Bertha-Hewitt/Verndale – The Guillotine

Hall of Famer Steve Techam Dies at 80

September 11, 2025

Steve Techam, a longtime Minnesota wrestling coach who built programs from the ground up and earned induction into two halls of fame, died Sept. 3. He was 80.

Techam founded the wrestling program at Verndale High School in 1969 after being hired to teach junior high social studies. He coached the Pirates until 1980, when the school consolidated with Bertha-Hewitt to form the Raiders program.

The veteran coach continued leading Bertha-Hewitt-Verndale until retiring in 2007, then returned for the 2013-14 season to guide the Raiders to the state tournament. Techam finished his career with a 400-178-8.

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Dying Hall of Fame Coach is Leaving a Great Legacy

May 21, 2026September 17, 2024

By Jeff Bro Olsen

Steve Techam, 79, is amazing.

The 1945 model is facing the stiffest odds of ever turning 80, shooting a 10-point buck at 250 yards, reeling in silver salmon up in Alaska, or making one more Minnesota State Wrestling Tournament.

And that’s as a spectator.

The 2021 National Wrestling Hall of Fame coach shows you nothing that will tear at the heartstrings.

He’s a gamer!

Clay Nagel was immediately touched when told that Steve, the former Bertha-Hewitt head wrestling coach, has limited time left after being diagnosed with aplastic anemia in February 2023.

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The Guillotine – December 26, 2014

March 27, 2023December 26, 2014

The December 26, 2014 issue of The Guillotine has arrived! Featured content in this issue includes: High Standards and Great Results – Shakopee Sabers, One-on-One with Ned Shuck, A Blueprint for Success – Bertha-Hewitt/Verndale, and Lead Dog – Neil Ladsten.

More content in this issue: Lace ‘Em Up, High School Rankings, Minnesota College Connection, Officially Speaking, Minnesota Christmas Tournament Action, Ask The Doc, The Mat Grinder, View From The Matbird Seat, Where Have They Gone? – Jim Raschke, Open Tournament Calendar, Upcoming Camps-Clinics-Training, Name Search Puzzle.

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