BISMARCK, N.D. -- Bismarck State College (BSC) Director of Athletics Jason Harris has announced Rick Ripplinger as the second head women's wrestling coach in program history, adding an experienced North Dakota wrestling figure to lead the Mystics. Ripplinger will oversee the entire women's wrestling program as the team looks to build on its inaugural season, which featured a pair of All-Americans in Rei Ogden and Alexis Schneider.

"We're excited to welcome Rick to the Mystics family," said Harris. "His success at Legacy is something to be proud of, and we can't wait to see him bring that same culture to our women's wrestling program."

A native of Rugby, North Dakota, Ripplinger brings a deep background in the sport as both an athlete and coach. He was a four-year standout wrestler in Rugby before continuing his career at Valley City State University, where he was a four-year starter. During his time at Valley City State, he earned conference championships and numerous team awards while completing a Bachelor of Science in Physical and Health Education.

Ripplinger also built a long record of service in wrestling officiating, working high school and college matches across the upper Midwest. That work earned one of the sport's notable state honors when he was inducted into the North Dakota Officials Hall of Fame in 2025. His broad perspective in the sport, from athlete to official to coach, gives Bismarck State a leader with experience in multiple areas of wrestling competition and development.

"Wrestling at BSC has a rich history, and that continued with how the girls performed in their first season this past year," said Ripplinger. "We're ready to build off that and continue taking the Mystics to the next level."

Most recently, Ripplinger led the girls wrestling program at Legacy High School in Bismarck, beginning in 2022. In four seasons, his teams produced four top-four finishes at the North Dakota state tournament, including a state championship in 2026. Legacy wrestlers also recorded 33 state place-winning performances during that stretch and reached 10 state championship matches. Ripplinger was named the 2026 WDA Coach of the Year for the team's success during their championship run.

Ripplinger will take over a program that enters its second year of existence in the 2026-27 season. His track record suggests an emphasis on accountability, preparation and sustained performance, qualities the Mystics will look to carry into their next phase under his leadership. The hire gives BSC a coach with strong in-state ties and a recent record of building a winning girls wrestling program.

Ripplinger has begun his duties at BSC and is now looking to build on an already talented 2026 signing class. Recruits should visit BSCMystics.com/Recruits to express interest in joining the team.