The Minnesota Wrestling Coaches Association (MWCA) 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:
Colbe Tappe of Staples-Motley is the son of Shane and Holly Tappe and is coached by Jim Jackson. Colbe is a three-sport athlete and excels in the classroom with a 3.8 GPA. Colbe is a three-time state finalist and is recognized for his work ethic, dignity, and commitment to the sport of wrestling. Colbe plans on attending St. Cloud State next fall.
Noah Christen of Sauk Centre-Melrose is the son of Glen and Becky Christen of Sauk Centre. Noah started on the varsity team as a seventh grader and leads both in the classroom and on the mat. Noah maintains a 3.94 GPA and was selected as the Triple ‘A’ Award Winner at Sauk Centre High School. Noah has participated in FFA, Robotics, Cross Country, Trap, and National Honor Society. Noah plans to attend Ridgewater Community College next fall.
Lauren Elsmore of Pine Island is the daughter of Jason and Deanna Elsmore of Pine Island. Lauren is coached by Coltan Laganiere. Lauren is a four-time state entrant and has earned over 100 wins throughout her career. She has also participated in Soccer, Softball, Trapshooting, FFA, Band and was selected for the Triple ‘A’ Award for Pine Island. Lauren plans on attending the University of Sioux Falls to continue her education and wrestling career.
Jack Bridenstine of Coon Rapids is the son of Chris and Di Bridenstine of Coon Rapids. Jack is coached by Adam Thronson. Jack is a three-time state entrant and has earned over 170 career wins. Jack has volunteered for several events in the Coon Rapids area and has also assisted as a youth wrestling coach. Jack is described as a modest person who treats all he encounters with respect and value.
Cavin Carlson is the son of Carl and Kellie Carlson of Pennock and attends Willmar High School. Cavin is coached by Ed Oehlers. Cavin is a four-time state entrant with over 220 career wins. Besides an outstanding wrestling career, Cavin has participated in Band, Choir, Track, Football, NHS, 4-H, and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Cavin has maintained an excellent academic record with a GPA above 4.0. He has been described by his coach as an athlete who has the ability to balance all his commitments, reflecting on his strong work ethic, family upbringing, and dedication. Cavin will continue his education and wrestling career next fall at South Dakota State University.
Jack Carlson is the son of Kerry and Beth Carlson of Goodhue. Jack is coached by Josh Grant. On the mat, Jack is a two-time state qualifier and has been involved in Football, Golf, Envirothon, Choir and NHS. Jack has also shined in the classroom, achieving a 3.92 GPA and plans on attending Bemidji State University next fall to play football. Jack is described as a steady, hardworking individual from a family with a strong work ethic.
Isabella McPhee wrestles for the Proctor/Hermantown wrestling team. She is the daughter of Eric and Megan McPhee of Proctor. Isabella is described as a rare combination of intellectual rigor, tenacity, and an unwavering commitment to personal excellence. Isabella is a four-sport athlete maintaining a 4.0 GPA. She participates in Track, Cross Country, Flag Football, Math League, NHS, Choir and the DECA program. In addition, she is also heavily involved in community events and projects. Isabella plans on continuing her education at the University of Wisconsin-Stout.
Audrey Rogotzke is the daughter of Perry and Kelly of Stillwater. She wrestles for Stillwater High School and is coached by Katrina Eggum. Audrey is a four-time state placewinner with two state championships. Audrey has an individual girl record of 104-2. While possessing a strong wrestling resume, Audrey has a 3.99 GPA and plans on continuing her education and wrestling career at North Central College in Naperville, Illinois, in the fall.