Congratulating Tom Pauling on his 100th career victory are Montevideo wrestling coaches (from left) Chris Weber, Larry Halvorson and Jeff Gallagher.
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January 18, 2004
By Bruce Olson
sports editor, Montevideo American-News
Saturday was a day of milestones for the Montevideo wrestling program as coach Jeff Gallagher picked up his 300th career victory and Tom Pauling notched his 100th career win.
Both accomplishments occurred in the Luverne dual meet tournament. Gallagher, who now has a record of 301-229-3 as a head coach, got win No. 300 in Montevideo's 30-23 win over Truman-Madelia.
Pauling picked up his 100th victory with an 10-5 decision over Wabasso 189-pounder Dan Mathiowetz during the Thunder Hawks' 64-9 loss in the tournament's championship match. Pauling has a career record of 100-78.
Gallagher in his 29th year
Gallagher is in his 29th season as a varsity wrestling coach. He has spent the last 26 years teaching physical education and coaching in Montevideo, after spending three years at Windom.
"It means you're blessed with longevity," Gallagher said of the 300 wins. "I really like what I do. It's enjoyable to be working with kids. I've been blessed to have good kids in the program. It's also a blessing to have the quality assistants I've had over the years.
"When I started out, you were only allowed 15 dual meets maximum a year and you didn't have dual meet tournaments at the end of the season." Having his sons, John and James, on the team has also made this a special season for Gallagher.
Pauling is 14th Montevideo wrestler to join century club
Pauling is the 14th Montevideo wrestler to notch at least 100 career victories.
He is now 13-3 in his senior season, wrestling at both 171 and 189 pounds, although he only weighs 165. He holds team records for most falls by a seventh-grader (19) and eighth-grader (11). He is on a pace to second in career falls, behind Bill Soine.
"It was definitely fun getting the 100th win," said Pauling. "It's been a lot of hard work, but it paid off in the end. Hopefully I won't stop there." Pauling said he is planning on playing football at Ridgewater Community College next year, but he may also give wrestling a try.
Congratulating Tom Pauling on his 100th career victory are
Montevideo wrestling coaches (from left) Chris Weber, Larry Halvorson
and Jeff Gallagher.