The Minnesota Wrestling Coaches Association has awarded six $1,000 scholarships this year. High school seniors who have wrestled at a Minnesota high school and are college-bound were eligible to apply.
Congratulations to this year’s MWCA scholarship winners:
Payton Handevidt from Jackson County Central High School is the son of Chris and Tammy Handevidt and is coached by Nate Hanson. Payton is a defending Minnesota State Wrestling Champion in Class A at 152 lbs. He is very active in school and community. In addition to wrestling, he is also an All-Conference football and baseball player and has served as team captain in both. Payton is a member of The National Honor Society and is a three-year member of the Knowledge Bowl team and pep band. He will attend Augustana.
Zachary Silvis wrestles under coach Jim LaBrosse at Park High School in Cottage Grove. He is the son of Chris and Mike Silvis. Zachary is a three-time State Wrestling participant and has placed sixth and third. Besides wrestling, Zach is a Math Tutor, belongs to a school leadership team, and is a member of the French Club. An outstanding student, Zachary has earned three Academic letters from Park High School. Future plans include attending NDSU.
Eion Ness of Sebeka is the son of Roxie and Quentin Ness and wrestles under coach Jacob Oyster for United North Central. Jacob has been a State Wrestling Tournament participant, is ranked #1 in his class academically, and is active in a wide variety of school activities. He is a member of the Student Council, NHS, Band, and Choir. He has received superior ratings in both Band and Choir. Eion has been an officer in the school’s Business Club three times. He plans on attending St. Cloud State University.
Cole Edwards from Prior Lake High School is the son of Erin and Dan Edwards, and his coach is Joe Block. Cole has over 100 varsity wrestling wins to his credit, is a former State Tournament participant, and is a two-time team captain. Dan served as the captain of his football team and earned All-District honors this past fall. Cole has a 4.07 GPA and is a mentor for middle school students. He is president of the Pro-Life Social Justice Club at Prior Lake High School. Cole is undecided on his college future.
Boden Simon from Maple River High School is coached by Terry Ochsendorf. His parents are Ted and Misti Simon. Boden is a three-time wrestling state entrant and placed sixth in 2021. Simon is an outstanding student and participates in a wide variety of school activities. He has been a member of the varsity football, baseball, track, and cross-country teams. Boden belongs to his school’s FFA chapter and is in concert band and pep band. He is his school’s MSHSL AAA award winner. Boden plans to attend Iowa Central Community College.
Christian Noble is coached by Ryan Prom at Big Lake High School. He is the son of Andy and Alison Noble. Christian has had an outstanding high school wrestling career. He is a four-time state entrant, placing third as a ninth-grader and was state champion as a sophomore and junior. He is also an accomplished cross country and track athlete as he has earned All-State awards in both sports. Christian is very much involved in his school, community, and church. In 2019 he was a YMCA International delegate at the world conference in London, England. Christian helps teach Sunday School and volunteers at nursing homes, summer food programs, and many other charities. Christian is an outstanding student, maintaining a 3.95 GPA, and plans to attend South Dakota State University.