The Minnesota Wrestling Coaches Association has awarded six $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 scholarship winners:
Jacob Scherber, a two-time wrestling state tournament participant, is the son of Deb and Jason Scherber. Jacob is a member of the National Honor Society and Student Council at Buffalo High School where he also was Captain of the football team and participates in track. Jacob is coached by Ben Pressler and plans on attending either St. John’s University, Concordia Moorhead or The Air Force Academy.
Kenny O’Neil of Prior Lake High School is the son of Kevin and Jane O’Neil and is coached by Joe Block. Kenny is a four-time participant in the State Wrestling Tournament and has placed 5th, 3rd, and 1st at State. In addition to wrestling, Kenny is an “A” student and has been involved with Football and the Marching Band at Prior Lake. Kenny has studied abroad briefly for two summers in Guatemala and is active in several community organizations. Kenny plans on attending South Dakota State University.
Nicolas Fite, the son of Jill and Sonny Fite, wrestles at Fridley High School and is coached by Eric Anderson. Nicolas holds the school record for most wins in a career and is a three-time State Wrestling Tournament participant. Nicolas is currently ranked number one in his class academically. He is the President of the Student Council and is a member of the National Honor Society. In addition to wrestling, Nicolas has lettered in Tennis five times and participated in the State Tennis Tournament, both as an individual and as a team member. He is also a Conference Champion Cross Country runner. Nicolas is undecided about college but has been accepted by The University of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Purdue University and The Georgia Institute of Technology.
Peyton Robb from Owatonna High School is a two-time State Champion and three-time State finalist and is coached by Adam Woitalla. He is the son of Tracey and Carrie Robb and is also an accomplished wrestler in both freestyle and Greco wrestling. An “A” student, Peyton is a writer for the school newspaper and is active in his church and community as a volunteer. Peyton plans on attending South Dakota State University.
Clay Carlson of Willmar High School has placed twice in the State Wrestling Tournament, sixth as a Freshman, and second as a Junior. He is the son of Carl and Kelli Carlson and Jon and Leah Kreps. He is coached by Ed Oehlers. Clay is an “A” student and is a member of the National Honor Society. He is a member of the Tennis team. Clay is involved in music as much as wrestling, having been in Band and Choir for years. He is currently the Choir President. In addition to his school activities, Clay has been a member of 4-H since Kindergarten and is a Lector and Usher in his church. Clay is undecided about where to attend college.
Jared Johnson from Kasson–Mantorville High School is the son of Steve and Kristy Johnson and is coached by Jaimie Heidt. Jared is a two-time state place winner in wrestling and is also a member of the baseball and cross county teams. In addition to athletics, Jared is an outstanding musician, earning superior ratings in Jazz Band and Tenor Horn and excellent ratings in Trumpet Ensemble. Jared is an “A” student and is a member of The National Honor Society. Jared plans on attending Minnesota State Mankato.