Zach Ferris, originally from Chapman, Kansas, competed at Cloud County from 2020-2022, becoming the school's first two-time wrestling All-American. Ferris went undefeated during his freshman season on his way to winning the 2021 NJCAA national championship at 197 lbs. The following year, Ferris finished third at 197 lbs. at the NJCAA National Championships. During his two years as a T-Bird, Ferris posted an overall record of 40-6 and established school records for national tournament wins (nine) and career win percentage (.869), while finishing tied for second place in career pins.

A 4.0 student, Ferris was named the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) College Division Academic All-American Team Member of the Year in 2022, and was one of seven student-athletes to be named to the CoSIDA College Division Academic All-America Team.

Following his time at Cloud County, Ferris transferred to New Mexico Highlands University, an NCAA Division II institution in Las Vegas, New Mexico. Ferris was named First-Team All-Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference at 197 lbs., after posting a 13-6 record during his senior season. Ferris was named RMAC Wrestler of the Week on February 13, 2024. Ferris also earned All-Academic First-Team honors in 2024.