After the 1999-2000 season, St. Thomas faced some economic hardships & Athletic Director Steve Fritz wasted no time in announcing the discontinuation of wrestling as the first measure to help cut costs.
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| Richard Gurtek 191 lbs |
A graduate of New Brighton High School, Gurtek won three MIAC titles for the Tommies. His sophomore season of 1958 he made the NAIA finals.
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| Roger Zeug 167lbs |
Zeug had an outstanding career at St. Thomas winning three MIAC titles & being named the Outstanding wrestler of the tournament his senior season of 1964. That season he also made the NAIA finals.
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| Don Studer |
A state champion for Sherburn High school, Studer finished as the MIAC runner up twice before finally securing a title in 1984. Finishing eighth at the NAIA tournament in 1983, he most likely would have made All American status again but was unable to participate in the 1984 tournament due to an injury.
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| Kevin McNamer 158 lbs |
During his career McNamer won two MIAC titles for the Tommies finishing in fifth place at the 1978 NCAA Division III championships.
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| Denis McNamara 167, 177 lbs |
McNamara was a two time NCAA Division III All American for the Tommies. He placed eighth in 1987, making the finals in 1988.
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| Jason O'Brien 118 lbs |
Add the name Jason O'Brien to your list of national champions who never won a state title. Although he won three conference, two district & two regional championships, the state title eluded him during his career at Waseca High school. The best he finished in his 76-11 prep record was fourth twice.
Wrestling for the Tommies, O'Brien won three MIAC titles & took fourth at the 1990 NCAA Division III championships. In 1991 he'd win the NCAA Division III title.
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| Rich Elliott 134 lbs |
A bit of a mystery on 1991 NCAA Division III finalist Rich Elliott that I was unable to figure out. Writer Rich Elliott author of Big Snow has mentioned in his writing that he was a wrestler, but I don't know if this is the same Rich Elliott or not. Perhaps other wrestling fans will be able to answer.
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| Kevin Ahern 158 lbs |
A graduate of Simley High school where he finished as the 1988 Runner-up, Ahern came to St. Thomas with a record of 102-28. After winning an MIAC title in 1991, it looked like Ahern's goal of being an All American might be over when he lost his first round match at the NCAA Division III championships. It was far from over, it was only getting started. Ahern would never lose another match as he battled his way back to a third place finish.
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| Kevin Fiedler 150 lbs |
A graduate of Sauk Center high School, Fieldler made the NCAA Division III finals in 1996.
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| Joel O'Brien 126 lbs |
Younger brother of NCAA Division III national champion Jason, Joel had a notable career for the Tommies in his own right. A graduate of Waseca High school he came to St. Thomas with a record of 84-14 having finished fifth & second in the state.
While competing for St. Thomas, he won three MIAC titles and took third at the 1997 NCAA Division III championships. He had 123 victories during his career.
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