The Minnesota Wrestling Coaches Association has awarded five $1,000 scholarships this year. Any Senior who has wrestled at a Minnesota High School and is college-bound was eligible to apply.
Here are this year’s MWCA scholarship recipients:
Damon Schmalzriedt is a member of the Lake Crystal/ Welcome Memorial wrestling team where he is coached by Andre Harnitz. Damon is a two-time state entrant in wrestling, placing 4th in 2015. He is also active in Cross Country, Golf, National Honor Society and Knowledge Bowl. Damon is an excellent student and plans on attending Viterbo University. He is the son of Kim and Andy Schmaltzriedt.
James Huwe, son of Jamie and Tana Wood wrestles at Detroit Lakes High School. He is coached by Rob Ullyott. James is a three-time state tournament participant in wrestling and has placed 3rd in 2014 and 2nd in 2015. James is an outstanding all-around athlete as he has been selected to play in the Minnesota Football All-Star Game, and is a starter on the Detroit Lakes baseball team. James is active in his church as an instructor for Bible School. He plans on attending Bemidji State University.
Mitchell McKee, the son of Nina and the late Steve McKee wrestles at St. Michael-Albertville High School where he is coached by Dan Lefebvre. Mitchell is a five-time state entrant in wrestling, four-time state place winner, and twice has earned state championships. In addition to wrestling, Mitchell is involved in Chambers Choir and the National Honor Society. He plans on attending the University of Minnesota where he will wrestle.
Dietrich Balsbaugh is coached by Pat Murphy at Trinity School at River Ridge. A straight A student, Dietrich plans on attending Hillsdale College after graduation. He is a two-time state entrant in wrestling and placed 2nd in state last year at 152 pounds, Class A. Dietrich is the son of Jon and Jennifer Balsbaugh.
The 2015 106 pound state champion in Class A, Ethan Cota wrestles for Kenyon-Wanamingo High School and is coached by Matt Ryan. Ethan is an outstanding student and is a member of the National Honor Society. Ethan is active in many other school activities, including Band, where he has earned a Superior rating in the 2015 State Solo and Ensemble competition. He also has been a four-year participant his school’s Fall Theatre Production. Ethan plans on attending Augustana University.