Minnesota Wrestling C o a c h e s A s s e r t i o n

Special Awards

MWCA Head Coach Qg the Year

Class A - Jacob Lorentx - Long Pr^rie-Grey Eagle / Browerville

C l a s s A A - R o b b M o s e r - P e r h a m

C l a s s A A A - J o e K i i n s h i e r - F o r e s t L a k e

MWCA Assistant Wre Lavem ^TuKy" Hoard - Grand Ra^ds

MWCA Wrestler ot the Year - Mr. BGnnesota Daniel Gregory Kerfcvliet - SIndey

MWCA liSetSme Achievement Awards

Randy Baker - Jackson County Central

Mike Boran - Bralnerd

Larry Berg - Hne Island rai Frame - Hne Island

Don McPiudI - nnelslaad

J i m N u n n - M I n n e t o n f c a J a k e L o r e n t g - L o i le / Browerville Coach et the Year

Jako Lorentz, son of Gabe and Pam, was bom in Wadena and raised in Deer Creek and Eagle Bend, iWlnnesota along with his younger sister, Brittany. Jake was Introduced to the sport of wrestling wdien his father, Gabe, signed him up fbr the Youth Wrestling program In Deer Creek. Jake wrestled for Eagle Valley High School, made up of the communities of Eagle Bend and Clarissa. Jake describes himself as an average but not spectacular wrestler, serving as a wrestling captain his senior year. Jake also participated In Football and Golf up through his Freshman year when he got Involved In car racing. He worked on cars In the winter when he wasnt wrestling and raced In the Spring, Summer, and Fall.

After graduating from Eagle Valley, Jake attended Mankato State majoring In Mass Communications. After two years, Jake met and married his wife Miranda and moved to Alexandria where he worked road construction for a couple of years before moving to Kallspell, Montana to work with his dad, Gabe, at his construction company. Jake moved back to Browervllle, taking a Job In Long Prairie at Impact Technology, where he has worked for the past twelve years.

Jake's son, Cael, started wrestling In the Browervllle I Eagle Valley elementary program and when Andy Lancaster, the Browervllle / Eagle Valley head wrestling coach, asked Jake to head up the youth program, he accepted. When the time came for the Long Pralrle-Grey Eagle wrestling program to pair with the Browervllle's program, Jake was asked to help with the transition. It was decided that for the first year, the youth programs would merge to see how things would be received by the two wrestling communities. Everything went well, with the combined team taking fourth place at the NYWA State Team Tournament the following year. The next year Jake was named the Head Coach of the newly formed LPGEB WVrestlIng program. The first year, the team was only able to fill ID of the 14 weight classes, but still recorded a 9-12 dual meet record and sent four of the ten varsity wrestlers to State. In their second year, the wrestlers went 15-4 In duals and lost to KMS In the Section Team Finals. In their third season the LPGEB Grapplers lost 34-33 to a strong KMS Team In the Section Finals before breaking through a year ago with a Section Championship and fourth place finish at State.

This past season. The Long Pralrle-Grey Eagle I Browervllle Squad came back strong after losing six wrestlers to graduation from last year's team. The team went 27-1 In dual meets on their way to a State Championship, their only loss of the year coming at the hands of Detroit Lakes. Lorentz knew this squad was destined for big things after beating Tracy-Mllroy-Balaton and ACGC on the same night. After defeating a tough MInnewaska squad In the Section Finals, the team kept Its momentum going all the way through the State Tournament wKh wins over Goodhue, ACGC and Kenyon-Wanamlngo on Its way to the first wrestling title In school history.

Lorentz Is not only proud of his wrestlers, who rose to the challenge at every turn throughout the season, but feels he has the best wrestling coaching staff In the state. As a head coach, Jake realizes that one person cannot meet the needs of every wrestler and Is appreciative of the ability of his coaches to work together to cover all the bases and that Includes every one of his coaches throughout the entire K through 12 program. Jake would also like to thank his step-dad, Rodney Kopp, for all of his wisdom and support over the years. Jake continues to enjoy their garage time together.

Jake and Miranda, who works at American Heritage Bank (bank operations) In Long Prairie, have three children. Cael, who started wrestling as a pre-schooler, was the 106 pounder on this year's State Championship Team as a sophomore. Twins Chloe and Chace, at 12 years old, are looking forward to being teenagers and putting a little gray In Jake's thinning hair. RnhhMftger-MWCA Class AAWre Coach of the Year

Robb Moser, son of Duane and Barb Moser, was bom and raised in Rochert, Minnesota and started wrestiing in grade schooi, foiiowing the footsteps of oider brother Ciint. Robb made the Frazee varsity squad at 119# as an eighth grader and had the opportunity to be a part of the first two state qualifying teams for Frazee. Moser wrestled on the Hornet varsity squad for five years qualifying for the individual state toumament as a senior in 1990. Robb categorized himself as a good wrestler on some outstanding teams. He felt he was very fortunate to have a number of tremendous coaches along the way, including varsity coaches Steve Carr and Clay Nagei along with assistants Marty Aho and Rochert's own Dennis Schermerhorn, who Just happen to be going into the MWCA Barteima Hall of Fame tonight.

After graduation, Moser enrolled at Concordia College in Moorhead where he eamed an Education Degree in the area of Social Studies. Moser participated in wrestiing at Concordia ail four years. Upon graduating from Concordia, Robb was hired to teach Social Studies and coach Wrestling at Perham. Moser served at the Junior High level for a year and five more as a varsity assistant before taking the reins as Head Coach, in Moser's 18 years at the helm, Perham qualified for the State Toumament 12 times and placed 9 times, including runner-up finishes in 2007 and 2008 to Simiey and STMA, respectively. Moser was voted the MWCA Class AA Wrestiing Coach of the Year in 2007. This past season, Perham finished 3"* in the Class AA State Toumament with a 30-2 dual meet record wrestiing a rigorous schedule, individuaiiy, Moser's matmen finished with six individual medalists including three finalists. Robb credits a great deal of Perham's success to an outstanding coaching staff. His assistant coaches are not afraid to disagree or offer suggestions on how things could be done better, but at the end of the day, there is a spirit of collaboration and mutual support for the betterment of the team. In Robb's 18 years at the helm, the Perham Wrestling Team recorded a dual meet win-loss record of 425-99-1.

Robb's wife, Eryn, is an elementary teacher in Perham and has coached Voiieybaii and Track for the past 25 years, serving as head Voiieybaii Coach for the last five years. Robb and Eryn have three boys - Reid, Ty, and Drew. Ty Just finished an undefeated Senior season capping it off with an Individual state title at 195 pounds and plans on attending NDSU next Fall. Moser has decided to retire as head wrestiing coach for a number of reasons, one being the opportunity to follow Ty's wrestiing adventure at NDSU. Robb felt super fortunate to be able to end his coaching career on such a high note, with his team's last dual meet resulting in a victory at State and then being able to sit in the coaching chair while watching his son win an individual State Championship. Kiiwshier - MWCA Class AAA Head Coach oi the Year

Joe Kunshler, son of Warren and Cheryl, grew up in Forest Lake with four sisters - Kim, Kris, Keiiy, and Kara - and one brother, Jon. His introduction to the sport of wrestling came in first grade when he Joined the Ranger Wrestling Ciub. Kunshler won his first MN / USA State Title as a 3^^ grade youth wrestler under the direction of Myron Organ. Joe excelled in the sport through High School, garnering 122 wins and finishing as a State Runner-up in 1997 and Sr** Place at State in 1998 wrestling under the tutelage of Hail of Famer, Robert Dettmer. He enrolled at Augsburg College where he had the opportunity to be on three Division ill National Championship teams.

After graduating from Augsburg, Kunshler was hired to teach Physical Education and Outdoor Education (Bob Dettmer's teaching assignment) and coach wrestling under Co-Head Coaches Bob Dettmer and Rich Elliott at Forest Lake High School, his alma mater. Dettmer served in Iraq for two years before returning to Forest Lake. Joe also assisted Billy Pierce for five years and took over as Head Coach in 2012. During that time Kunshler has had the opportunity to coach eight Individual State Champions, five as an assistant and three as Head Coach. This past year Joe led his Rangers to their first trip to state in 26 years.

Joe identifies Jeff Swenson, his wrestling coach at Augsburg, as his #1 mentor in the world of wrestling stating that Coach Swenson has had a profound influence not only on his wrestling career, but his life. Parents Warren and Cheryl have also been in Joe's comer from Day 1 and have always been there for him. Joe also feels fortunate to have had the opportunity to coach two of his brothers-in-law at Forest Lake, Jordan Kolbow, who was a State Champion and his brother Brent, a two-time State Entrant. He not only felt blessed to have the unconditional support of his wife, Gretchen, but also the support of her parents, Roger and Jan Kolbow, during his wrestling and coaching career. Joe and Gretchen, an Ultrasound Technologist and manager for Suburban Imaging, have one child, Malja. Laveni Hoard - Grand Raoids MWCA AsHstant WresfUitf Coach oS the Year

Lavem Hoard, son of Russell and Idela Hoard, was born and raised In Grand Rapids, Minnesota along with older brothers Larry and Duane and younger brothers Stanley and Alton. Tuffy has two little sisters - Charlotte and Wanda.

Tufffy got his name when his older brother brought him along to a Saturday morning practice and Snip Nalan asked, ''Who Is this little TuflyT" Hoard was first Introduced to the sport of wrestling In 7®* grade and again In grade, but didnt get a chance to wrestle full time until his Freshman year as there were always farm chores that needed to be done. Tufffy, who weighed 75 pounds dripping wet, won the wrestle-offf against a senior for the 95 pound spot and went on to win the Region Tournament. He repeated that same feat each of the next three seasons at 95 pounds. As a Junior, Hoard placed third at State and followed up wKh a State Runnerup finish as a Senior with his weight up to a whopping 90 pounds. Snip Nalan bumped Tufffy up to 103# during the regular season In his Junior and Senior seasons In order to provide more of a challenge and get him ready for the State tournament where Snip knew Hoard would be facing wrestlers who would be 10 to 15 pounds bigger than Tufffy. Hoard was the first four-time Region Champion for Grand Rapids. It would have been very Interesting to see how Tufffy would have done If the 85 pound weight class was still around during his time.

After graduation. Hoard was drafted Into the Army and sent to Vietnam In 1968. He was sent home early after being wounded and went to work In construction working as a commercial carpenter and pouring concrete. Coach Nalan asked him to help out with the elementary program and Hoard accepted. After a few years, Tufly moved to the Middle School level and then to the Senior High level where he has remained for 3 0 + y e a r s .

Tufffy plans to coach wrestling as long as he Is able. Of his 14 grandchildren, one wrestled varsity and graduated a year ago with two more having a shot at making varsity this season. Coach Hoard says he has always been In the sport for the kids. Developing great wrestlers Is secondary to making them better people.

Tufffy and his wiffe, Linda, who worked as a Driver's Training Instructor, have four children - Leanne, Jeanle, Jim, and John. Coach Hoard has had the pleasure of being In the comer for many great kids. Including both Jim and John. He now enjoys being In the opposite comer and watching son Jim coach up his North Branch kids against Tuftys Grand Rapids boys. It's all good. Tuffy wins either way. Daniel Gre Kerkvllet - Mr. Minnesota Wrestler

Greg Kerlcvliet, 8r. was bom and raised In Inver Grove Heights and wrestled for Jim Short at Slmley High School and attended the University of Minnesota, where he met his wife, Krystal. Greg finished his Doctoral Degree In Organized Leadership at Argosy University before going to work in the field of informational Technology in Atlanta, Georgia, then Hartford, Connecticut and finaliy Baidwin-Woodville and Hudson, Wisconsin. Greg Jr. actually began wrestling in the Baidwin-Woodvllle elementary program, but soon started making the trip to Inver Grove Heights to be part of the Slmley Youth program. Greg Sr. had wrestled for Jim Short In High School and wanted his son to have the opportunity to be part of a premier wrestling program. As Kerfcvliet moved through the Simiey Elementary Program along with the Pinnacle Wrestling Club, he began to develop into a phenomenal young wrestler. Kerkvllet made SImley's varsity lineup as a T*** grader at 120 pounds then Jumped to 152 pounds as an 8th grader, qualifying for the State Wrestling Tournament both years. As a Freshman, Greg moved up to 170 pounds and again qualified for State, defeating some quality wrestlers on the way to his first State Title. As a sophomore, Greg won his second State Championship at 195 pounds, then as a Junior won his third Title at 220 pounds. Greg got the chance to wrestle Gable Steveson when he moved up to 285 pounds for the Apple Valley dual meet. Kerkvllet lost 3-2, but felt that he competed well, considering he was giving up 30+ pounds. As a Senior, Kerkvliet tore his ACL while working out at the University of Minnesota In September. He Immediately had surgery and began to rehab as soon as he had clearance. Greg was extremely grateful for the time and effort spent by Chad Erikson, Brandon Paulson, Jared Lawrence, and Mac Reiter throughout his High School wrestling career. Kerkvliet is also thankful for the help and support of Olympic Training Center Coach Kevin Jackson along with Kyven Gadson and Kyle Snyder, who worked out with him In Colorado Springs as he was coming back after his knee surgery. Owatonna and SL Cloud State wrestler Derek Skaia and U of M wrestler Scott Schiller also took time to train wdth Greg and provided him with guidance, encouragement, and comradeship. Last, but certainly not least, Kerkvllet is also indebted to his Slmley team-mates and coaches, especially head crach Will Short, who molded Greg Into the wrestler he is today. Kerkvliet was able to get back on the mat after Christmas and came back strong, winning his fourth consecutive State Wrestling Titie in March, in addition to competing well at the High School level, Greg has drawn national attention in the off-season, winning the Junior Freestyle AND Folkstyle National Championships. Winning the Tulsa Nationals in 2012 provided Kerkvliet with the confidence that he was capable of wrestling the best in the Nation. Greg was also a Cadet World Champion In 2017 and won the Junior National Trials and the US Open in the same year (201S). Kerkvliet, a solid 3.0 student, was able to complete all of his required classes at Simley by the end of his Junior year, allowing him some flexibility In his Senior academic schedule and enabling him to put more time and effort Into rehabblng his knee. Kerkvllet has also been an active volunteer In the youth Wrestling program throughout his High School career and worked with the school board as a liaison to enhance the student experience at Simley High School. Greg and his wife Krystal also have a daughter, Kree, who currently is in the process of applying to Medical School. R a n d y B a k e r - L i f e t i m e A c h i e v e m e i i t

Randy Bakor, son of Howaid and Marian Baker, was bom and raised In Jackson, Minnesota along with brothers Howard Jr. (BUI) and Michael, and sister Elizabeth. Ramiy was playing basketball In 8*^ grade when his Math teacher and Assistant Wrestling Coach, Gary Natterstad, Invited him to ride along on the bus and watch a wrestling match. Some of his buddies were on the team, so he accepted the Invitation. It tumed out one of his friends was unable to wrestle, so they talked Randy into going out there In his place. Even though Randy got called fora couple of Illegal moves, he really enjoyed himself. He decided on the spot that he vnis going to be a wrestler. Baker beat out a senior for the IDS pound spot at the start of his ninth grade season and spent the next four years on varsity. As a Sophomore, Randy finished second In the District and third In the Region at 120 pounds, just one win short of the State Tournament. In both his Junior and Senior seasons, Baker won the District and Region, going Into the State Tournament undefeated at 128 pounds. He came home without a place both years, losing to a couple of tough kids. Baker also participated In Cross-Countiy and Track In High School, making varsity In Cross^untry all four years and running the mile and two mile at the varsity level In Track his Freshman through Junior seasons. After graduating from Jackson High School, Baker enrolled at Moorhead State, but changed his mind after a couple of weeks and transferred to Worthlngton Junior College to wrestle for Stan Hotzler. As a Freshman, Randy was a State Runnerup at 134 pounds and was a State JC Champion as a Sophomore, placing 5*^ at Junior College Nationals. Baker enrolled at Augustana College In Sioux Falls majoring In Physical Education and Health and minortng In Social Studies. In his first season wrestling under Paul Kendle at Augustana, Randy placed S*** In the North Central Conference at 134 pounds and followed It up the following season with another 3"' place finish In the NCC at 142 pounds. A captain on the 1977 squad, Randy did not place at Nationals, but during the season had defeated five wrestlers who made the podium at 142 pounds. As a team, Augustana finished second In the Nation to a loaded Callfomla BakersfieM squad. Randy coached wrestling for the next two years as a Grad Assistant at Augle while working on a Master's Degree. Baker spent the next sevemi years working construction and looking for a teaching position. In 1984, Randy was hired to teach Physical Education (half time) and coach Wrestling at Lakefleld High School. After three years, Lakefleld paired with Heron Lake-Okabena with Baker at the helm. At HLOL, Randy began to build a solid wrestling program with five-time State Qualifier Matt iCraft and his brother Chad who won three State Titles and was a fbur time AILAmerican at the University of Minnesota. Scott Vancura was Randy's first State Champion In 1989 followed by Chad Gage and Tim Jansma before more school reorganization took place. Randy's HLOL squad ended Canby'a 18-year State Qualifying run on its way to a 3"* place team finish In 1993. Baker was selected the MWCA State Coach of the Year that same year. In 1998 Lakefleld combined with Jackson fdrming Jackson County Central and Randy was assigned a Social Studies teaching posttlon at the High School as well as the Head Wrestling Position. At Jackson County, Baker's teams dominated the wrestling scene In Southwest Minnesota wHh a three-year dual meet record of 72-1. They were undefeated In 1998 before losing a tight match to Dassel-Cokato In the State Final match then ran off two undefeated seasons with victories over STMA In the State Finals In both 1999 and 2000. Randy's son, Nate, was a big part of those championship seasons, winning State Titles In 1998,1999, and 2000 after finishing 2"^ In 1997 and e"* In 1996. Nate was voted Mr. Minnesota, the State's top Senior wrestler. In 2000. Randy Baker has coached 39 Individual State Champions and his teams have won 7 State Championships Baker Is appreciative of all the wrestlers and coaches who have helped him along the way, especially MN / USA Wrestling Coaches Jim Short and Jim Moulsoff along with Dwatonna native and longtime Wlllmar JC Coach Roy MInter. In addition to son Nate, Randy has a dai^hter, Kelley, who was a three-sport athlete (Volleyball, Gymnastics, and Track) In High School and played college Volleyball at North Dakota State University. Mike Boran - Achievement

Mike Boran, son of Richard and Noei Boran, grew up in Biue Earth, Minnesota with five brothers - Dave, Jerry, Tim, Pat, and Jeff aiong with two sisters - Gina and Connie. Mike started wrestiing in the Biue Earth Eiementary Program as a youngster, foiiowing in the footsteps of brothers Tim and Pat. it was an exciting time for Mike as he had Dick Maher, the Biue Earth Head Wrestiing Coach, as his Physicai Education Teacher. Mike began wrestiing at the varsity levei as an 8*^ grader in 1978, Dick Maker's finai year as Head Wrestiing Coach at Blue Earth. The foiiowing year a brand new coach came to Biue Earth by the name of Jack Eustice. One of Boran's High School highlights was wrestiing varsity for Blue Earth in 1980 in the State Wrestiing Tournament. Mike also wrestled at State individually as a senior in 1982. After graduating from High School, Mike attended Rochester Junior College where he wrestled for Chuck Siefert for two years before transferring to Mankato State. While finishing up his Physicai Education and Health degree at Mankato, Mike served as assistant wrestiing coach at Biue Earth under Jack Eustice. Boran describes coaching under his High School coach as a "Very Cool Experience" and feels he gained a ton of knowledge coaching with Jack Eustice as well as Dave Pfaffinger. Mike was hired to teach Physicai Education and coach Wrestiing under Head Coach Bruce Thompson at Brainerd. After two years Thompson stepped down and Boran was named Head Wrestiing coach. Mike spent 29 years coaching wrestiing at Brainerd, 20 as Head Coach. He did take some time off from the head position when his children were young, but continued coaching at the Junior High and JV level. Boran returned to the Head Position in 2005 where he remained until 2018. During Mike's time as Head Wrestiing Coach, Brainerd had a 201-154 dual meet record and produced 30 State Place-winners. Mike served as President of the Minnesota Wrestiing Coaches Association in 1997-98 and was part of the group that brought the three-class system to Minnesota Wrestiing.

Boran looks back on his 29 years at Brainerd and feels very fortunate to have the opportunity to work with many great kids and coach with and against many outstanding coaches. Mike and his wife, Laurie, who works as a fitness instructor as well as a waitress and a house cleaner, have four children - Laura, Luke, Max, and Mark. Ail were multi-sport athletes at Brainerd. Mike feels fortunate to have had the opportunity to coach ail three of his sons. Daughter Laura, a three sport athlete, swam ail four years at Luther College. Berg - Liietime Achievement

Larry Berg, son of Gorman and Doris Berg, grew up on the family farm with older brother Jerry, sister Suzie, and younger brother Tom. Larry decided to go out for wrestling as a Ts* grader, following in the footsteps off Jerry, who was on the inaugural Pine Island wrestling team In 1959-60. Larry won the 95 pound wrestle-off going 4-6-1 that first season. Berg was a six-year varsity starter, getting bigger and better as he got older. As a Senior 154 pound wrestler, Larry went through the regular season undefeated and suffered his only loss In the Region Finals. Since only Region Champions went to state from his Region, Berg did not have the opportunity to wrestle In the State Tournament. After graduating In 1966, Larry had plans to go to Rochester Junior College and wrestle for John Philo, but was drafted Into the Army and served a year in Vietnam before returning to Pine island and enrolling at Rochester. After completing his two-year degree, Larry transferred to Winona State University and finished his md|or in Physical Education and Health. He also found time to court and marry Mona, his wifb of 48 years. After graduating from WSU In 1974, Larry was hired to teach Physical Education and Health In the Adams-Friendship School System In Wisconsin, and served as Assistant Wrestling Coach for two years before taking over the Head Wrestling Position. After his third wrestling season as Head Coach, Larry's dad suffered a heart attack, so Larry quit teaching headed back to Pine island and take over the family dairy farm. Larry sold the dairy operation In 1986 and continued to farm his crops. That same Fall, Berg was asked to Join forces with Don McPhaii and Bill Frame to coach wrestling at Pine island. Larry had a little more time in the winter after selling his dairy cows, so he accepted the offer. McPhali, Frame, and Berg served as coaches for the next thirty years at Pine island, with Larry stepping down In 2014 and Don and Bill retiring at the end of this past season. Larry and Bill assisted Don, but It was more of a collaboration than anything else. Each coach had their role and the <*three amigos" worked as a team. Don stepped down as Head Coach for a few years while his sons were wrestling and his family obligations increased and Larry took over the Head Position from 1998 through 2007. According to Bill Frame, Larry was a good administrator and things did not really change much while Berg was at the helm. During that period. Pine Island had some outstanding teams and made it ail the way to the State Finals in 2003, losing a heartbreaker to BOLD in the Title IMatch. Making It to the State Finals as a team was not only a highlight for the team and coaching staff, but for the entire Pine Island community. Larry remembers that each day of the tournament more fan buses came from Pine Island than the previous day. Berg was named the MWCA Head Wrestling Coach of the Year that season. Larry emphasized that there was no **1" or "Me", but only "Wo" and "Us" when it came to wrestling coaching decisions at Pine island. Larry and Mona, married 48 years, have two children - Betsy and Brian. Betsy is an elementary Special Education teacher in Lake City with three children - sons Blake and Jorgen, and daughter, Azalea. Brian owns a digital optimization business in Rosemount. Mona Is now retired after working in the Rochester school system In Special Education and Transportation for 30 years. Bill Frame - Lifetime Achievement Bill Frame, son of Bill and Bandy Frame, was bom in Mankato, began school In Rochester, but moved to Pine island when he was In eighth grade. His father was a Mathematics teacher at Rochester d.M., but decided to buy a piece of land and move to Pine Island to get back to rural llfb. Bill was the oldest of three children, with two younger sisters, Becky and Barb. Bill and his wife Brenda have three grown and married children - Stephanie, Amanda, and Will - as well as five grandchildren. Bill described himself as an average wrestler, and was comfbrtable on the B squad, setting the all-time JV win record at Pine Island. Wrestling was a growing sport In Pine Island, with 68 kids In the 7-12 program. At the end of his Junior year, he challenged his workout partner for the varsity spot and won a two-out-o^ three wrestle-off. His first varsity action was the Conference Tournament. He drew the number four seed and beat him In a close match before running Into the #1 seed, Lyie Zemke, who had been to state the previous year. He was getting a thorough schooling when Zemke threw In a half nelson and Bill rolled him through and pinned him. From there he beat the #2 seed, Ron Rud, In the finals by a 6-4 margin. First time on varsity - Conference Champion. Not too shabby. Kind of fun, actually. The next season Frame spent the year on varsity and colleeted 16 wins and finished second In District 4, but came up short of qualHytng for state. After High School, Bill wasn't sure If he was Interested In college, so he worked for a year and then enrolled at RCTC for the second semester so he could give wrestling a shot under head coach John Phllo. Frame was a couple of weeks Into conditioning practice, when he broke his ankle and was out for the year. That marked the end of his college wrestling career. Soon after that Bill met and married his wHe, Brenda, also from Pine Island. Bill worked for 18 years as a cable TV technician at the local telephone company. While Bill was working for the cable company, he started working out with the Pine Island wrestling team and soon after was asked to help coach by Dave Sween, his High School coach. Frame began his coaching career In the 1982-83 season and never looked back. With the exception of having to take off a couple of seasons due to work conflicts. It has been McPhall, Berg, and Frame molding Pine Island wrestlers for SO'i' years. Bill also assisted his wife, Brenda, In the Track and Field program and took over the Head Track duties (for the past eleven years) when Brenda moved Into administration at RCTC. Looking back at his coaching career. Frame feels that the sport of wrestling has served as a huge anchor In his life and coaching every day with Don McPhall and Larry Berg has provided a sense of balance and purpose that has provided a positive dimension to his IHb. Highlights that come to mind from BIIPs 35 years of coaching wrestling at Pine Island Include serving as a practice partner and helping coach Pine Island's first two State Champions - Ben Meyer and Chris McPhall - as well as being honored as Section One Assistant Coach of the Year twice - Once In Class A In 1997 and again In Class AA in 2018. Frame was Inducted Into the Region One Wrestling Hall of Fame In 2015 and Is most proud of being a continuous part of the Pine Island Wrestling Program as a wrestler and a coach for the past 46 years. Bill often thinks about the 419 wrestlers that have gone through the Pine Island program during his time there and feels kids take away something from every experience In life and wrestling builds a type of seK- reliance and mental toughness that few sports can match. Bill also pointed out that McPhall, Berg, and Frame have over 100 years of coaching Pine Island wrestling between them and hopes that together they have provided a setting In which young men's lives have been changed fbrever for the better. Bill Frame feels privileged to be part of a coaching staff that worked as a TEAM. Don McPhail - litetiiiie Achievement

Don McPhail, son of Robert and Eleanor McPhall, grew up In Antigo, Wisconsin with eleven sisters and brothers. He did not start wrestling until his senior year In High School. Don explained that he didn't have many highlights In wrestling unless you consider the opportunity to count the lights on gym ceilings, some of which were pretty high. After graduation, McPhall attended college In Eau Claire where participated In wrestling all four years cracking the varsity llne-up and finishing third In the conference In his senior

season.

After graduating from Eau Claire, Don was hired to teach Social Studies In Antlgo, Wisconsin where he served as assistant wrestling coach and helped bring home Antlgo's first and only State Team Championship. From there, McPhall came to Pine Island where he has remained for the past 35 years, in Don's third season at Pine island, they won the Wasioja Conference Tournament by one half point over at tough Sutter coached Goodhue team, in 2003 Pine Island won the Section Team Title and finished second to BOLD In a wild State Finals match.

Don's mentors Include Dave Wentland, his head wrestling coach at Antlgo, who demonstrated a calm and levelheaded demeanor even in the most stressful situations. McPhall also Included longtime fellow coaches at Pine island. Bill Frame and Larry Berg as mentors and stated, **1 cannot say enough about these two men In terms of their contributions to the Pine Island Wrestling program. Over the years the three of us have come to understand our roles and work as a team." Don went on to say, **1 am not big on gleaning over past accomplishments, but wrestling has served me well as a teacher of life skills. Believe It or not, the sport has also served as a vehicle for establishing quality family time with my own children. Wrestling has provided a setting that has allowed me to build and foster relationships that will last a lifetime.

Don and his wife, Ruth, who works In retail sales, have six children - Chris, Brittany, Peter, Ben, AleshI, and Sam. All four sons wrestled in the State Tournament. Chris was a State Champion and Ben was a two-time State Runner-up. The four boys had over 600 wins together. Brittany and AleshI were also athletic, excelling In Track and Field. James Nium - LiSetjme Achievement Recipient

Jim Nunn, son of Harold and Judy Nunn, grew up in a number of places in this country, from Texas to North Dakota to Wyoming to IMississippi to IMinnesota along with brothers Kevin and Brian and sister Laurie. Nunn attended 16 schools throughout his K-12 education graduating from East Grand Forks in 1980. Jim tried every sport offered in High School, but settled on Baseball as his go-to sport. The first time he stepped on a wrestling mat was his freshman year at Concordia-St. Paul. Nunn went out at the urging of his wrestling friends when their 177 pounder went down to injury and they needed a body. He took some poundings at the beginning, but stuck it out ail four years to the appreciation and admiration of his team-mates and friends. Jim continued to excel in the sport of baseball garnering Ali- American Honors as a pitcher in his senior season. Nunn served as a grad assistant in the wrestling program while he finished his double major in Physical Education and Theology. Jim served as interim Head Coach in the Sport of Baseball at Concordia-St.Paui the following year and then was hired to coach Wrestling at De ia saiie while doing his student teaching in Physical Education.

Jim spent the next five years teaching Jr. High iWath and Science at St. Austin's in Minneapolis while coaching Wrestling at Prior Lake and Brooklyn Center. His Brooklyn Center Team went to State in 1997. Jim also was hired to coach at the Combined Blake I Breck School, where he coached wrestling on the Blake side and Baseball on the Breck side. From there Nunn was hired at Minnetonka to teach Physical Education and serve as Co-Head Wrestling Coach with Jeff Lamphere. During that 12 year span, Nunn and Lamphere coached their Minnetonka teams to three conference championships and two Section Runner-up finishes. Jim and Jeff retired together, but Jim was asked to take over the Eden Prairie Wrestling program three years ago. The first year was tough, as Eden Prairie had graduated a number of wrestlers the previous year, but after starting out 3-15, his grappiers came back with a great second half effort and an 18-20 season record. The following year the team went 16-12 and finished second in the section to Minnetonka, and this year qualified for State as a team with a victory over Minnetonka in the Section Finals.

Jim's wife, Elizabeth, who served as an athletic trainer for Minnetonka while Jim was there coaching wrestling, now serves as a training specialist working with patients before and after surgery. Jim and Elizabeth have, three children. Jimmer-27, Matthew-19, and their late son, Timmy, who will forever be 14. MWCA / NWCA Coaches of the Year ' Head GoatihoS the Tear A—irtant Coach eg the Year

2003_Tom Grahlke_BOLD 2003 BradSchafer Apple Valley

2004 Gregg Greene STMIA 2004 Steve Fuchs Paynesville

2005 Mark Jensen Plerz 2005 Larry Hovden Owatonna

2006__Gregg Greeno__STMA 2006 DanLefebvre STMA

2007 Tim Roberg__ACGC 2007 Bruce Rosenow Hutchinson

2008_Jim Jackson__Apple Valley 2008 Gary Stoks Canby

2009 Lyie Freudenberg Foley 2009^Nlck Foralcoia__Eastview

2 0 1 0 J i m & W i l l S h o r t S I m l e y 2010__Dave Pffafffflnger__Blue Earth

2011__Jlm Jackson_J\pple Valley 2011 DwightBurman St. James

2012 Will Short SImley 2012 John Drouble Cambridge

2013^Dan Lefebvre__STMA 2013__Craig Johnson__KMS

2014 JoelVIss Chatfield 2 0 1 4 T r a v i s B a r t e l s C h a t f fi e l d

2015__Joel Skllllngs__Mlnneota 2015_Greg Oravis Eastvlew

2016_ Matt Ryan_K-W 2016 Les Engler Minneota

2017_ Link Steffen__Zumbrota 2 0 1 7 M a r k K r i e r M a z e p p a

2018 Joe Traen Watertown-Mayer 2018 Marty Aho Frazee

2019 Jake Lorentz 2019 Tuffy Hoard Grand Rapids Long Pralrle-Grey Eagle / Browervllle

In 2003, the National Wrestling Coaches Association approached the Minnesota Wrestling Coaches Association with the Idea of selecting one Head Coach of the Year, one Assistant Coach of the Year, and one Wrestler of the Year to represent Minnesota at the National Level where one of each would be selected as the top Individual in the Nation. We already had our Mr. Minnesota In place, so we Just needed to come up with a process of selecting the Head and Assistant Coach of the Year. Our Assistant Coach of the Year may be nominated by anyone who feels the candidate Is ; deserving. Those nominations will be reviewed and voted on by our Advisory / Executive Committee. The candidates for Head Coach of the Year will be comprised of the three MWCA Coaches of the Year in A, AA, and AAA along with ° our State Championship Team Head Coaches from each class. The same voting body (MWCA Advisory / Executive

Committee) then selects the MWCA / NWCA Head Coach of the Year. Mr. Minnesota Wrestler ot the Year 199 0 ^Chad Carison ^Wlllmar 199 1 ^Chad Nelson ^Stewartviiie 199 2 ^Brandon Pauison_Anoi€a 199 3 Brandon Howe_Totino Grace 199 4 ^Chad Kraft_Heron Lake-Okabena-Lakefleid 199 5 ^Jon Fitzgerald Martin County West 1996 Pan Buncombe ^St. MIchael-Albertviile 199 7 ^Chad Erikson Apple Valley 199 8 Luke Becker Cambrldge-lsantI 199 9 ^Jacob Volkman.Battle Lake-Underwood-HennIng 200 0 Nate Baker ^Jackson County Central 200 1 Marcus LeVesseur Bloomlngton Kennedy 200 2 ^Jeff Pffafflnger Blue Earth Area 200 3 ^Eric Sanders_Wabasha-Kellogg 200 4 ^Charlie Faick Apple Valley 200 5 ^Nate Matousek ^Glencoe-Sllver Lake 200 6 ^Michael Thorn ^St. MIchael-Albertvllle 2007_Zach 8ander8_Wabasha-Kellogg 200 8 ^Jake Deitchler Anoka 2009 Kevin Stelnhaus_Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunburg 2010_Dylan Ness Bloomlngton Kennedy 201 1 Matt Kelllher Apple Valley 201 2 Michael Kroells ^Scott West 201 3 ^Jake Short ^Slmley 2014_Tommy Thom_St. MIchael-Albertvllle 2015_Lance Benick Totino Grace 201 6 ^Mark Hall Apple Valley 201 7 ^Brady Berge Kasson-Mantorvllle 201 8 ^Gable Steveson Apple Valley 2019_ Greg Kerkvliet_Simley