The 2020 Minnesota Wrestling Coaches Association David Bartelma Wrestling Hall of Fame Induction Dinner, originally scheduled for May 2nd, is on track to take place October 3rd in Benson, Minn. Inductees will be Dave Droegemuller, Loren Hacker, Dan Jinks, Don Kussinen, and Brian “Buck” Lindberg. Brian Bakke, Tom Campanaro, Mark Costello, and Bob Mueller have elected to be inducted next spring at the 2021 banquet.
Bartelma Wrestling Hall of Fame Induction Dinner
Saturday, October 3, 2020
Inductees:
Dave Droegemueller, Athlete
Loren Hacker Contributor
Dan Jinks, Coach
Don Kuusinen, Contributor
Brian “Buck” Lindberg, Contributor
****The following inductees have opted to be a part of the 2021 Banquet:
Brian Bakke, Contributor
Tom Campanaro, Contributor
Mark Costello, Athlete
Bob Mueller, Coach
You can read 2020 Bartelma Wrestling Hall of Fame member bios below.
Ticket Order Form (pdf)
McKinney’s on Southside (banquet)
Country Inn (attached hotel)
300 14th St. South
Benson, MN 56215
Phone: (320) 843-4395 (rooms)
Toll-Free Hotel Reservations: 1-866-843-4394 or try Benson Inn, 320-842-6990
Time:
4:00 PM Social (Cash Bar)
5:00 PM Dinner
5:30 PM Induction Ceremony
Price of Dinner: $33.00 for adults, $20 for kids 12 and under
Social Distancing guidelines will be followed.
Make checks Payable to: MWCA
Send Order Form to:
Steve Ricard
405 15th St. North
Benson, MN 56215
320-843-4508 (h)
320-843-2710 (w)
320-444-0569 (cell)
sricard@benson.k12.mn.us
2020 Bartelma Wrestling Hall of Fame
Brian Bakke, Contributor
Brian Bakke attended East Grand Forks High School, graduating from there in 1991. In wrestling, he was a 3-time sectional place winner. He was a part of the Minnesota State tennis Doubles Champion team in 1990-91. Brian was encouraged by his father, Jeff Bakke, to start officiating, and he did so starting in 1992. As time went on, Brian really took to officiating. He worked with various officials up north (Brian “Buck” Lindberg and Al “Swede” Olson), and began to be selected to officiate at the MSHSL State Wrestling Tournament. He has worked 17 state tournaments to date. Brian was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis at an early age, and he continues to defy the odds of being with us today. He lives life to the fullest, and he takes nothing for granted. Such appreciation and passion for life is very gratifying to see. Brian continues to officiate both high school and college tournaments and duels. He knows his limits and does what he can. Brian’s wife is Kaylen, and they have a son Leyton.
Tom Campanaro, Contributor
Tom “Tommy” Campanaro attended Frank B. Kellogg High School graduating from there in 1968. Tom was a state entrant his senior year, competing at 138 lbs. Tom attended Itasca Community College and was a two-year starter, finishing with a record of 30-11. Tom wrestled at the University of Minnesota-Morris, where he was a starter at 150 lbs. his senior year. Tom graduated from UM-Morris in 1972 with a B.S. in Physical Education. Tom was the Head Coach at Bird Island High School from 1972-1976, served as a graduate Assistant for Colorado State University while earning his Masters Degree, was the head coach at Union High School in Oregon from 1978-1980. Tom went into the private sector from 1980-1994, then became an assistant wrestling coach at Cambridge-Isanti High School. To date, Tom has mentored 162 All-Conference wrestlers, 86 state entrants, 51 state place winners, and six state champions. (2015 numbers, Tom, there may be more? Please add on) Tom was selected as the 7AAA Assistant Coach of the Year. Neil Jennissen, Head Coach of Cambridge-Isanti, writes, “As an Assistant Tom took care of the little things-tournament set up, athletic trainer, sparring partner, cleaning the bleachers, mopping the mats.” Former Cambridge-Isanti wrestler Ross Dankers calls Tommy “that steady rock that every perennial powerhouse program needs.” John Droubie, Dean of Students and Activities Coordinator for Cambridge-Isanti Middle School, calls Tom “my all-time best hire.” Tom has three children, Johanna, Samantha, and Maria.
Mark Costello, Athlete
Mark Costello attended Park Rapids High School graduating from there in 1972. He was a four-time Park Rapids Invitational Champion, four-time Mid-State Conference Champion, a four-time District Champion, a 4-time Region Champion, and a 4-time state tournament entrant. Mark placed 5th in 1969 at 98 lbs, 3rd in 1970 at 103 lbs, and was a state champion in the 106-pound weight class both in 1971 and 1972. His career record was 126-6-1 (95% winning percentage). Mark was a three-time letter winner in wrestling (freshmen were not eligible to letter). He was voted team Co-Captain his senior year. Mark also lettered in both Cross Country (3 years) and Track (1 year). Mark attended the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, from 1972-1976. Mark placed 2nd in the EIWA in 1975, and first in 1976, qualifying him for the NCAA Division 1 Tournament both years. He was voted team Co-Captain his senior year. As a senior, Mark earned D-1 All American honors with a 6th place finish. Mark was named the Outstanding Wrestler at the Academy in 1976. Mark continued to wrestle after college and earned an invitation to the U.S. Olympic Wrestling Training Camp/tryouts in 1980. Mark is married to Cindy (Riewer) Costello, who was born in Park Rapids in June 1954. Her family moved when she was three months old when her father was transferred in the Navy. Mark & Cindy met at Pt Mugu Naval Base, California, in 1981. Mark was a Naval Officer attached to VX-4, a Test & Evaluation Squadron, and Cindy was working at the base Supply Department. And the rest is history. They married in August 1982 and still reside in Newbury Park, Calif. While they have no children, they enjoy lots of nieces, nephews, and now the greats. They both retired in 2009 at 55 and spend a lot of time traveling. They love to snow ski, hike, and camp (in tents) with a goal of visiting all of the National Parks. Their travel highlights include driving to Alaska (twice), Maine (once), visiting 47 National Parks, a cruise to Russia, and a recent cruise to see the sites of and walk on Antarctica. Mark & Cindy are probably on the road visiting someone or someplace(s) as they travel throughout the year.
Dave Droegemueller, Athlete
Dave Droegemueller attended Osseo High School, graduating from there in 1986. Dave was a five-time top six placewinner. (fifth at 98AA, third at 105AA, state runner-up at 105AA, State Champion at 112 AA, State Champion at 119AA. Dave’s high school record was 158-10-2. He was named a high school Academic All-American and also a High School All-American Wrestler. Dave attended the University of Nebraska, where he was a four-year varsity letter-winner and a three-time NCAA Div. 1 National Qualifier. Dave was a two-time captain at Nebraska, All-Big 8 Academic team, placed fourth in the Big 8 in 1990, and 2nd in the Big 8 in 1991. Upon obtaining his B.S. in Math Education, Dave began teaching and coaching. He was a head coach at Wayzata from 1991-92, Chisago Lakes from 1992-1995, and Wayzata from 1995-2001 (record 115-82-6). Today Dave is an assistant coach at Wayzata. He is recognized, according to friend and colleague Eric Swensen, “as an outstanding role model and a tremendous leader.” Hall of Fame member Jeff Lamphere writes, “Dave helps kids that wrestle for him to feel good about themselves, regardless of how successful they are, and always makes them feel like they are a part of the wrestling family.” Stillwater Coach Tim Hartung wrote, “Dave’s true honors are measured best by the lives of those he has changed.” Dave and his wife Kristi have two kids, Weston and Shelby.
Loren Hacker Contributor
Loren Hacker attended Canby High School, graduating from there in 1973. He competed in wrestling, earning a 4th place state finish his senior year and compiled a 49-10 record. He set a UM-Morris record with ten falls and team points (78). Loren attended the University of Minnesota-Morris from 1973-75 and 1976-1978. He was an NCAA Div. 3 All-American, earning a fourth-place finish at heavyweight. Loren went on to coach at McIntosh, SD from 1978-1980, Canby from 1980-1982, and Dawson-Boyd from 1982-1995. Loren was named District 9 Coach of the Year and District 11 Coach of the Year. Loren amassed a record of 172-174-6. During Loren’s tenure as head coach, Canby was crowned Region 3A champs and finished 6th in state. He had one state champion (Terry Ochsendorf) and eight state placers. Loren has continued to give back to the state tournament for the past 20 years as a state tournament volunteer. He has directed many Section 3A tournaments. Hall of Fame member Spencer Yohe writes, “Loren has been a great volunteer/contributor from 1995-2020. He built a very competitive program in Dawson-Boyd. He also worked and organized youth tournaments from 1978-2010. Hall of Famer Mike Bredeck writes, “Loren was one of the individuals that promoted every aspect of the sport from being an athlete, coach, and parent of a State Champion.” Today Loren serves a Superintendent for Hancock Public Schools. Loren and his wife Karen have two kids, Evan and Emily.
Dan Jinks, Coach
Dan Jinks attended Grand Rapids High School, graduating from there in 1973. While in high school, Dan participated in football, wrestling, and track. Dan earned three football letters, captained the team his senior year, and earned All-conference honors as a Defensive Tackle. Dan was a three-time letter winner in track, throwing the shot and discus. Dan also earned two letters in wrestling and capped off his senior year with a Section Championship and state tournament berth. Dan attended college at Moorhead State University. While there, he participated in both wrestling and football. Dan graduated in 1978 with Bachelor of Science degrees in both Health Education and Physical Education. Dan taught and coached in Ellsworth, Minnesota, from 1978-1980 and in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, from 1980-2017. Dan’s coaching record was 420-210-3. During his 30 years as the Grand Rapids head wrestling coach, Dan coached 70 Region/Section champions, 115 state qualifiers, 48 state place winners, and six individual state champions. Dan’s teams reached the state tournament eight times, and they were state runner-ups in 1987. Seven of Dan’s wrestlers have gone on to gain All-American status in college. Dan was named Region/Section coach of the year nine times. Dan served as MWCA Section 7AAA Representative for nine years, from 1987-1996. In 2005-2006 Dan served as President of the Minnesota Wrestling Coaches Association. Longtime friend Steve Lynch wrote, “his kids wrestled hard for him. The bonds he formed as a coach and leader influences many kids on the edge of school and society to stick with the sport, and many of them have success stories to tell of their time in Jink’s room.” Dan is retired and resides at his lake home in Bowstring Township, Minnesota, with the love of his life Lori. He has two children that he is extremely proud of, a son Jacob (wife Stacey) and daughter Jennifer (husband Chad).
Don Kuusinen, Contributor
Don Kuusinen attended Grand Rapids High School, graduating from there in 1963. Don placed fourth at state in a one-class system. Don wrestled for a year at the University of Minnesota, then for a year at the University of North Dakota. He completed his B.S. degree in math education at Bemidji State University. Don would also earn a Masters of Science degree. After graduation, he got a math teaching position at Grand Rapids Junior High School. He retired in 2001. Don served as a junior high/middle school coach at Grand Rapids from 1968 to 1976. He was Head Wrestling Coach at Grand Rapids High School from 1977 to 1979. Don officiated for 50 years, starting and ending his officiating career in the Grand Rapids gymnasium. He served as Assistant Coach in 1979-80 and was an Elementary Coach for ten years. Kuusinen is a member of the Grand Rapids Wrestling Hall of Fame, the Grand Rapids Sports Hall of Fame, and the Minnesota-Dave Bartelma Wrestling Hall of Fame. The Kuusinen Family includes wife, Laurel, sons, Kraig (a two-time cancer survivor) living in New Hope, Minnesota, and Kent, who lives with his wife and two daughters in Vernon, Vermont; and Lance, who lives in Grand Rapids, Minnesota.
Brian “Buck” Lindberg, Contributor
Brian “Buck” Lindberg attended Fertile-Beltrami High School, graduating in 1979. Brian wrestled under the late Marv Nelson, as well as Hall of Fame member Paul Cyr and Bob Thorson. Brian was a three-time Pine to Prairie Conference Champion, and a two-time Northwest Tourney champion (one of the toughest tournaments in the northwest at that time.) Brian placed third in the Region his junior and senior year. He amassed a record of 75-15. Brian went on to wrestle in college at NDSSS (now called NDSCS in Wahpeton, ND. He graduated with an Associate of Science Degree. Brian was worked for Polk County from 1985 to his retirement in 2018. Brian served as an assistant coach under Bob Thorson at Fertile-Beltrami from 1981-1987 and 2003-2007, serving as the main technician. He was voted Assistant Coach of the Year for Section 8A two times. Brian began officiating under mentor Paul Cyr in 1981. He quickly became very well-known in the northwest part of the state and throughout the state. He was consistently ranked as one of the best officials in the state of Minnesota. He has served as a Rules Coordinator for the MSHSL for many years. Brian officiated for 36 years. Steve Ricard, Hall of Fame Chairman who had the opportunity to be coached by “Buck,” wrote, “I took lots of life lessons from Buck: 1. Treat people with respect. 2. Be genuine. 3. Laugh with kids, and make wrestling fun. 4. Work hard, regardless of how things go. 5. Be dedicated to family. 6. Do your best. 7. Give back.” Hall of Fame Member Kory Mosher wrote, “Buck was a sparring partner for me in high school, and he was great coach and mentor.” Hall of Fame Coach Rodd Olson wrote, “Wrestling is a great sport, and Brian Lindberg has devoted much of his life to make it great. His contribution as a wrestler, coach, and, most of all, a respected official by many makes him a deserving candidate.” Today Brian is teaching part-time for the University of Minnesota LTAP program and owns a small business. He continues to work for the MSHSL as a rules coordinator. Brian lives near Crosslake, MN, with his wife Renae and stepdaughter Shelbe. Brian has two sons, Eric (Katei) and Kyle (Jenna), and four grandchildren.
Bob Mueller, Coach
Bob Mueller attended Mahnomen High School, graduating from there in 1959. He had a high school record of 38-6. Bob attended Moorhead State College and earned a B.S. in Math Education. A shoulder injury prevented him from competing. Upon graduation, Bob began teaching and coaching at Underwood High School from 1963-1966. He then taught and coached at Monticello High School from 1966-1977. His coaching record was 142-40-4. Bob served as a Region 5 representative to the MSHSL, was named District 19 Coach of the Year twice, and his teams were crowned Wright County Conference Champions 6 times. Bob has volunteered at the State Tournament for over 20 years. He founded and continues to help with the Monticello wrestling Tournament. He started the junior high program in Monticello. He served as an official in college and high school for 40 years. Friends Jacob Holker and Brad Fleahman wrote, “Bob created a powerhouse wrestling team through the 70s winning numerous Conference and District titles. It is important to point out that Monticello was a small community competing with large metropolitan schools where there was only one wrestling class. Anyone who knows Bob knows that he lives, breathes, and bleeds the sport of wrestling. His coaching and contributions to the sport have touched countless lives-wrestling in Minnesota is better because of his involvement.” Justin Amidan, a former Monticello wrestler wrote, “Throughout my years in the Monticello wrestling program, I’ve seen Bob Mueller give of his time and energy to the sport long after he was done coaching; and I feel he has earned this induction.”