many years, with our Waconia connection. Carter continues to get better and better every year and I expect that this season to be no different. We really like the work ethic and positive attitude he carries with him in and out of the wrestling room. His positive attitude is contagious, Carter will be a leader in the room."
Lucas Kral | 157/165 pounds | Garner, Iowa | Garner-Hayfield-Ventura High School
High School: Kral is a three-year letterwinner and starter, placing at the state tournament as a sophomore (4
th place) and junior (runner-up). He accrued a 47-3 record as a junior, also claiming the Top of Iowa conference championship
Personal: Lucas is the son of Steve and Ronda Kral and plans to major in exercise science while at Augustana
Coach Reitmeier on Kral: "Lucas is another one of those high-quality kids. He excels in everything he does while competing in 4 sports, football, wrestling, track and baseball. We really feel that Lucas has a high ceiling once he just commits to wrestling. Lucas is also a leader in all areas of his life, looking forward to watching him be a leader at Augustana."
Gunnar Mullen | 165/174 pounds | Cottage Grove, Minn. | Park High School
High School: Mullen is a four-year letterwinner and starter at Park High School and was recently selected a team captain for his incoming senior season. He's earned all-conference recognitions in each of his first three years, including two-time MVP distinction, and has qualified for the state tournament in all three years as well, with a fourth place finish as a junior.
Personal: Gunnar is the son of Aaron and Kara Mullen and plans to major in physical and health education with a minor in coaching while at Augustana
Coach Reitmeier on Mullen: "I can't wait to get this guy on campus. He has a grinding straight forward wrestling style that I love. Gunnar is a tough kid who just enjoys competing. Gunnar has had some success but I feel he has a lot left in the tank and I am looking forward to seeing it come out. Gunnar is going to be a fan favorite at Augustana."
Kaden Nicolas | 149/157 pounds | Becker, Minn. | Becker High School
High School: Nicolas is a current three-year letterwinner and starter at Becker High School, with two 2
nd place finishes at the state tournament his freshman and sophomore year and a state championship as a junior. He has also helped his school to back-to-back-to-back third place finishes at the state tournament as a team.
Personal: Kaden is the son of Melissa and Terry Nicolas and he plans to major in exercise science with a minor in business while at Augustana.
Coach Reitmeier on Nicolas: "Kaden was our first commit of the 2025 class, which brought a lot of excitement to our program. He is such a quality kid in all areas of his life. Kaden has had a lot of success in wrestling and also in football. He has dedicated and challenged himself to win a state football and team wrestling title at Becker high school this year. We are excited to watch Kaden grow in our program.
Ty Saulter | 157/165 pounds | Rosemount, Minn. | Rosemount High School
High School: Saulter is a four-year letterwinner and starter at Rosemount High School who recently eclipsed 100 varsity wins and won the Section 2AAA championship with a 27-8 record as a junior. He has earned MVP honors twice and All-State and All-Conference distinction as a sophomore.
Personal: Ty is the son of Reshard and Nichole Saulter and plans to major in nursing while at Augustana
Coach Reitmeier on Saulter: "Ty really fell into our lap a bit. We recruited him but had a tough time getting him on campus and once we did, he fell in love with our school and program. We feel Ty has a lot of potential and it's our job to get that potential out of him. I still don't know exactly what weight Ty will compete at; it could be 157 or 184 which makes the next few years exciting to see how he grows."
Cole Welte | 125 pounds | Blair, Neb. | Skutt Catholic High School
High School: Welte is a three-year letterwinner and starter at Skutt Catholic and was recently selected as team captain for his incoming senior season. He was a member of the back-to-back duals state championship and state tournament championship team while claiming runner-up at the state tournament as a junior.
Personal: Cole is the son of Brian and Jenny Welte and is planning on majoring in business while at Augustana
Coach Reitmeier on Welte: "We are really excited to have Cole coming in from Omaha Skutt. He wrestles for one of the most successful high school and club teams in the state of Nebraska. Cole is exceptional in all wrestling positions and isn't afraid to test himself against the best competition in the nation. Cole is going to be fun to watch in an Augustana singlet."
