Colby Community College head wrestling coach David Nordhues announced the signing of Colby High School’s Tate Carney, a three-time state medal winner and high school all-American.

“Any time you sign a young man of this caliber it adds great excitement to your program,” Nordhues said. “Tate has recommitted himself to not only taking care of some unfinished business this high school season but also making a junior world team before ever stepping on campus.” 

In each of his first three years for the Eagles Carney has placed in the 4A state tournament. As a freshman, he took second at 106 pounds. He returned the following year to place third at 113 pounds, and as a 120-pound junior brought home another second-place medal.

Nordhues believes Carney’s commitment to improving each year is paying dividends. He trained with former CCC 125-pounder and Junior World team member Josiah Seaton, who himself is currently working out at the Colorado Springs Olympic Training Center.

“By working out with Josiah, Tate learned how loyal you have to be to the process to achieve what you want.”

The most recent success resulting from Carney’s increased training regime is a top-eight finish to become a high school all-American last summer in Fargo, N.D.

“He has had enormous success on the national level earning honors at the largest tournament in the world,” said Nordhues. “To know Tate has wrestled all over the country the last year and a half with great success makes signing him early all the more exciting.”

Carney is the ninth Colby Eagle to wrestle under Nordhues, who is now beginning his seventh season as coach of the Trojans.  Having a well-respected high school program in the same town complements the pursuit of the goals of his college program.

“I say this with the most due respect,” said Nordhues. “That program down the street has proven to play a very important role in what we are trying to accomplish. I appreciate all they do and the effort they put forth. Tate has come through a program of proven winners and great coaching that builds a solid base prior to starting his next journey.”

Carney, who has a career record of 133-13, is the son of James and Tricia Carney of Colby.

“I would like to thank the whole Carney family for trusting myself, this program, this institution and this community for the next two years of Tate’s life,” Nordhues added. “I have been hard on Tate over the last year and demanded a lot from him, but nobody has ever gotten in my way, and Tate has never backed an inch. The best is still to come for this young man, and I am super excited he will be in Trojan Blue!”