Coach Springer (’10) Leads DSU Women’s Wrestling to Strong Nationals Finish

Five DSU Blue Hawks took to the mats for the 2026 NAIA Women’s Wrestling National Championships on March 13th and 14th. In the end, Dickinson State University (DSU) finished 16th in the team standings with 31.5 points to end the season. Life University took the championship spot with 169.0 points, William Penn was the runner-up with 158.5, and Grand View earned 145.5 points and took third place. The five women from DSU competed with vigor under the leadership of DSU alum and head coach Tyson Springer (’10), with sophomore Jumoke Adekoye delivering an incredible performance to earn her second consecutive national title in the 131-pound bracket and 26 of DSU’s team points.

Filling out the remainder of the DSU representation was Freshman Jazmine Turner at 124 pounds, who scored three team points; Sophomore Myriam Riley at 110 pounds scored 0.5 team points; Senior Jenna Gerhardt, also at 110 pounds, scored two team points; and Senior Mikayla Jardine at 117 pounds. This was the first NAIA championship setting for Turner and Riley, and the final competition for Jardine and Gerhardt, who will graduate from DSU this spring.

“This weekend meant a lot. Seeing our wrestlers compete, battle, and grow on the biggest stage is what it’s all about. Jenna’s upset right away showed what we’re capable of, Myriam and Jazmine gained a ton of experience that will pay off, and watching Jumoke Adekoye go back-to-back as a national champion in dominant fashion was truly special. I'm just Proud to be part of it. I can't wait to see what your blue hawks can do next year!” said head coach Tyson Springer.

Springer was named the first-ever DSU women’s wrestling coach for its inaugural season in 2023. A seasoned head wrestling coach with experience from Doane University, Hastings College, and Ellsworth Community College, Springer was also an assistant coach at both Dickinson State University and North Idaho Junior College. In that first year, Springer led DSU’s first women’s wrestling team to a 5-1 record in dual meets and their qualifier to the NAIA Women’s Wrestling Championships. Springer has coached several NAIA All-Americans and a Junior College National Champion, drawing on his experience as a NAIA National Champion, a 2-time NAIA National Finalist, and a 3-time All-American during his own wrestling career.

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Written by Sarah Griffis – DSU HF Content Writer