Jesse Nelson, Head Coach
In his 5th year of coaching, Nelson has continued the success of Ridgewater Wrestling. Currently Nelson has coached 10 All-Americans, 3 national finalists, 1 national champion, and coaching the team to its first team championship in 2005. Nelson is an alumnus of both Ridgewater College and St Cloud State University, currently residing in Willmar with wife, Julie, and two children, Blake and Brooklyn.
Jeff Lange, Assistant Coach
The 2006-2007 marks the 6th year Lange has been an assistant coach to the Ridgewater Wrestling program. Lange brings the “Heavy Weight” dimension to the program working with the big men in the room. Lange is also an Alumni of Ridgewater, and currently resides in Willmar.
Jim Soine, Assistant Coach
Soine enters his 4th year as a volunteer assistant coach for the upcoming season. An All-American for Ridgewater in 1989, Soine’s experience on the mat under legendary coach Minter has proved valuable time and time again. Jim currently resides with his wife and 3 children near Hawick, MN.
John Koons, Assistant Coach
Koons begins his first season coaching after a successful college career at both Ridgewater and Minnesota State University-Mankato. Koons earned All-American honors with a NJCAA 2nd place finish in 2004 under Coach Nelson, as well as earning All-American honors MSU-Mankato. Koons is currently finishing his studies at MSU-Mankato, majoring in Sport Management, and a minor in Marketing.