Zach Sanders of Wabasha-Kellogg was named MWCA Mr. Minnesota of Wrestling at the Dave Bartelma Hall of Fame Banquet held at Augsburg College on April 28, 2007.
The Minnesota Wrestling Coaches Association annually presents the Mr.
Minnesota High School Wrestler award to the senior that best
exemplifies the highest ideals of high school wrestling in Minnesota.
Judging is based on past performances, citizenship, academics,
leadership, and adherence to MSHSL rules.
Sanders is a five-time state champion with a career record of 223-5. He
won the Class A 119 pound title this year, the 112 pound title as a
junior and as a sophomore, and the 103 pound title as a freshman and as
an eighth grader. He ended his high school career with three undefeated
seasons.
He is a National Cadet and Junior Freestyle Champion, the 2007 National
Senior High School Champion at 119 pounds and an Asics All-American
First Team Member in 2006. He has a 3.58 grade point average.
Zach's brother Eric was named MWCA Mr. Minnesota of Wrestling in 2003.
Sanders will continue his wrestling career in college next year with the Minnesota Gophers.
Eight new members were inducted into the Minnesota Wrestling Hall of
Fame at the banquet: Bruce Bartels, John Miller, Ray Miller, John
Panning, Albert Russ, Pat Short, Harlan “Butch” Steen, and Jim
Tanniehill. Many Hall of Fame members were in attendance.
The MWCA selected Tim Roberg of Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City as State Head
Coach of the Year. Selected as State Assistant Coach of the Year was
Hutchinson's Bruce Rosenow.
Roberg and Rosenow, along with Zach Sanders now represent Minnesota as The National Wrestling Coaches Association’s State award winners and may be selected for further honors at the Regional and National levels.
Six coaches were honored with Lifetime Achievement awards, given to
coaches for their service to wrestling and long coaching careers. This
year's honorees were: Robert Dettmer of Forest Lake–34 years, Steve
Techam of Bertha/Hewitt/Verndale–34 years, Gary Baker of Ogilvie–33
years, Jeff Gallagher of Montevideo–32 years, Russ Holland of Park
Center–35 years, and Ed Kane of Faribault–37 years.
MWCA Mr. Minnesota Wrestlers
2007 - Zach Sanders, Wabasha-Kellogg
2006 - Mike Thorn, Saint Michael-Albertville
2005 - Nate Matousek, Glencoe-Silver Lake
2004 - Charlie Falck, Apple Valley
2003 - Eric Sanders, Wabasha-Kellogg
2002 - Jeff Pfaffinger, Blue Earth Area
2001 - Marcus LeVesseur, Bloomington Kennedy
2000 - Nate Baker, Jackson County Central
1999 - Jacob Volkmann, Battle Lake-Underwood-Henning
1998 - Luke Becker, Cambridge-Isanti
1997 - Chad Erickson, AppleValley
1996 - Dan Duncombe, St. Michael-Albertville
1995 - Jon Fitzgerald, Martin County West
1994 - Chad Kraft, HLOL
1993 - Brandon Howe, Totino Grace
1992 - Brandon Paulson, Anoka
1991 - Chad Nelson, Stewartville
1990 - Chad Carlson, Willmar
National Wrestling Coaches Association - Minnesota Awards
Wrestler of the Year
2007 - Zach Sanders, Wabasha-Kellogg
2006 - Mike Thorn, Saint Michael-Albertville
2005 - Nate Matousek, Glencoe-Silver Lake
2004 - Charlie Falck, Apple Valley
2003 - Eric Sanders, Wabasha-Kellogg
Head Coach of the Year
2007 - Tim Roberg of Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City
2006 - Gregg Greeno, Saint Michael-Albertville
2005 - Mark Jenson, Pierz
2004 - Gregg Greeno, Saint Michael-Albertville
2003 - Tom Gruhlke, BOLD
Assistant Coach of the Year
2007 - Bruce Rosenow, Hutchinson
2006 - Dan Lefebvre, Saint Michael-Albertville
2005 - Larry Hovden, Owatonna
2004 - Steve Fuchs, Paynesville Area
2003 - Brad Schafer, Apple Valley