Hi, my name is Dustin Rife, Head Coach of PYWC. Wrestling started for me in middle school when the Quincy Junior High football coach said, (If you want to be great at football then you need to join the wrestling team) -Rick Owsley. I have two kids active in the club Ava, and Kinsley. My son Blake is in his Sophomore year at PHS. My favorite thing about Wrestling is seeing the kids smile after a big win. My favorite memory is watching the kids that wrestled in the club compete at a high level at state for PHS. This quote was on my bedroom wall in junior high and it’s so true!

"After Wrestling, everything in life is easy." - Dan Gable

Hi, my name is Codey Stephens, Assistant Coach of PYWC. Wrestling has always been a passion of mine that started from an early age. I wrestled for the cyclones in Quincy, IL starting in 2003 and continued my wrestling career in high school for Quincy Notre Dame. During that time, I participated in Purler Academy weekly and also completed J. Robinson Intensive Camp. I have a 7-year-old son, Knox, who wrestles with PYWC, and he loves every minute of it. Wrestling has always been in my blood and is a part of my life in so many ways. I enjoy more than anything seeing the hustle and dedication of our kids on a daily basis. I love this sport and seeing these kids succeed!

"A wrestler doesn't decide to be good just by himself. He needs people behind him to support him." -Ed Ruth

Hi, I’m Don Yuraitis and have been with the PYWC for 6 years. I have had numerous years of coaching experience with the Quincy Wrestling Club (later name changed to Cyclones) and also with the Hannibal Wrestling Club. I started wrestling in high school in 1970 and have continued to do so. I was honored to be part of the wrestling program with the United States Marine Corps battalion vs battalion and at different bases along the east coast, as well as intramural college and open tournaments after. My last match was when I was 58 years old. My grandson Brady wrestled with PYWC and is currently wrestling as a senior at QND and my granddaughter Brynlea wrestles for PYWC.

Hi, my name is Eric Nicholson, assistant coach for PYWC. This is my fourth year with PYWC. I grew up in Quincy and have been involved in coaching youth sports for the last 20 years.  Prior to moving to Palmyra, I was an assistant coach with the Champions Wrestling Club in Quincy. Wrestling is a family affair for us, my wife Andrea assists coaching and our son  Cooper (3rd) are both involved in the sport.  Wrestling is a great way to push yourselves as an athlete and person.  The emotions experienced during a match are above and beyond that of many other sports. It's also not about winning or losing but learning from your matches and working toward your goals.

Hello, my name is Travis Hays. I am the president of the PYWC. I have 3 kids, Walker (11), Sawyer (8) and Kenlee (2). My son, Walker, is in his 5th season wrestling with PYWC and I enjoy watching the growth he has each year and the friendships he has made through the club and they way they all support one another on and off the mat. My daughter Sawyer will be trying out the sport this year and I cannot wait to watch her fall in love with the sport like Walker and I have. I look forward to serving the club!

My name is Abby Kerkhoff and I’m excited to serve as the PYWC Board Treasurer. My husband and I grew up in Quincy and moved to Palmyra in 2023 after being in NC for 17 years. This will be our son Nathan’s (8) third year wrestling. I truly believe wrestling is the hardest sport out there. The work and accountability expected of these kids is incredible. They’re learning lessons and making friends to last a lifetime.  

“We don’t lose, we learn” - Coach Rife 



Hello, my name is Nichole Wiskirchen, and I am one of the PYWC Parent Reps. This will be my fifth season to be a part of the PYWC.  My daughter Kyleigh (13), and my son Drew (10) have been wrestling for the Club for the past four years. You will find myself, my husband (Andrew), and my oldest daughter (Claire)  in the stands just about every weekend cheering on the PYWC kids. However this season Claire has made her way to the mats as well on the new Highland HS wrestling team. I cannot say enough about how much this sport has taught my children. My absolute favorite part of being a part of this Club is the family and friends that you gain. Wrestling can bring out some of the biggest emotions in these athletes. Watching the kids support each other matside, and hearing other parents cheering for or even comforting your own children is the best feeling in the world. I cannot wait to see what this season ahead brings for our Club!

Hello, my name is Taylor Stephens, and I’m excited to step into the role of Parent Representative for the Palmyra Youth Wrestling Club! Wrestling has been such a positive influence for our son Knox —building confidence, discipline, and teamwork—and I look forward to supporting both our athletes and families this season. My goal is to be a bridge between parents and the club, helping with communication, sharing important updates, and making sure every family feels welcomed and connected. I’m eager to contribute ideas, support events, and cheer on our wrestlers as they continue to grow on and off the mat. I look forward to a great season ahead!

Hello, my name is Katherine Huff and I am a PYWC parent rep. My husband Rob and I call Palmyra home along with our kids. Wrestling has been rooted in my family since I could remember and now my son, Cain (7) is continuing that tradition as we enter his third year in PYWC. I am excited to serve on our board and even more excited to see our athletes thrive in this sport. My favorite thing about wrestling is the confidence it helps build in a child and how it shows them what they are truly capable of. 

“Everything you want is on the other side of fear.”

George Addair