The National Wrestling Hall of Fame Minnesota Chapter will honor Earl Stottler of Starbuck, Minnesota as The Medal of Courage Award Winner at a Minnesota Chapter Banquet on October 10, 2015. The Banquet will be at Country Inn & Suites in Benson, Minnesota. A Social Hour will be from 5-6 PM, Dinner at 6 PM, and the Program will be at 7 PM.
Earl Stottler was a one-class wrestling state champion at Princeton High School in 1958. He was runner-up at Benson his junior year. A four-time state entrant, Stottler went to Moorhead State and became the school’s first NAIA National Champion in 1961. He graduated from NDSU in 1969.
After one year at Milbank, South Dakota, Stottler moved to Starbuck in 1970 where he served as head wrestling and assistant football coach through 1986 when health concerns forced him to give up coaching. Stottler’s team won the District 21 Title in 1972. The first version of the Minnewaska team earned a District 22 championship under Stottler in 1986 and was Region 6A runner-up. He earned Coach of the Year honors as well.
In all, Earl coached 67 conference champions, 58 district champions, ten region champions, and 11 state entrants.
Stottler was inducted into the Minnesota Wrestling Coaches Association Dave Bartelma Hall of Fame in 1991 and the Dragon Hall of Fame at Moorhead State in 1997.
In addition to competing and coaching, Stottler officiated at all levels for 12 years.
Stottler battled adversity and showed much courage in overcoming a major heart attack in 1986. He continued to give back to the sport as a color commentator for area radio stations broadcasting wrestling matches. Stottler’s been a PA announcer as well as a scorebook and score clock operator.
Stottler also served as a District 21/22 and Region 6A wrestling coaches rep and as a member of the MWCA Bartelma Hall of Fame Committee.
A major stroke in 2011 paralyzed Stottler, but his ability to continue to fight the odds during his rehab shows the same role model abilities he had as a coach to take one step at a time.
The National Hall is Proud to Honor Earl Stottler.
Come out and honor Earl Stottler on October 10, 2015.
Country Inn & Suites, Benson, MN
Social, Dinner, & Program 5-8 pm
Cost: $32.00 (Adults), $20 (Students)
Reserve your tickets through Steve Ricard sricard@benson.k12.mn.us
Cell: 320-444-0569
Let Steve know by October 6, 2015. You can pay at the door, but let Steve know.