Watertown High School's top wrestlers since December of 1984

August 12, 2023

Watertown Public Opinion

Dan Olson (center) of Watertown celebrates with his father and Arrow assistant coach Steve (right), as well as head coach Bob Hirsch (left), after he won the 130-pound title in the 2004 state Class A wrestling tournament in Aberdeen. Dan Olson, a two-time state runner-up, won to complete a 39-0 season.

Dan Olson (center) of Watertown celebrates with his father and Arrow assistant coach Steve (right), as well as head coach Bob Hirsch (left), after he won the 130-pound title in the 2004 state Class A wrestling tournament in Aberdeen. Dan Olson, a two-time state runner-up, won to complete a 39-0 season.

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Watertown's David Ingalls struggles to keep his feet against Winner's Jason Orel during their 145-pound championship match in the 2001 state Class A wrestling tournament at Rapid City. Ingalls capped a 35-0 season with an 11-4 win.

Watertown's David Ingalls struggles to keep his feet against Winner's Jason Orel during their 145-pound championship match in the 2001 state Class A wrestling tournament at Rapid City. Ingalls capped a 35-0 season with an 11-4 win.

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Watertown junior Sloan Johannsen has his arm raised after winning the Class A 120-pound championship on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2023 in the South Dakota State Wrestling Championships at The Monument in Rapid City.

Watertown junior Sloan Johannsen has his arm raised after winning the Class A 120-pound championship on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2023 in the South Dakota State Wrestling Championships at The Monument in Rapid City.

Traci Althoff
Nate Althoff of Watertown flips Canby's Ryan Otto during their 152-pound match in a 2001-2002 high school wrestling dual in the Civic Arena. Althoff was a three-time state champion for the Arrows.

Nate Althoff of Watertown flips Canby's Ryan Otto during their 152-pound match in a 2001-2002 high school wrestling dual in the Civic Arena. Althoff was a three-time state champion for the Arrows.

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Watertown wrestlers, from left, Nathan Godfrey, Ryan Ward, Kipp Jurgens, Jarrad Aason and A.J. York celebrate after the Arrows won the 1993 state Class A wrestling tournament at Aberdeen. York won a state individual title in 1994 and Ward one in 1995 for the Arrows.

Watertown wrestlers, from left, Nathan Godfrey, Ryan Ward, Kipp Jurgens, Jarrad Aason and A.J. York celebrate after the Arrows won the 1993 state Class A wrestling tournament at Aberdeen. York won a state individual title in 1994 and Ward one in 1995 for the Arrows.

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Ty Althoff of Watertown controls Riley Williams of Lennox during their 132-pound individual championship match Saturday in the 2020 state Class A wrestling touranment at the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center in Sioux Falls. Althoff capped a 45-1 season with a 3-1 victory. (Traci Althoff photo)

Ty Althoff of Watertown controls Riley Williams of Lennox during their 132-pound individual championship match Saturday in the 2020 state Class A wrestling touranment at the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center in Sioux Falls. Althoff capped a 45-1 season with a 3-1 victory. (Traci Althoff photo)

Chad LaQua of Watertown wrestles Joe Anderson of Sioux Falls Roosevelt at 119 pounds during the 1992 state Class A wrestling tournament. LaQua wrestled in the state championship three-straight years from 1990-92 and won the 119-pound title in 1991.

Chad LaQua of Watertown wrestles Joe Anderson of Sioux Falls Roosevelt at 119 pounds during the 1992 state Class A wrestling tournament. LaQua wrestled in the state championship three-straight years from 1990-92 and won the 119-pound title in 1991.

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Watertown's Justin Ward battles with Sturgis' Lyle Long during their 145-pound championship in the 1999 state Class A wrestling tournament at Sioux Falls. Ward won three-straight state titles from 1998-2000.

Watertown's Justin Ward battles with Sturgis' Lyle Long during their 145-pound championship in the 1999 state Class A wrestling tournament at Sioux Falls. Ward won three-straight state titles from 1998-2000.

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Senior 170-pounder Ben Althoff runs out to the center of the mat during face-offs prior to the Watertown High School wrestling team s 2022 Eastern South Dakota Conference dual against Brookings on Thursday in the Civic Arena. (Public Opinion photo)

Senior 170-pounder Ben Althoff runs out to the center of the mat during face-offs prior to the Watertown High School wrestling team's 2022 Eastern South Dakota Conference dual against Brookings on Thursday in the Civic Arena. (Public Opinion photo)

Roger Merriam
Justin Lindsey of Watertown capped a 33-0 by beating Eric Hultgren of Brandon Valley 9-4 for the 145-pound championship in the state Class A wrestling tournament at Sioux Falls.

Justin Lindsey of Watertown capped a 33-0 by beating Eric Hultgren of Brandon Valley 9-4 for the 145-pound championship in the state Class A wrestling tournament at Sioux Falls.

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Ryan Yoder of Watertown attempts to turn the shoulders of Canby's Kyle Armitage during their 160-pound match in a dual held in February of 1997 in the Watertown Civic Arena. Yoder won a state Class A title at 130 pounds in 1995.

Ryan Yoder of Watertown attempts to turn the shoulders of Canby's Kyle Armitage during their 160-pound match in a dual held in February of 1997 in the Watertown Civic Arena. Yoder won a state Class A title at 130 pounds in 1995.

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Ryan and Traci Althoff’s family has been a big part of the Watertown High School wrestling program for many years, starting with their sons Nate (left) and Aaron (second from right) — former WHS wrestlers who now serve as assistant coaches for the Arrows. Also pictured, starting second from left, are brothers Sam, Leo and Max Stroup; and brothers Ben and Ty Althoff and their sister Josie (far right). Sam Stroup and Ty Althoff are former WHS wrestlers who are now sophomore grapplers at Northern State University in Aberdeen. Ben Althoff is a senior wrestler for the Arrows with cousins Leo Stroup, a freshman, and Max Stroup, a seventh-grader. Josie Althoff is a student manager for the Arrows.

Ryan and Traci Althoff’s family has been a big part of the Watertown High School wrestling program for many years, starting with their sons Nate (left) and Aaron (second from right) — former WHS wrestlers who now serve as assistant coaches for the Arrows. Also pictured, starting second from left, are brothers Sam, Leo and Max Stroup; and brothers Ben and Ty Althoff and their sister Josie (far right). Sam Stroup and Ty Althoff are former WHS wrestlers who are now sophomore grapplers at Northern State University in Aberdeen. Ben Althoff is a senior wrestler for the Arrows with cousins Leo Stroup, a freshman, and Max Stroup, a seventh-grader. Josie Althoff is a student manager for the Arrows.

Photo By Traci Althoff
Mike Olson of Watertown gets ready to tip the shoulders of Sisseton's Justin Rowland during their 119-pound match in the Watertown Invitational in December of 1996. Olson was a two-time state Class A place winner for the Arrows, including a runner-up finish at 112 in 1996.

Mike Olson of Watertown gets ready to tip the shoulders of Sisseton's Justin Rowland during their 119-pound match in the Watertown Invitational in December of 1996. Olson was a two-time state Class A place winner for the Arrows, including a runner-up finish at 112 in 1996.

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Brock Vardsveen of Watetown wraps his arms around Milbank's Pat Wood during their 160-pound championship match in the 1989 Region 1A wrestling tournament at Brookings. Vardsveen won the match and went on to win the state championship.

Brock Vardsveen of Watetown wraps his arms around Milbank's Pat Wood during their 160-pound championship match in the 1989 Region 1A wrestling tournament at Brookings. Vardsveen won the match and went on to win the state championship.

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Grant Van Gilder of Watertown and Eddie Heisinger of Sturgis try to throw each other during their 152-pound championship in the 1998 state Class A wrestling tournament in the Watertown Civic Arena. Van Gilder won 6-4.

Grant Van Gilder of Watertown and Eddie Heisinger of Sturgis try to throw each other during their 152-pound championship in the 1998 state Class A wrestling tournament in the Watertown Civic Arena. Van Gilder won 6-4.

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Watertown senior Brady Burghardt spins to score a reversal against Pierre s Jebben Keyes during the 113-pound championship Saturday night in the 2013 state Class A wrestling tournament in the Civic Arena. Burghardt, who had finished second each of the past two years, rolled to a 13-2 victory over Keyes. (Public Opinion File Photo)

Watertown senior Brady Burghardt spins to score a reversal against Pierre’s Jebben Keyes during the 113-pound championship Saturday night in the 2013 state Class A wrestling tournament in the Civic Arena. Burghardt, who had finished second each of the past two years, rolled to a 13-2 victory over Keyes. (Public Opinion File Photo)

Watertown's Aaron Althoff grabs the head of Aberdeen Central's Jim Salfrank during their 135-pound championship match in the 1996 Region 1A tournament at Aberdeen. Althoff won by fall, tying a program record with his 26th pin of the season.

Watertown's Aaron Althoff grabs the head of Aberdeen Central's Jim Salfrank during their 135-pound championship match in the 1996 Region 1A tournament at Aberdeen. Althoff won by fall, tying a program record with his 26th pin of the season.

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Watertown's Tony Speiser works against Belle Fourche's Troy Mills during their 152-pound championship match in the 1995 state Class A wrestling tournament. Speiser won 3-2.

Watertown's Tony Speiser works against Belle Fourche's Troy Mills during their 152-pound championship match in the 1995 state Class A wrestling tournament. Speiser won 3-2.

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Watertown s Robert Coyle III controls Brookings Carson Klinkhammer during their 120-pound championship match Saturday in the 2017 Region 1A wrestling tournament Saturday in Hartford. Coyle won 10-2. (Photo by Traci Althoff)

Watertown’s Robert Coyle III controls Brookings’ Carson Klinkhammer during their 120-pound championship match Saturday in the 2017 Region 1A wrestling tournament Saturday in Hartford. Coyle won 10-2. (Photo by Traci Althoff)

Watertown's 125-pounder Kris York shoots for a reversal against Sioux Falls Roosevelt's Aaron Haddorf during the third-place match in the 1999 Watertown Dual Invitational tournament in the Watertown Civic Arena. York was three-time state Class A place winner for the Arrows.

Watertown's 125-pounder Kris York shoots for a reversal against Sioux Falls Roosevelt's Aaron Haddorf during the third-place match in the 1999 Watertown Dual Invitational tournament in the Watertown Civic Arena. York was three-time state Class A place winner for the Arrows.

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Dave Olson of Watertown and Tell Jacobs of Pine Ridge fight for leverage during their 119-pound championship in the 1999 state Class A wrestling tournament. Olson capped a 19-0 season with a 6-5 win.

Dave Olson of Watertown and Tell Jacobs of Pine Ridge fight for leverage during their 119-pound championship in the 1999 state Class A wrestling tournament. Olson capped a 19-0 season with a 6-5 win.

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Mike Engelhart of Watertown was a junior in 2005 when he won the 125-pound championship in the state Class A wrestling tournament.

Mike Engelhart of Watertown was a junior in 2005 when he won the 125-pound championship in the state Class A wrestling tournament.

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Brad Cordell of Watertown celebrates after winning the 171-pound championship in the 1994 state Class A wrestling tournament.

Brad Cordell of Watertown celebrates after winning the 171-pound championship in the 1994 state Class A wrestling tournament.

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Bob Hemiller of Watertown battles with Brandon Valley's Mike Stegenga during their 155-pound quarterfinal match in the 1986 state A wrestling tournament. Hemiller won the 167-pound state title in 1987.

Bob Hemiller of Watertown battles with Brandon Valley's Mike Stegenga during their 155-pound quarterfinal match in the 1986 state A wrestling tournament. Hemiller won the 167-pound state title in 1987.

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Tyler Dahl of Watertown breaks free from Pierr's Drew Osness during their 171-pound match in a 2000 Eastern South Dakota Conference wrestling dual in the Watertown Civic Arena. Dahl went on to win a state championship that year.

Tyler Dahl of Watertown breaks free from Pierr's Drew Osness during their 171-pound match in a 2000 Eastern South Dakota Conference wrestling dual in the Watertown Civic Arena. Dahl went on to win a state championship that year.

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Watertown eighth-grader Gage Lohr celebrates after beating Brandon Valley's Brendon Oehme during the Class A 106-pound championship on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2023 in the South Dakota State Wrestling Championships at The Monument in Rapid City.

Watertown eighth-grader Gage Lohr celebrates after beating Brandon Valley's Brendon Oehme during the Class A 106-pound championship on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2023 in the South Dakota State Wrestling Championships at The Monument in Rapid City.

Traci Althoff
Watertown's Simon Althoff wrestles a Mitchell wrestler during the championship dual of an eight-team dual wrestling tournament in the Watertown CIvic Arena in December of 1999. Althoff went on to win the 140-pound state A title that season.

Watertown's Simon Althoff wrestles a Mitchell wrestler during the championship dual of an eight-team dual wrestling tournament in the Watertown CIvic Arena in December of 1999. Althoff went on to win the 140-pound state A title that season.

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Watertown AJ York looks for a reversal against Mitchell's Toby Kippes during their 140-pound quarterfinal match in the 1994 state Class A wrestling tournament in the Watertown Civic York. York went on to win the state championship.

Watertown AJ York looks for a reversal against Mitchell's Toby Kippes during their 140-pound quarterfinal match in the 1994 state Class A wrestling tournament in the Watertown Civic York. York went on to win the state championship.

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Watertown s Sam Stroup and Milbank Area s Toby Schneck battle for control at 170 pounds during their match Saturday in the 2019 Watertown Dual Invitational wrestling tournament in the Civic Arena. Stroup won 9-2.

Watertown’s Sam Stroup and Milbank Area’s Toby Schneck battle for control at 170 pounds during their match Saturday in the 2019 Watertown Dual Invitational wrestling tournament in the Civic Arena. Stroup won 9-2.

Watertown's 119-pounder Jared Sutton controls Mitchell;s Miles Tate during an Eastern South Dakota Conference dual in January of 2000. Sutton was a three-time state Class A place winner for the Arrows, which included winning the 103-pound title in 1998.

Watertown's 119-pounder Jared Sutton controls Mitchell;s Miles Tate during an Eastern South Dakota Conference dual in January of 2000. Sutton was a three-time state Class A place winner for the Arrows, which included winning the 103-pound title in 1998.

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Watertown's 130-pound state champion Rob Ward speaks during a welcome celebration for the Arrows' 1992 state wrestling champions. Also pictured, from left, are Brad Cordell, Nathan Godfrey and Jeff Hartley.

Watertown's 130-pound state champion Rob Ward speaks during a welcome celebration for the Arrows' 1992 state wrestling champions. Also pictured, from left, are Brad Cordell, Nathan Godfrey and Jeff Hartley.

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Ryan Larsen of Watertown gets a takedown against Canton's Dillon Swanson during their 145-pound championship match in the 2007 state Class A wrestling tournament at Sioux Falls. Larsen won 9-6.

Ryan Larsen of Watertown gets a takedown against Canton's Dillon Swanson during their 145-pound championship match in the 2007 state Class A wrestling tournament at Sioux Falls. Larsen won 9-6.

Photo By Dick Carlson, Inertia
Watertown's Tim Wishard (left) and Brookings' Dick Price battled for the 132-pound championship in the 1988 state Class A tournament at Huron. Wishard won on criteria in overtime and was named the meet's outstanding wrestler. He won a second state title in 1989.

Watertown's Tim Wishard (left) and Brookings' Dick Price battled for the 132-pound championship in the 1988 state Class A tournament at Huron. Wishard won on criteria in overtime and was named the meet's outstanding wrestler. He won a second state title in 1989.

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Brian Hartwig of Watertown controls Tracey Heaton of Sturgis in the final seconds of their 167-pound championship match in the 1986 state Class A wrestling tournament. Hartwig won.

Brian Hartwig of Watertown controls Tracey Heaton of Sturgis in the final seconds of their 167-pound championship match in the 1986 state Class A wrestling tournament. Hartwig won.

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Watertown's Bruce Carter (top) hangs on to Glenn Foster of Sioux Falls Lincoln during their 132-pound championship match in the 1985 state Class A wrestling tournament in Sioux Falls. Carter, a junior, won 5-0.

Watertown's Bruce Carter (top) hangs on to Glenn Foster of Sioux Falls Lincoln during their 132-pound championship match in the 1985 state Class A wrestling tournament in Sioux Falls. Carter, a junior, won 5-0.

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Jeff Hartley of Watertown throws Corey Larson of Rapid City Stevens to the mat during their 160-pound championship match in the 1996 state Class A wrestling tournament in the Watertown Civic Arena. Hartley won 7-2 to cap a 27-0 season.

Jeff Hartley of Watertown throws Corey Larson of Rapid City Stevens to the mat during their 160-pound championship match in the 1996 state Class A wrestling tournament in the Watertown Civic Arena. Hartley won 7-2 to cap a 27-0 season.

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Watertown's Leo Stroup holds the leg of Mitchell's Cruze Allhiser at 113 pounds during an Eastern South Dakota Conference wrestling triangular on Thursday, Feb. 9, 2023 in the Watertown Civic Arena.

Watertown's Leo Stroup holds the leg of Mitchell's Cruze Allhiser at 113 pounds during an Eastern South Dakota Conference wrestling triangular on Thursday, Feb. 9, 2023 in the Watertown Civic Arena.

Roger Merriam/Public Opinion
Watertown's Micah Likness grabs the knee pad of Custer's Jared Webster during their 125-pound championship in the 1999 state Class A wrestling tournament. Likness won to complete a 32-1 season.

Watertown's Micah Likness grabs the knee pad of Custer's Jared Webster during their 125-pound championship in the 1999 state Class A wrestling tournament. Likness won to complete a 32-1 season.

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Marcus Engelhart of Watertown turns Brookings' J.D. McCullough of Brookings during their 119-pound championship match in the 2002 Region 1A wrestling tournament at Madison. Engelhart won to help the Arrows win their eighth-straight region title.

Marcus Engelhart of Watertown turns Brookings' J.D. McCullough of Brookings during their 119-pound championship match in the 2002 Region 1A wrestling tournament at Madison. Engelhart won to help the Arrows win their eighth-straight region title.

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Watertown's Bob Coyle II tries to wrap up Aberdeen Central's Dean Kallas during their 105-pound championship match in the 1987 Region 1A wrestling tournament at Madison. Coyle won by fall.

Watertown's Bob Coyle II tries to wrap up Aberdeen Central's Dean Kallas during their 105-pound championship match in the 1987 Region 1A wrestling tournament at Madison. Coyle won by fall.

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Watertown's Dan Olson struggles for control with Sioux Falls Roosevelt's Jeremie Degen during their 130-pound championship match in the 2003 Region 1A wrestling tournament at Aberdeen.

Watertown's Dan Olson struggles for control with Sioux Falls Roosevelt's Jeremie Degen during their 130-pound championship match in the 2003 Region 1A wrestling tournament at Aberdeen.

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Jared Aesoph of Watertown won the 189-pound championship in the 2006 state Class A wrestling tournament with a 4-3 win over Sioux Falls Roosevelt's Tharon Wallin.

Jared Aesoph of Watertown won the 189-pound championship in the 2006 state Class A wrestling tournament with a 4-3 win over Sioux Falls Roosevelt's Tharon Wallin.

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Watertown 285-pounder Micah Hach wraps up Aberdeen Central's Jacob Krenz during an Eastern South Dakota Conference wrestling triangular on Thursday, Jan. 26, 2023 in the Watertown Civic Arena.

Watertown 285-pounder Micah Hach wraps up Aberdeen Central's Jacob Krenz during an Eastern South Dakota Conference wrestling triangular on Thursday, Jan. 26, 2023 in the Watertown Civic Arena.

Roger Merriam/Public Opinion
Watertown’s Sawyer Hoffman, left, has his arm raised by referee Clair Donovan of Spearfish after winning the 130-pound championship in the 2009 state Class A wrestling tournament in the Watertown Civic Arena.

Watertown’s Sawyer Hoffman, left, has his arm raised by referee Clair Donovan of Spearfish after winning the 130-pound championship in the 2009 state Class A wrestling tournament in the Watertown Civic Arena.

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Watertown's Hope Orr attempts to pin Pierre's Ciara McFarling during the girls 285-pound championship on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2023 in the South Dakota State Wrestling Championships at The Monument in Rapid City.

Watertown's Hope Orr attempts to pin Pierre's Ciara McFarling during the girls 285-pound championship on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2023 in the South Dakota State Wrestling Championships at The Monument in Rapid City.

Traci Althoff


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