Osakis Celebrates 50 Seasons of High School Wrestling
November 15, 2007
By Daniel Hagen
From coach Woodward to Coach Hoffarth, Osakis high school has supported a very competitive high school wrestling program.
In 1936, local math teacher, Mark Woodward organized the first Osakis
wrestling team. The following year his team participated in the first
state wrestling meet sanctioned by the Minnesota High School League.
Osakis placed second out of six teams, Minneapolis, Marshall was
first..Ivan Johnson and Max Hawkins won the state titles for Osakis.
Osakis also placed second at the state tournament in 1938 & 1939.
After Mr. Woodward took a new teaching/coaching position in Robbinsdale
in 1940, wrestling was discontinued in Osakis. While at Robbinsdale,
coach Woodwards teams won seven consecutive state titles. One of his
wrestlers, a boy by the name of Vern Gagne, went on to be world
champion in professional wrestling. Wrestling resumed in Osakis in the
early 1960's under the direction of coach Don Conn. He put together
some very good teams, and that tradition is being carried on today.
Over the years, wrestling teams seems to attract strong hard working
farm boys. Many local families have had more than just a couple of boys
on the team. To name a few of these wrestling families we think of the
Hawkins', Grundmans, Waldvogels', Didiers, Neumans, Walters, Wieners
and Duchenes.
This years team looks to be very strong after returning virtually all
of last years lineup along with a couple of new students with proven
ability. Local folks will have many chances to see this team in action
as there are 10 home events this year.
On January the 4th 2008 Osakis wrestling Club is hosting an alumni
night. All former coaches and wrestlers are invited to join us.
Before the varsity meet with Parkers Prairie, alumni will be
introduced. Following the meet we will have coffee and cookies while we
reminisce about old times.