MINNESOTA WRESTLING COACHES ASSOCIATION

Dave Bartelma Hall of Fame

DAVID BARTELMA "FATHER OF MINNESOTA WRESTLING"

David C. Bartelma, or "Bart" as he was affectionately called by his wrestlers and known by wrestling fans, was largely responsible for the planting of the wrestling seed in Minnesota. Bart was a transplanted Iowan. He had spent a decade coaching wrestling in Iowa; first at Iowa Falls and then at Cresco where he also served as principal. He directed six undefeated teams and his 1933 and 1935 teams won the Iowa State High School Championships.

Bart joined the University of Minnesota Athletic Staff as the first full time wrestling coach in 1935. He nurtured the wrestling seed in Minnesota not only by profound wrestling knowledge, but also by his contagious enthusiasm and ability to convince others of the merits of this sport. In addition to these attributions, Bart worked indefatigably to popularize amateur wrestling. He staged the first high school wrestling tournament in 1937 (not sanctioned by the MSHSL). The first tournament was held at the University of Minnesota Field House with only eight weight classes (95#, 105#, 125#, 135#, 145#, 155#, 165#, and Unlimited), Minneapolis Marshall was the first team champion. From the frst state tournament where only 13 schools participated to our present very successful state tournament where 260 schools support wrestling teams, wrestling has come a long ways. The success of Minnesota Wrestling is the direct result of the hard work and dedication fostered by David C. "Bart" Bartelma, "The Father of Minnesota Wrestling."

-From Acorn To Mighty Oak, by John Matlon, 1969


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