2021 NJCAA National Championships results. April 21-22 at Council Bluffs, Iowa.
A Family Legacy
Nathan Lexvold and K-W Wrestling
By Brian Jerzak
Two years ago, Kenyon-Wanamingo head coach Matt Ryan stepped away from a position he had held for 21 years. Ryan had built the program from a team that was happy to get out of the pigtail match during sections to one of the best programs in the state. To replace someone synonymous with Knights' wrestling, the K-W athletic department didn't have to look far for a replacement. They hired Nathan Lexvold – someone who is also synonymous with Knights' wrestling and whose family might be more ingrained in the community than even their former coach.
"My dad (Wayne Lexvold) wrestled for Goodhue – one of our rivals. He moved to Kenyon, and once I started wrestling in elementary, he started coaching in the elementary program. As my brothers and I moved up to varsity, he moved with us as a volunteer assistant coach."
Wrestling and the future head coach was a good fit from the beginning.
"I am a competitive person," Lexvold said. "I like to win. I always tell people I hate losing more than I like winning. Wrestling is a competitive thing, and with it being a one-on-one thing, you can control it."
Lexvold and three of his younger brothers came through the wrestling program. When Nathan was a senior, the brothers may have set a state record.
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National Girls High School Rankings
The National Wrestling Hall of Fame, USA Wrestling and FloWrestling on Tuesday released the sixth national rankings for high school girls wrestlers for the 2020-21 season.
This ranking evaluates all girls enrolled in grades 8-12, and athletes from all 50 states are eligible for selection.
It has been a busy time for girls high school wrestlers. Since the last ranking in March, numerous states have completed their official or unofficial girls state championships. These state tournaments play an important role in setting the rankings during this time of the year.
In addition, the major spring and summer national championships have already begun. The two events that had a tremendous impact on the April rankings were USA Wrestling’s High School National Recruiting Showcase and the Girls Folkstyle Nationals, both held in Coralville, Iowa.
NFHS Releases Weight Class Options for Boys and Girls
INDIANAPOLIS, IN — States will have a choice of 12, 13 or 14 weight classes for both boys and girls competition in high school wrestling, effective with the 2023-24 season.
This will be the first separate weight classes established for girls in high school wrestling, and it marks the first time that state associations will have a choice in the number of weight classes.
The landmark change in weight classes was one of several significant revisions recommended by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Wrestling Rules Committee at its April 7-9 meeting held virtually this year. All recommendations were subsequently approved by the NFHS Board of Directors.
Lange named Ms. Minnesota – Wrestling
Katerina “Katie” Lange of Martin County West High School has been awarded the Ms. Minnesota – Wrestling Award as the top senior female high school wrestler in the state.
Cardinal named MWCA Mr. Minnesota of Wrestling
Joseph and Vaith named MWCA Coaches of the Year
Derrick Cardinal of Forest Lake is this year’s Minnesota Wrestling Coaches Association Mr. Minnesota of Wrestling.
The MWCA 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.