MARSHALL, Minn. – The Southwest Minnesota State University wrestling program has had a busy and exciting summer as the program prepares for the 2026-27 season.
 
The SMSU program will have a familiar face joining the coaching staff this season as Jake Messner begins his first year as a graduate assistant coach. Messner competed for four seasons and was a team captain for the Mustangs.
 
"We are excited to have Jake recommit to the SMSU wrestling program as a coach,'' said SMSU head wrestling coach, Chayse Jackson. "Jake brings years of experience with our program that will benefit the team, along with a positive attitude and a work ethic that is second to none. I look forward to working with him as a coach, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to continue to mentor and guide him in his new role. As a former athlete, he made an impact on our program within the lightweights and midweights, and I anticipate that in his transition to a coach, he will continue to guide those athletes to new heights."
 
Messner replaces Dylan Buschow, who was recently named the head wrestling coach at Nebraska Wesleyan University. The Mustang wrestling program would like to thank Dylan for the countless hours he put into the program both on and off the mat in developing our student-athletes.
 
The SMSU wrestling coaching and support staff continue to be involved with USA Wrestling at the international level in various ways. Coach Jackson was selected to coach freestyle for Team USA at the U23 Pan-American championships in Lima, Peru. The team would win 44 of 45 contested bouts and come home with nine gold and one silver at the Pan-American championships. 

 
Coach Jackson was also featured in WIN magazine, the premier wrestling magazine in the country. The story focused on Jackson's collegiate and international coaching career and the impacts he makes on his athletes, not only on the mat and competition, but in day-to-day life.
 
The SMSU wrestling program's athletic trainer, Jenna Jackson, continues to serve USA Wrestling, as this summer she was selected to serve as the team USA athletic trainer at the senior Pan-American championships in Coralville, Iowa. Team USA swept the championships winning Freestyle, Greco-Roman, and Women's Freestyle. Jackson has served USA Wrestling at national and international competitions numerous times during her career.