Yankton Middle School

The Yankton Middle School wrestling team delivered an outstanding all-around performance at the SSC Middle Invite, piling up championships, podium finishes, and a ton of bonus-point wins against strong competition from South Sioux City, LeMars, Norfolk, and North Bend Central. Boys Highlights Yankton crowned nine individual champions on the boys side, showcasing depth across the lineup. Oliver Hysell (82–89) dominated his bracket with three quick falls to earn 1st place and 20 points. Reihgan Lynde (90–96) went a perfect 3–0 with all pins, including a head-to-head win over a teammate, scoring 20 points. Dominick Swenson (94–100) was nearly untouchable, recording three lightning-fast falls for 1st place and 20 points. Asher Powell (102–107) captured the title with two falls and a major decision, totaling 19 points, while William Hoefs finished 2nd in the same weight. Blake Engle (112–119) claimed 1st place with two falls and a narrow decision win over teammate Deondre Davies, who placed 2nd. Hunter Smith (115–119) pinned all three opponents to earn 1st place and 20 points. Anthony Reyes (124–128) and Brennan Hoover (125–126) each took 1st place, combining technical wrestling with clutch pins. Sammy Schulz (128–135) was dominant, recording two tech falls and a pin for 1st place and 19 points. Quinn Sayler (187–213) capped the night with three decisive falls for 1st place and 20 points. Additional podium finishes came from Walker Robinson, Wyatt Rivera, Walker Warren, Damon Lauritsen, Eduardo Gonzalez, Cale Cameron, and Houston Saul, all contributing valuable team points. Girls Highlights The girls continued their strong season with multiple finalists and champions. Mariah Thygeson (123–125) and Shaliyah Cook (146–153) were unstoppable, each winning 1st place with 20 points, combining for six total pins. Ava Kruse (129–131) earned a 2nd-place finish, battling through a close championship loss and scoring 14 points. Mercy Reyes (154–167) placed 2nd, finishing strong with a fall and a shutout decision. Jhanae Rivas (84–92) had an impressive run to 2nd place, including a tech fall. Baila Loomis and Bentlee Haas-Hoebelhinrich both finished 3rd, while Aaliyah Campbell added a 4th-place finish with a major decision victory. Overall Between the boys and girls, Yankton Middle School showed exceptional depth, pinning power, and competitive toughness, with numerous teammates facing off in finals and pushing each other to higher levels. The SSC Middle Invite was a big success and a strong statement as the season continues.

Here's some news to warm your heart on a cold and blustery day! These students are making a difference at YMS!

A HUGE congratulations to these six YMS orchestra students who were accepted into this year's SD Middle School All State Orchestra!! These students competed against 220 other students from 28 schools in the state, with one being accepted for the second time in a row! This is a new record for our orchestra program at YMS!

These students will perform with the All State Orchestra on Saturday, February 21st in Rapid City at 3:00pm. There is no cost to attend this performance, so feel free to attend if you're in the area.

Congrats, string players! We're very proud of you!!

A BIG Congratulations to these 8 individuals who made middle school all state band! There was 524 auditions form 71 schools in the state! A BIG accomplishment! Also congrats to Tate Bertrand on making middle school all state Jazz! Another feat that took an improv solo audition! WAY TO GO MIDDLE SCHOOL!

What's your new years resolution? These students are showing others how to be kind, be respectful and be safe at YMS this year!

🎾 **Winter Youth Tennis Clinic in Yankton!** 🎾

The NFAA Easton Yankton Archery Center, with help from the Yankton Tennis Association, is offering **group winter tennis lessons** for kids **ages 6–13**—perfect for **beginners, intermediate, or advanced players**.

📅 **Mondays | Jan. 26 – March 2**
⏰ Age-based session times starting at 4:00 PM
💲 **$32 Members | $40 Non-Members**

Scan the QR code to register or learn more.
📧 [gfink@neyac.org](mailto:gfink@neyac.org) | 📞 605-689-0487

Get your kids on the court this winter! 🎾💙

To get on Santa's nice list, these students focused on being kind, helpful, and well-behaved all semester!

Congratulations to the YMS GBB athletes of the week!

🥇🤼‍♂️ Yankton Middle School Wrestling Shines at Norfolk! 🤼‍♂️🥇

The Yankton Middle School wrestlers turned in a strong performance at the Norfolk Middle School Wrestling Tournament on 12/16/25, bringing home multiple titles and podium finishes.

Champions:
🏆 Walker Robinson (75–85)
🏆 Ethan Smith (120–123)
🏆 Anthony Reyes (122–127)
🏆 Eduardo Gonzalez (140)
🏆 Quinn Sayler (187–204)

Runner-Up Finishes:
🥈 Reighan Lynde (91–96)
🥈 Cale Cameron (140–146)

Other Placers:
🥉 Blake Engle (104–112)
🥉 Charles Harder (130–134)
4️⃣ Asher Powell (104–111)
4️⃣ Drake Killion (121–125)

Several wrestlers recorded multiple falls, highlighted by dominant pinning performances from Eduardo Gonzalez and Quinn Sayler. Great effort, toughness, and improvement shown across the lineup. Proud of this group—keep building! 💪🟠⚫

After assessing the road conditions in the rural areas, the late start for Yankton School District has been canceled. Yankton School District will not have school today, Monday, December 15, due to the poor road conditions in several rural busing areas. Our first priority is the safety of the students, and the current road conditions in several areas put them at risk at this time.

25-26 season Girls Wrestling Captains. Lets go Gazelles and make some memories!

Be kind. Be thoughtful. Be authentic. But most of all, be thankful.
Spread kindness this Christmas, these YMS students have!!

Congrats to the Middle School Band on a fantastic Concert and Jazz Winter Program. The program premiered an oboe duet entitled "Rondo for Two," by Charles Dibley.

These students have caught the attention of Santa by being a Special Someone at YMS!

Day 3 of the 6th Grade Science Rube Goldberg machine projects! Mrs. Dooley & Mrs. Mehlhaff's classes build each year! The kids are knee deep in materials and having so much fun! What is the task this year? They must trap the bear with a falling container!

Congratulations to the YMS GBB athletes of the week! Good luck on your games today! 7/8 th graders are @ Watertown. 6th grade girls scrimmage at YMS.

YMS 1st Annual Thanksgiving 6th grade STEM Parade! Students worked in pairs to create a float AND a balloon like you see in parades! Both red and black day classes!

Thanksgiving comes once a year, but we are thankful for our amazing YMS students everyday! We are especially thankful for these awesome students this week...

Congratulations to the YMS aGBB athletes of the week! 7/8th grade girls play at the middle school at 4pm today.

"It's not WHAT we have in life, but WHO we have in our life that matters" -Margaret Laurence

We are thankful these students chose to be kind, thoughful and helpful students at YMS!