Catching up with former area athletes: Keiser shines for Appalachian State men's wrestling

— Appalachian State's Kaden Keiser turned in a standout 2025-26 season, establishing himself as one of the Southern Conference's most consistent wrestlers at 149 pounds. The Winner native compiled an impressive 27-11 overall record in his junior season, including a 10-5 mark in duals and a 7-1 record in SoCon dual competition. Keiser spent the majority of the season ranked nationally and delivered five wins over ranked opponents.

Keiser was named SoCon wrestler of the week in December after battling to a 2-2 record and a top-12 finish in Las Vegas, and he claimed an individual title at the Mountaineer Open on Nov. 23. He also went 3-0 at the Appalachian Open on Jan.

24, further highlighting his consistency throughout the season where he recorded four major decisions, eight technical falls and four pins. At the SoCon Championships March 6-7, Keiser went 2-2 with both losses coming by a single point. Over four collegiate seasons, Keiser has built a 75-34 career record, progressing from a limited role in 2023-24 to a full-time starter and 2025 SoCon runner-up.

As a team, the Mountaineers finished the season with a 10-6 dual record and 7-1 mark in the Southern Conference. Appalachian State also took home first-place honors in the SoCon Championships for the fourth straight year. SPEARFISH, S.