SJU Wrestling 2023-24

2023-24 WRESTLING

REMARKABLE

flavor.

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R E M A R K A B LY I N C R E D I B LY

fresh. friendly.

SEASON PREVIEW Some experienced veterans will join a host of talented newcomers to form the core of an SJU wrestling team looking for even bigger things during the 2023-24 season.

Ben Gilbertson (Sauk Rapids, Minn./Sauk Rapids-Rice), the team’s lone senior, led the Johnnies in wins a year ago. Juniors Logan Thorsten (Foley, Gilbertson Minn.) and D.J. Myles (Dayton, Minn./Champlin Park) are also no strangers to success at the college level.

Thorsten

Myles

But with 19 new faces on the roster, including one transfer, SJU will be looking to get a boost at some of the other weight classes.

Here is a full look at how the 2023-24 team should stack up:

THE 9+ WIN CLUB

THE 2023-24 SCHEDULE

The Johnnies return three other wrestlers who recorded nine wins or more last season. Thorsten finished second on the team with 10 wins (10-15 record), primarily at 157 pounds, of which seven were decisions.

SJU opens the 2023-24 campaign Nov. 12 with the inaugural Haws/Elton 4-Team Rumble in Collegeville. The Johnnies hit the road for the rest of fall semester: Nov. 18 at UWEC’s 8-Man Battle, Dec. 3 at Division II MSU-Moorhead’s Dragon Open, Dec. 9 at Buena Vista (Iowa) and Dec. 29-30 at the Citrus Invitational in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Despite getting a late start to the season due to football, Myles posted a 9-6 record with a team-leading five pins at 197 pounds. He won the consolation title with a 4-1 record at Wisconsin-Eau Claire’s Don Parker Open last February.

NEW FACES The 2023-24 roster boasts 19 newcomers, including freshman Owen Herbst (Buffalo, Minn.), a transfer from Division II-power St. Cloud State. Herbst was a three-time Class AAA Minnesota State place-winner (third at 160 pounds in 2021, sixth in 2020 and 2022) and four-time state qualifier. Freshman Aidan Wayne (Maple Grove, Minn./Osseo) was a two-time state qualifier who placed fourth at 195 pounds in Class AAA as a senior in 2022. He transferred to SJU after playing football at Wisconsin-River Falls last fall. Another freshman, heavyweight Cody Kwak (Menomonie, Wis.), was a two-time state qualifier in Wisconsin.

The Johnnies start the New Year with a home dual against Minnesota North-Itasca (formerly Itasca C.C.) on Jan. 4 before a pair of road invitationals, Jan. 6 at Central (Iowa) and Jan. 13 at Minnesota NorthItasca. The annual North Country Open is Jan. 20 and SJU welcomes Minnesota West C.T.C. for a dual on Jan. 27. The Johnnies compete Feb. 3 at UWEC’s Blugold Open Feb. 3 before the final home competition – a dual vs. Ridgewater – on Feb. 9. The NCAA Upper Midwest Regional is set for March 1-2 in Stevens Point, Wis.

2023-24 Schedule Date

SENIOR LEADER One of seven returning upperclassmen, Gilbertson led the Johnnies in wins for the second-consecutive season in 2022-23.

He posted a 16-11 record at 184 pounds, including a team-leading three technical falls and a 7-3 mark against non-Division III competition. Gilbertson placed second in the Warrior bracket with a 5-3 record at the Citrus Invitational and second at the North Country Open.

Time

Opponent

Location

Nov 12 (Sun) 1 p.m.

Haws/Elton 4-Team Rumble

Collegeville, Minn.

Nov 18 (Sat)

10 a.m.

at UW-Eau Claire 8-Man Battle

Eau Claire, Wis.

Dec 3 (Sun)

9 a.m.

at MSU-Moorhead Open

Moorhead, Minn.

Dec 9 (Sat)

1 p.m.

at Buena Vista

Storm Lake, Iowa

Dec 29 (Fri) Dec 30 (Sat) 9 a.m. ET

at Citrus Invitational

Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Jan 4 (Thu)

2 p.m.

Minnesota North-Itasca

Collegeville, Minn.

Jan 6 (Sat)

9 a.m.

at Central Invitational

Pella, Iowa

Jan 13 (Sat)

11:30 a.m.

at Minnesota North-Itasca Invitational

Grand Rapids, Minn.

Jan 20 (Sat)

10 a.m.

North Country Open

Collegeville, Minn.

Jan 27 (Sat)

2 p.m.

Minnesota West C.T.C.

Collegeville, Minn.

Feb 3 (Sat)

10 a.m.

at UW-Eau Claire Open

Eau Claire, Wis.

Feb 9 (Fri)

7 p.m.

Ridgewater

Collegeville, Minn.

at NCAA Upper Midwest Regional

Stevens Point, Wis.

Mar 1 (Fri) Mar 2 (Sat) 1 p.m./10 a.m.

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F U L L PAG E A D

WRESTLING COACHES During his tenure as an assistant coach, the program produced 18 All-Americans, including national champions Brandon Novak ’01, John Newman ‘99 and Minga Batsukh ‘11 (three-time). There were also 53 national qualifiers in those 16 seasons.

HEAD COACH Kevin Schiltz Kevin Schiltz begins his seventh season as the head coach of the Johnnie wrestling team in 2023-24.

He served as an assistant coach for 16 years before being named to the top job in July of 2017, becoming the first non-SJU graduate in that job since Jim Lind, who coached the Johnnies for two seasons from 1979-81.

Under his watch, two wrestlers have advanced to the NCAA Division III national meet - Luke Dodd at 197 pounds in 2018-19 and Noah Becker at 133 pounds in 2019-20 (though Becker was unable to compete as the national meet was cancelled as a result of the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic).

The Albert Lea native was a 1988 Minnesota state champion at 185 pounds and a three-time high school All-American in both freestyle and Greco-Roman.

He went on to Augsburg where he was a member of Division III nationalchampionship teams in 1991 and ’93. He compiled a 150-28 career record and was a rare four-time Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference champion. He also earned All-America honors three times, placing third nationally at 190 pounds in 1989, fifth at 190 in 1990 and sixth at heavyweight in 1993.

seventh at the 1997 U.S. Men’s Open (freestyle). He then started his coaching career as an assistant for two seasons (1996-98) at Division I Virginia, before returning to Minnesota to serve as an assistant for one season at Division II St. Cloud State (1999).

He and his wife Susan have two sons, Aidan and Zack, and reside in St. Joseph.

In addition, he was a two-year starter on both the offensive and defensive lines for the Auggies’ football team. Schiltz was inducted into the Augsburg Athletic Hall of Fame in September 2016.

Following graduation, Schiltz competed as an amateur on the national stage, finishing

A S SISTA N T COACHES SCOTT FERNHOLZ Scott Fernholz begins his 20th season as an assistant coach at SJU in 2023-24.

The 1993 SJU graduate was a three-time national qualifier at 142 pounds, placing eighth during the 1989-90 season. He also won two MIAC titles.

CHAD HENLE Chad Henle begins his ninth season as an assistant coach at SJU in 2023-24.

The 2012 SJU graduate was a two-time national qualifier at 133 pounds, including a seventh-place finish as a junior during the 2010-11 season.

NOAH BECKER Noah Becker begins his fourth season as an assistant coach at SJU in 2023-24.

The 2020 SJU graduate twice qualified for the NCAA Division III national meet during his time at the school and finished with a career record of 93-27, including a 49-6 mark over his final two seasons.

MATT VOS Matt Vos begins his third season as an assistant wrestling coach at SJU in 202324. The 2004 SJU graduate qualified for the NCAA Division III meet three times during his career with the Johnnies, finishing third at 125 pounds during the 2001-02 season.

GARRETT VOS Garrett Vos begins his second season as an assistant coach at SJU in 2023-24.

The 2022 St. Cloud State graduate was a multi-time Division II All-American during

his time with the Huskies and won a state championship at 120 pounds at Waconia High School in 2017 with a 38-3 record.

ANTHONY HENNEN Anthony Hennen begins his second season as an assistant coach at SJU in 2023-24.

The 2020 SJU graduate wrestled for the Johnnies at 125 pounds as a freshman and sophomore and 141 pounds as a junior and senior.

BRADY MEHR Brady Mehr is in his first season as an assistant coach at SJU in 2023-24. The 2020 SJU graduate wrestled for the Johnnies and has spent time coaching at the high school level before returning to his alma mater.

F U L L PAG E A D

NAME

YR. WT.

HOMETOWN/HIGH SCHOOL

Thomas Allen

Jr.

285

Colorado Springs, Colo./St. Mary’s

Kris Castro

Fr.

157/165

Simi Valley, Calif./Chaminade

Jawahn Cockfield

Fr.

285

St. Paul, Minn./Stillwater Area

Bryce Commerford

Fr.

174/184

Minnetonka, Minn./Benilde-St. Margaret’s

James Diaz

So.

197

Hemet, Calif./Beaumont

Jon Gettel

Fr.

157

Minneapolis, Minn./Benilde-St. Margaret’s

Ben Gilbertson

Sr.

174/184

Sauk Rapids, Minn./Sauk Rapids-Rice

Marcus Hayes

So.

125

Katy, Texas/Cypress Lakes

Owen Herbst

Fr.

165/174

Buffalo, Minn./Buffalo

Zachariah Hunter

So.

197

Stillwater, Minn./Stillwater Area

Andy Johnson

So.

174

St. Cloud, Minn./Tech

J.P. Johnson

Fr.

285

Mahtomedi, Minn./Mahtomedi

Xavier Jones

Fr.

125/133

Annandale, Minn./Annandale

Eric Jurek

Fr.

197

Stillwater, Minn./Stillwater Area

Connor Krueger

Fr.

141/149

Superior, Wis./Superior

Cody Kwak

Fr.

285

Ridgeland, Wis./Menomonie

Cage Linton

Jr.

184/197

St. Paul, Minn./Cretin-Derham Hall

Chris Mathis

Fr.

125

Chicago, Ill./Leo

Parker Meyers

Fr.

174

Blue Earth, Minn./Blue Earth Area

D.J. Myles

Jr.

184/197

Dayton, Minn./Champlin Park

Landon Seward

Fr.

174/184

Alexandria, Minn./Alexandria

Gabe Shatskikh

Fr.

184/197

Faribault, Minn./Faribault

Erick Solano

Fr.

125/133

Katy, Texas/Paetow

Logan Thorsten

Jr.

157

Foley, Minn./Foley

Kenneth Torres

Fr.

285

Fontana, Calif./Marshall Fundamental

Jacob Vaughan

Jr.

165/174

New Prague, Minn./New Prague

Aidan Wayne

Fr.

184/197

Maple Grove, Minn./Osseo

Noah Whitfield-Lopez

Jr.

157/165

Wheatland, Wyo./Wheatland

Wyatt Witschen

Fr.

174

Monticello, Minn./Monticello

D.J. Myles

JOHNNIE WRESTLING

Zachariah Hunter 6

WRESTLING FACILITIES

WRESTLING ROOM

MCGLYNN FITNESS CENTER

Opening in 1973, the wrestling room is the primary practice space for the wrestling team. Complete with padded walls and mats, as soon as one walks into the wrestling room, they are reminded of the proud tradition of Johnnie Wrestling as conference honors and titles of former grapplers adorn the walls.

Opened in 1997, the 5,600 square foot McGlynn Fitness Center is equipped with upper body, lower body, and full core machines as well as cardiovascular machines such as treadmills, ellipticals, and bikes.

SEXTON ARENA Although the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) dropped wrestling as an official conference recognized sport in 2004, Saint John’s University continues to add to its prestigious wrestling history to this day. Students pack the mats inside of Sexton Arena (and sometimes the Donald McNeely Spectrum) to watch the Johnnie grapplers take on some of the best competition that the country has to offer. During the days of MIAC wrestling (1948 to 2004), Saint John’s won a total of 14 team titles, 59 individual MIAC titles, and produced 8 Carl Larson Trophy Award winners (given to the best individual grappler in the conference). Eight of the 14 MIAC team titles came in straight succession from 1952 to 1959.

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DONALD MCNEELY SPECTRUM The Donald McNeely Spectrum is a multi-purpose fieldhouse located inside the Warner Palaestra that can also be used for home meets.

GARY’S OPENED IN 1982.

F U L L PAG E A D

In 1982, the Johnnies went 9-0 and have had a winning record ever since.

Coincidence? We think NOT! Thank you CSB and SJU Students, Staff & Alumni for over 40 great years!

LAST SEASON IN PICTURES

Despite getting a late start to the season due to football, junior D.J. Myles won nine matches in 2022-23.

Senior Ben Gilbertson led SJU in wins a year ago.

Junior Logan Thorsten won 10 matches for SJU in 2022-23.

9 GoJohnnies.com

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J-CLUB HALL OF HONOR MINGA BATSUKH In the celebration that followed Minga Batsukh’s first national championship in 2009, a challenge was laid in front of the standout Johnnie wrestler.

“I remember everyone was cheering and yelling,” Batsukh recalls. “They were saying ‘You’re a national champion! You’re a national champion!’ But (current SJU head coach) Kevin Schiltz, who was an assistant coach for us at the time, told me it was going to be a lot harder to do it a second time. Everyone was going to be gunning for me.

“That really motivated me. It made me want to keep getting better and work even harder.

I wanted to come back and do it again.”

In fact, Batsukh returned to do it twice – following up his first NCAA Division III national title at 141 pounds with another as a junior in 2010, then closing his career by winning the national championship at 149 pounds as a senior in 2011. That makes him the only three-time national champion in school history.

After graduating from SJU, Batsukh returned to Mongolia and continued wrestling for a time, just missing out on the final spot in the 2012 Summer Olympics by the luck of the draw at that year’s Asian Wrestling Qualification Tournament.

He’s gone on to a career in the financial sector in Ulaanbaatar, but he and fellow SJU wrestler Mogi Baatar have both remained involved in the sport. They run a club for kids ages 5-14 that specializes in freestyle wrestling, jiu-jitsu and boxing.

GARY SVENDSEN Gary Svendsen ‘72 wasn’t initially sold on the concept of attending Saint John’s University. In fact, the

highly sought-after wrestler from Coon Rapids (Minn.) High School had already decided on another school as a senior in the spring of 1968.

But SJU head coach Terry Haws – who had just completed his first season at the program’s helm – refused to take no for an answer. Svendsen changed his mind and enrolled in Collegeville just weeks before the 1968-69 school year was scheduled to start.

Despite breaking his leg early in his first semester on campus (which posed a challenge for the freshman who had been placed on the fourth floor of Benet Hall), he returned to action after Christmas and made an immediate impact, capturing an MIAC title at 118 pounds.

Svendsen repeated that feat the following year and also won his weight class during the Johnnies’ first trip to the National Catholic Invitational, which included prominent schools like Notre Dame and Marquette. He also advanced to the NAIA national tournament.

Svendsen went on to be a three-time MIAC champion and a two-time National Catholic Invitational champion wrestler. He also won the 1972 NAIA national title at 134 pounds and finished his career with a program-record .921 winning percentage (105-9 record).

LOU ADDERLEY Lou Adderley hadn’t wrestled at all before arriving at SJU as a freshman from The Bahamas in 1951.

But he went on to great success in the sport, winning the 1953-54 MIAC championship at 130 pounds.

He was also a dominant force on the tennis court, falling in the conference singles final as a freshman in 1952, then winning threestraight MIAC titles in 1953, ’54 and ’55.

and as the director of athletics at Saint Augustine’s College, a secondary school for grades 7-12. There, he had a profound influence on not only some of the top athletes in the nation’s history, but on some of the country’s future leaders as well.

That group included Cynthia Pratt, who went on to become Deputy Prime Minister and is now the GovernorGeneral of The Bahamas.

He also stayed active in athletics himself, including as a player-coach on the first volleyball team to represent The Bahamas in the Pan-American Games in 1967.

TERRY HAWS Terry Haws never wrestled himself. But he would go on to become one of the greatest wrestling coaches the state of Minnesota has ever seen.

After establishing successful high school programs at both St. James and St. Cloud Cathedral, Haws took over the head coaching job at Saint John’s in 1968 and immediately built the Johnnies into a national power.

Over his five seasons in Collegeville, his teams went a combined 73-10-1 in dual meet competition, won three MIAC titles and two National Catholic championships.

His wrestlers captured 16 MIAC titles in their respective weight classes, 11 National Catholic championships and one NAIA national title.

Haws was also a successful high school football coach, who then became the first full-time assistant legendary Johnnies coach John Gagliardi ever had.

Sadly, his time at SJU was cut short when he passed away after suffering a heart attack at age 49 while with his team at the National Catholic Invitational in 1973.

After graduating in 1955, he returned to The Bahamas where he served as a coach 12

HALL OF FAMERS BRANDON NOVAK Brandon Novak served as head coach of the Saint John’s wrestling team from 2004 to 2014, compiling a record of 83-73 in dual meet competition.

Under Novak’s watch, Johnnie wrestlers earned All-American honors 15 times.

That included Minga Batsukh, who won three-straight national titles from 2009-11.

Novak was a two-time All-American himself, who won a national title at 197 pounds in 2001. He was also an All-American linebacker on the football field and remains SJU’s current co-defensive coordinator.

TERRY HAWS When Terry Haws took over as wrestling coach at Saint John’s in the fall of 1967, the program had not won a conference title in four years. But Haws, who had great success as a high school coach in St. James and at St. Cloud Cathedral, quickly built the Johnnies into a national power.

In his six seasons at the helm, his teams compiled a dual meet record of 65-9-2, earning three-straight MIAC titles in 1971, ’72 and ’73. Under his watch, wrestlers earned All-American honors four times and Gary Svendsen earned an NAIA national championship at 134 pounds during the 1971-72 season. He also led the Johnnies to back-to-back titles at the National Catholic Invitational Tournament in 1972 and ’72, a season in which he earned national Catholic Coach of the Year honors.

He was back with his team at the NCIT in Cleveland in February of 1973 when he died of a heart attack at the age of 49.

JOHN ELTON John Elton is the longest-serving head

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coach in Saint John’s wrestling history, having led the Johnnies from 1981 until his retirement in 2004. Under his watch, SJU sent wrestlers to the NCAA Division III national meet in all but two seasons.

Elton coached two wrestlers to Division III national titles John Newman at 174 pounds in 1999 and Brandon Novak at 197 pounds in 2001.

Prior to taking over as head coach, Elton was a two-time qualifier for the national meet at 150 pounds for the Johnnies in 1979 and ’80.

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AWARDS & RECOGNITION A L L-MI AC ( FIRST-T E A M ONLY ) 1947-48 John Weimerskirch (147 lbs.)

1948-49 Ted Burgaff (177 lbs.)

Norman McDonnel (157 lbs.)

John Weimerskirch (147 lbs.)

1950-51 Jim McKeown (137 lbs.)

George Pribyl (177 lbs.)

John Weimerskirch* (147 lbs.)

1951-52 Fred Grant (130 lbs.)

Jim McKeown (137 lbs.)

Clem Schoenbauer (Hwt.) John Weimerskirch (147 lbs.)

1952-53 Bob Forster (Hwt.) Fred Grant (130 lbs.)

Leo Kemper (177 lbs.)

Jim McKeown* (137 lbs.)

Jerre Miller (123 lbs.)

1953-54 Louis Adderley (130 lbs.)

Leo Kemper (Hwt.) Tom Kemply (167 lbs.)

DeVaughn Nelson (157 lbs.)

Jim Tachney (177 lbs.)

Otto “Sy” Weber (147 lbs.)

1954-55 Don Flynn (137 lbs.)

DeVaughn Nelson (157 lbs.)

Jim Tachney (177 lbs.)

1955-56 Lawrence Betzler (157 lbs.)

Don Flynn (137 lbs.)

Mike Gibbs (147 lbs.)

DeVaughn Nelson (167 lbs.)

1956-57 John O’Fallon (167 lbs.)

1957-58 Lawrence Betzler (147 lbs.)

Jim Kuelbs (157 lbs.)

Gary Sauer (123 lbs.)

Scott Fernholz

1958-59 Lawrence Betzler (147 lbs.)

Tom Brudos (130 lbs.)

Jerry Dalseth (137 lbs.)

Jim Kuelbs (157 lbs.)

Gary Sauer (123 lbs.)

1959-60 Jim Kuelbs* (167 lbs.)

Pat Murtaugh (157 lbs.)

1960-61 Ben Pulkrabek (191 lbs.)

1961-62 John Fritz (147 lbs.)

John Fruth (130 lbs.)

Tony Leifeld (123 lbs.)

Ben Pulkrabek (Hwt.) 1963-64 Don Schreifels (177 lbs.)

1964-65 Maury Neifeld (191 lbs.)

Don Schreifels (177 lbs.)

1966-67 Pat Beyer (137 lbs.)

Bob Westby (123 lbs.)

1968-69 Gary Svendsen (115 lbs.)

1969-70 Gary Svendsen (118 lbs.)

Henry Wollmering (134 lbs.)

1970-71 Terry Elfering (118 lbs.)

Dennis Legatt (158 lbs.)

Tom Miller (190 lbs.)

Gary Svendsen (134 lbs.)

Tom Svendsen (126 lbs.)

Jerry Workman (167 lbs.)

1971-72 Terry Elfering (118 lbs.)

Joe Hayes (142 lbs.)

1972-73 Al Bielat (177 lbs.)

Terry Elfering (118 lbs.)

Joe Hayes (142 lbs.)

Dave Pulkrabek (158 lbs.)

Tom Svendsen (134 lbs.)

Tom Miller

1973-74 Jay Huffman (118 lbs.)

Greg Miller (Hwt.) Larry Osterhaus (158 lbs.)

Tom Svendsen (134 lbs.)

Jerry Workman (190 lbs.)

1974-75 Greg Miller (Hwt.) 1975-76 John Shimshock (150 lbs.)

1981-82 Jim Goodman (167 lbs.)

1984-85 John Schletty (167 lbs.)

1985-86 Dave Barthel (118 lbs.)

1986-87 Dave Barthel (118 lbs.)

1990-91 Scott Fernholz (142 lbs.)

1991-92 Scott Fernholz (142 lbs.)

1993-94 Chris Grothe (190 lbs.)

Jason Scherber (158 lbs.)

1994-95 Chris Grothe (190 lbs.)

Jason Scherber* (167 lbs.)

Rich Schneckenberger (158 lbs.)

Dan Tschudi (142 lbs.)

1996-97 John Newman (167 lbs.)

Matt Ryan* (158 lbs.)

Dan Tschudi (150 lbs.)

1997-98 John Newman* (167 lbs.)

Brandon Novak (190 lbs.)

1999-00 Jeremy Abfalter (165 lbs.)

2000-01 Brandon Novak* (197 lbs.)

2002-03 Dan Fiecke (197 lbs.)

2003-04 Dan Fiecke (197 lbs.)

Matt Vos* (125 lbs.) *Carl Larson Trophy as MIAC Outstanding Wrestler

Chris Grothe

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F U L L PAG E A D

PROUD SPONSOR AND CONTRACTOR FOR JOHNNIE ATHLETICS

NATIONAL CHAMPIONS

2009 (141 LBS.), 2010 (141 LBS.) & 2011 (149 LBS.) MINGA BATSUKH The 2011 D3wrestle.com National Wrestler of the Year, Minga Batsukh ’11 finished his collegiate career as a three-time NCAA Division III champion and a four-time national qualifier, winning the 141-pound title in 2009 and 2010, followed by the 149-pound title in 2011. He became the first three-time individual national champion in school history, regardless of sport, and was named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Wrestler. Batsukh compiled an 88-19 career record, which included a 28-12 record as a freshman and a 60-7 mark his final three seasons. He broke the SJU school record for takedowns in a match with 17 at the 2011 North Country Open.

2001 (197 LBS.) BRANDON NOVAK

1999 (174 LBS.) JOHN NEWMAN

1972 (134 LBS.) GARY SVENDSEN 18

INDIVIDUAL CHAMPIONS MIAC CHAMPIONS 1948 1949 1951 1952

1953

1954

1955 1956

1957 1958 1959

1960 1961 1962

1964 1965 1967 1969 1970 1971

1972

John Weimerskirch John Weimerskirch Norman McDonnel Ted Burgraff Jim McKeown John Weimerskirch George Pribyl Fred Grant Jim McKeown John Weimerskirch Clem Schoenbauer Jerre Miller Fred Grant Jim McKeown Leo Kemper Bob Foster Louis Adderly Otto “Sy” Weber DeVaughn Nelson Tom Kemply Jim Tachney Leo Kemper Don Flynn DeVaughn Nelson Jim Tachney Don Flynn Mike Gibbs Lawrence Betzler DeVaughn Nelson John O’Fallon Gary Sauer Lawrence Betzler Jim Kuelbs Gary Sauer Tom Brudos Jerry Dalseth Lawrence Betzler Jim Kuelbs Pat Murtaugh Jim Kuelbs Ben Pulkrabek Tony Leifeld John Fruth John Fritz Ben Pulkrabek Don Schreifels Don Schreifels Maury Neifeld Bob Westby Pat Beyer Gary Svendsen Gary Svendsen Henry Wollmering Terry Elfering Tom Svendsen Gary Svendsen Denis Legatt Jerry Workman Tom Miller Terry Elfering Joe Hayes

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1973 147 147 157 177 137 147 177 130 137 147 Hwt 123 130 137 177 Hwt 130 147 157 167 177 Hwt 137 157 177 137 147 157 167 167 123 147 157 123 130 137 147 157 157 167 191 123 130 147 Hwt 177 177 191 123 137 115 118 134 118 126 134 158 167 190 118 142

1974

1975 1976 1982 1985 1986 1987 1991 1992 1994 1995

1997 1998 2000 2001

Terry Elfering Tom Svendsen Joe Hayes Dave Pulkrabek Al Bielat Jay Huffman Tom Svendsen Larry Osterhaus Jerry Workman Greg Miller Greg Miller John Shimshack Jim Goodman John Schletty Dave Barthel Dave Barthel Scott Fernholz Scott Fernholz Jason Scherber Chris Grothe Dan Tschudi Rich Schneckenberger Jason Scherber Chris Grothe Dan Tschudi Matt Ryan John Newman John Newman Brandon Novak Jeremy Abfalter Brandon Novak

118 134 142 158 177 118 134 158 190 Hwt Hwt 150 167 167 118 118 142 142 158 190 142 158 167 190 150 158 167 167 190 165 197

CARL LARSON AWARD WINNERS The Carl Larson Award was awarded anually to the MIAC outstanding wrestler.

1951 John Weimerskirch Litchfield

1997 Matt Ryan Zumbrota

1953 Jim McKeown Albert Lea

1998 John Newman Mayer

1960 Jim Kuelbs Clements

2001 Brandon Novak Becker

1995 Jason Scherber Rogers

2004 Matt Vos Arlington

NCAA GREAT LAKES REGION CHAMPIONS 2003 2004 2009 2010 2011 2012

Dan Fiecke Dan Fiecke Mogi Baatar Minga Batsukh Minga Batsukh Matt Baarson Minga Batsukh Chris Sandy Chad Henle Matt Pfarr

197 197 133 141 141 165 149 141 133 174

NCAA WEST REGION CHAMPIONS 2013 2014 2016

Ryan Arne Mitch Hagen Ryan Michaelis Ben Henle

157 184 197 141

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INDIVIDUAL RECORDS Rich Schneckenberger

MOST VICTORIES Career 143 Season 52 Freshman 33

33

Matt Ryan, 1993-97 Rich Schneckenberger, 1994-95 Mogi Baatar, 2006-07 Jacob Malone, 2003-04

MOST CONSECUTIVE VICTORIES Rich Schneckenberger 32 1993-94 FASTEST FALL Matt Strobl :10

1995-96

FASTEST TECHNICAL FALL Dan Tschudi :51 1996-97 MOST FALLS Career 55 Season 22

Matt Ryan, 1993-97 Matt Ryan, 1994-95

MOST CONSECUTIVE FALLS Rich Schneckenberger 5 1994-95 MOST NEAR-FALL POINTS Career 475 Dan Tschudi, 1993-97 Season 282 Rich Schneckenberger, 1994-95 Match 19 Pat Manning, 1983-84 MOST TAKEDOWNS Career 336 John Newman, 1995-99 Season 126 Rich Schneckenberger, 1993-94 Match 17 Minga Batsukh, 2010-11 MOST REVERSALS Career 105 Chuck Chmielewski, 1984-88 Season 35 Shawn Govern, 1985-86 Match 5 Mark Devetter, 1983-84 5 John Svihel, 1983-84

21 GoJohnnies.com

Mogi Baatar

MOST ESCAPES Career 208 Mike Timm, 1996-00 Season 96 Dan Willaert, 2002-03 Match 11 John Haberman, 1990-91 MOST TEAM POINTS Career +521 Rich Schneckenberger, 1990-95 Season +194 Rich Schneckenberger, 1994-95 MOST MATCH POINTS Career 1,385 Rich Schneckenberger, 1990-95 Season 560 Rich Schneckenberger, 1994-95 GREATEST POINT SPREAD Mike Tess 26 1983-84 32-6 over Rick Aanerud, Golden Valley

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NCAA PARTICIPANTS 1979 1980 1982 1983 1985 1986 1987 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993

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Chris Meyer John Elton Dan Quinn John Elton Jim Goodman Brian Baker Brian Baker John Schletty Dave Barthel Dave Barthel Phil Wilder Scott Fernholz Tim Oelke Scott Fernholz Terry Fasching Mike Honken Scott Fernholz Terry Fasching Rich Schneckenberger Scott Fernholz Scot Doboszenski Rich Scneckenberger Jason Scherber Chris Grothe Dan Tschudi Jason Scherber Rich Schneckenberger Chris Grothe Dan Tschudi Matt Ryan Rich Schneckenberger Jason Scherber Chris Grothe Dan Tschudi Matt Ryan Andy Lien Chris Grothe Dan Tschudi Matt Ryan John Newman Brandon Novak Matt Wentland Mike Timm Matt Strobl Lance Bodeen John Newman Andy Lien Brandon Novak Eric Tschudi Jeremy Abfalter John Newman Ryan Tietz Adam Mergen Jeremy Abfalter Chris Gross Ryan Tietz Brandon Novak Matt Vos Brian Vetter Brian Lahr Brandon Novak Matt Vos

134 8th 150 177 150 167 134 134 167 118 118 HWT 142 8th 158 8th 142 158 177 142 158 167 142 150 158 167 190 5th 142 158 167 5th 190 142 7th 150 158 3rd 167 190 142 150 5th 177 5th HWT 150 7th 150 8th 167 3rd 190 5th HWT 126 150 158 174 177 3rd 190 125 165 174 1st 184 5th 125 165 174 184 197 3rd 125 141 165 197 1st 125 3rd

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Chuck Griffith Tim Anderson Dan Fiecke Matt Vos Nate Lefebvre Dan Fiecke Dan Fiecke Jacob Malone Dan Fiecke Jacob Malone Dan Willaert Jacob Malone Minga Batsukh Mogi Baatar Dustin Baxter Matt Schrupp Mogi Baatar Matt Baarson Mogi Baatar Minga Batsukh Dustin Baxter Matt Baarson Mogi Baatar Minga Batsukh Matt Baarson Minga Batsukh Dustin Baxter Chad Henle Matt Pfarr Chris Sandy Tony Willaert Dustin Baxter Mitch Hagen Chad Henle Matt Pfarr Chris Stevermer Ryan Arne Mitch Hagen Ryan Michaelis John Scepaniak Nick Schuler Chris Stevermer Ben Henle Ryan Michaelis Ben Henle Ryan Michaelis Teddy Erickson Ben Henle Mike Pleski Noah Becker Luke Dodd Teddy Erickson Robert Tait Luke Dodd Noah Becker

133 149 197 125 133 197 5th 197 157 197 157 4th 184 7th 157 5th 141 125 184 165 125 7th 157 133 141 1st 184 7th 165 133 141 1st 165 4th 149 1st 184 3rd 133 7th 174 7th 141 197 197 2nd 184 133 174 4th 157 157 184 5th 197 HWT 165 149 141 197 141 197 165 141 133 133 184 165 197 197 133

Dan Tschudi

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Chris Meyer

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STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS Presented by Institutional Advancement

Scholarships Provide Opportunities for Miller in Saint John’s Athletics Graham Miller ’25 has embraced his passion for sports photography during his time at Saint John’s University in ways he feels wouldn’t have been possible otherwise.

As a freshman, the communication major and art minor from Victoria, Minnesota worked in the athletic media relations office at the College of Saint Benedict, and last year he worked as a photographer for Saint John’s athletic media relations director Ryan Klinkner ’04.

“I get the chance to see the action from the sidelines and capture moments most fans don’t get to see,” Miller said. “I love my job and I take my position seriously. I’m getting the chance to explore what I want to do.

“It can be hard getting access to sporting events at bigger schools, or to find a student job on campus that would allow me to do this. I was fortunate when I came to Saint John’s that I was able to find people right away who supported me and wanted to have me on the team creating images for them.”

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Miller, the youngest of four siblings, said coming to Saint John’s wouldn’t have happened if not for scholarships.

He receives the Stephen Slaggie Scholarship, the Abbott Baldwin Dworschak Scholarship, the Cyril Pesek Scholarship, the Tse You Kai Scholarship, an academic achievement scholarship, an art scholarship and an alum referral scholarship.

“Scholarships have been a really big help for me,” Miller said. “If it wasn’t for them I wouldn’t have been able to attend Saint John’s. I’m very grateful for the opportunity to receive a great, wellrounded education.”

Klinkner said Miller is a pleasure to work with and his skillset is rare to find in an underclassman.

“Graham has been impressive since day one, both in his abilities as a photographer and his professionalism,” Klinkner said.

“Athletic photography typically demands a long learning process, but that was not the case with Graham. I am excited for Graham’s future and to see how he will continue to enhance Johnnie athletics over the next two years.”

Miller also took advantage of the Student Exploration through Alum Mentoring (SEAM) program where students are matched with alum mentors for informational interviews, networking conversations and an in-person or virtual site visit. It allows student participants to both network and explore the value of their liberal arts degree when it comes to future careers.

Miller was paired with James Slagle ‘09, the director of enterprise accounts at Shift4, a financial services company.

Slagle has experience in sports marketing in the athletic departments at the University of Florida, the University of Minnesota and the University of Southern California.

“It’s great to have the chance to connect with an alum and learn from them,” Miller said. “They share their experience and stories about their career and you pick up skills you might not get in other places.”

Miller hopes to work in the work in the sports digital media industry after graduation. He is so grateful to the donors who have helped make it possible for him to chase that dream.

“I still remember how it felt receiving my acceptance letter in the mail. I knew at that moment that this was the right place for me, and that feeling hasn’t changed.

It’s amazing to know there are so many people out there who care about making this possible. The Johnnie and Bennie network is really something remarkable.”

Gary Fasching

SJU Head Football Coach

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ALUM FEATURE Matt Pfarr and Mitch Hagen were no strangers to success on the wrestling mat at Saint John’s University.

And that pattern has continued in their professional lives as well.

Pfarr, a 2012 graduate, finished seventh at the NCAA Division III national meet at 174 pounds in 2011, then fourth as senior the following year. He is currently a field solutions manager for Lallemand Plant Care, a company that specializes in the development and marketing of microorganism strains for use in agriculture.

Hagen, a 2013 graduate, placed fifth nationally at 184 pounds as a senior, then attended medical school and did his residency at the University of Minnesota. This past July, he began a one-year fellowship in New York, where he is being mentored by Dr. Andrew Jacono, recognized as one of the top cosmetic surgeons in the nation.

“We start operating at 6:30 a.m. and go well into the evenings a lot of the time,” said Hagen, an integrative health science major at SJU. “That’s three or more days a week. The other days are filled up with work in the clinic, even some Saturdays and Sundays.

“We specialize in cosmetic surgery of the face – facelifts, nose jobs, eyelid lifts, brow lifts, things like that. But we also take a couple of trips to Colombia and Ecuador to perform cleft lip and palate surgeries, or reconstructive procedures like remaking ears for kids who were born without them.”

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“The wrestling program at Saint John’s gave me a pretty strong foundation for knowing how to go about doing things. You’re not always going to be as successful as you want to be at first.

But you have to be willing to put in the work and hang in there.”

Hagen said seeing the physical and mental boost such procedures can provide helped draw him in that direction.

“It’s amazing to witness how one surgery can aid someone’s well-being, or change something they’ve been self-conscious about forever,” he said. “I just find that really fulfilling.”

Pfarr, who grew up on and continues to help run his family’s farm near Le Sueur, Minnesota, said the work he undertakes hits home.

“Some of the biggest things were the importance of teamwork, setting goals and establishing a plan, and being able to adjust when you see what the situation is” “I manage 150 trials in the U.S. and Canada,” said Pfarr, a biology major with a pre-med emphasis at SJU. “Working with product design, location and researchers, then taking that data and making sure we have excellent looking marketing materials that communicate it out to our customers. As a grower

myself, I can understand the problems our customers need solved so they can pass their farms on to the next generation.

“Biology has always been a passion of mine,” continued Pfarr, who earned his graduate degree in agronomy from the University of Minnesota. “So finding a way to combine that with agriculture has really been a great fit.”

Both Pfarr and Berg said the lessons they learned at SJU – inside the wrestling room and out – helped prepare them for the professional success they’ve gone on to achieve.

“I think some of the biggest things were the importance of teamwork, setting goals and establishing a plan, and being able to adjust when you see what the situation is,” said Pfarr, who lives with his family in Arlington, Minnesota. “Then there’s work ethic. I feel like I’m recognized in my company as someone who can get things done. I take a lot of pride in that and it’s something my time at Saint John’s helped me fully develop .”

“The wrestling program at Saint John’s gave me a pretty strong foundation for knowing how to go about doing things,” said Hagen, who hopes to find a job back home in Minnesota when his fellowship is completed next year. “You’re not always going to be as successful as you want to be at first. But you have to be willing to put in the work and hang in there.

“That’s something that applied in wrestling and still holds true now.”

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