MARSHALL, Minn. – Following 14 seasons at Southwest Minnesota State University, head wrestling coach Jesse Nelson announced on Thursday he is resigning his post to pursue an outside professional opportunity.
“I want to thank Chris Hmielewski for taking a chance and hiring me in 2007,” Nelson said. “A big thank you to the rest of the of the SMSU Athletics Department for all of their friendship and mentorship over the past 14 years. The opportunity has been great and has been an amazing ride. I would also like to thank the alumni and my coaching staff for their dedication and passion to Mustang wrestling. Thank you as well to all of the parents and student-athletes that put their faith in me to lead them.”
Nelson, who was named just the fourth head coach in program history on Aug. 22, 2007, groomed 25 national qualifiers—including four two-time qualifiers and three three-time qualifiers—during his tenure. He coached six NCAA All-Americans, including Justin Reinsma in both 2012 and 2013, Jacob Begin in 2015, Cole Wilson in 2016 and Jackson Ryan and Caden Steffen this past season.