Itasca Community College is working hard to improve in all areas
By Matt Krumrie
The last time the Itasca CC Vikings wrestling team competed was during the 2019-2020 season. During that season head coach Joseph Umlauf led the Vikings to a top 30 finish at the NJCAA national tournament, a tie for second place at the MCAC tournament, and a 3-3 dual meet record. Three wrestlers from that team transferred to wrestle at four-year schools and the program was continuing its upward trajectory on and off the mat.
Then, just as momentum was continuing to build, the COVID-19 pandemic shut down the Vikings' 2020-2021 season.
While that didn't allow the team to compete, Umlauf didn't stop working to continue the progress he's made developing the Itasca CC wrestling program. Now in his third season, Umlauf has grown the roster from one wrestler when he took over to 30. Meanwhile, the team GPA and community service hours volunteered were the highest they've been in a decade.