The Minnesota Wrestling Coaches Association has awarded eight $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:
Adam Cherne wrestles at Wayzata High School, where he is coached by Eric Swenson. The son of Derek and Michele Cherne, Adam is a three-time state tournament qualifier and two-time place winner. Adam is an outstanding student. He was a member of the varsity football team and volunteers in his school and community. Adam’s coach praises his work ethic and ability to focus on goals and points to those attributes as having helped him overcome many adversities to achieve success. Adam will attend North Dakota State and join the wrestling team there.
Alan Koehler is a student at Prior Lake High School and is coached by Joe Block. Alan is one of the top students in his class and is called “A model student” by the teacher of his Physiology class. He is a two-time state wrestling champion and volunteers in his school and community. Alan’s coach says, “He truly believes in honesty, integrity, and hard work,” and that is the reason for his success. Alan is the son of Rebecca and Andy Koehler and plans on continuing his academic and athletic career at Nebraska.
Cade Jackson is a student-athlete at Detroit Lakes High School, where he wrestles under coach Taylor Nein. The son of Jennifer and Todd Jackson, Cade has had a successful wrestling career. He is a four-time state wrestling entrant and two-time state place winner. Todd also participates on the varsity baseball and football teams. He is involved in many other school organizations. An “A” student, Cade’s AP teacher writes, “Cade has many exceptional qualities. He maintains a positive outlook on life and has a solid moral character. He is conscientious, respectful, and polite.” Cade plans on attending Minnesota State University, Moorhead.
Cael Robb is coached by Derek Johnson at Owatonna High School. He is the son of Tracey and Carrie Robb. Cael has had an outstanding wrestling career. He is a three-time state tournament medalist. In addition to being an outstanding student, Cael is an editor of his high school’s newspaper. He is a participant in the Steele County Young Life organization and volunteers in the Big Brother Big Sister program. Cael is viewed as a positive leader in his school. One of Cael’s teachers writes, “Whenever Cael Robb walks into my classroom, I can feel the energy shift……the room fills with positivity.” Cael plans on attending and wrestling at The University of Nebraska – Kearney.
Davin Rose attends Hancock High School and wrestles on the MAHACA team, where he is coached by Kyle Rose. Davin is a four-time state tournament entrant as a wrestler and has placed twice. In addition to wrestling, Davin participates in football and baseball and is in the school choir. He earned all-state football honors this past fall. Davin is an outstanding student with a near 4.0 GPA while taking mostly college-level courses. He is active as a volunteer in many other school and community organizations. The Dean of students at his high school says of Davin, “Whether in the classroom, in athletics or the community, Davin is a positive representative of both school and community.” Davin is the son of Krissie and Kyle Rose and plans on attending Augustana.
Cooper Ochsendorf wrestles at Maple River High School under coach Terry Ochendorf. In the process of being a two-time State Tournament entrant, Cooper has had to overcome two torn ACL injuries. His commitment to the sport of wrestling is matched by his approach in the classroom. He has a near-perfect GPA while taking advanced classes. Cooper is active in many other school activities. He participates in Track and Field, was a two-year captain of the football team, and is in Concert Band and Pep Band. Cooper volunteers in many community organizations. Cooper’s High School Principal writes, “Younger athletes look to Cooper for advice on all sports, school or everyday life.” Cooper is the son of Naomi and Terry Ochendorf and plans on attending Minnesota State University, Moorhead.
Seth Newby of Bemidji High School is coached by Rance Bahr and is the son of Linda and Troy Newby. As an athlete, Seth has been a captain of the wrestling, football, and track teams. He is a five-time state qualifier in wrestling and a state place winner. Seth is an outstanding student with an A average while taking advanced classes, and he is a member of the National Honor Society. He volunteers in community organizations. His coach says of Seth, “Seth is passionate, energetic, and hard-working. He is a leader in the wrestling room, in the classroom, and the community.” Seth is undecided about his college choice.
Corbin Knapp is a student at Pine River – Backus High School and wrestles for the Pequot Lakes/Pine River – Backus wrestling team under coach Travis Hoffarth. Corbin is a two-time wrestling state tournament entrant and is a three-year captain of the wrestling team. Corbin also excels in baseball and football, earning many honors in both sports and serving as captain of the football team. Corbin is an outstanding student. He is a member of the National Honor Society, Student Council, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Corbin earned his Eagle Scout award after serving as a volunteer for many community organizations. Corbin is the son of Susan Knapp and Nathan and Kelly Knapp. He plans on attending either UW-River Falls or St. Scholastica. Corbin’s coach writes that although he has attained many accolades in sports, “Corbin’s growth as a student-athlete with tremendous character, outstanding leadership qualities, and a strong desire to succeed is even more impressive…”