Heron Lake-Okabena-Lakefield graduate and former University of Minnesota wrestler Chad Kraft will be one of this year’s inductees into the Minnesota Wrestling Coaches Association David Bartelma Wrestling Hall of Fame.
He’ll be one of 10 inductees honored at the group’s annual dinner on April 29 in Benson.
Kraft was a four-time state entrant and three-time state champion for the Silver Bullets.
He placed fifth at 112 pounds in 1991, followed by three state titles, winning at 125 in 1992, 140 in 1993 and 145 in 1994.
Kraft was also a member of HLOL’s team that placed third in 1993. He won his last 80 high school matches to finish his career with a 192-18-1 record.
Kraft went on to an outstanding career at the University of Minnesota, where he became the school’s first four-time all-American in any sport.
He placed in the top five in the NCAA tournament four times, placing fifth at 150 pounds in 1996, third at 150 in 1997, second at 150 in 1998, and fifth at 157 in 1999.
While with the Gophers, Kraft compiled a record of 115-23, an .833 win percentage.
He is seventh in school history for dual meets (65) and 25th in wins (115).
Other inductees this year are:
The Dravis Family: Greg Dravis, Blaine Dravis, Jeff Dravis – Athletes
Todd Fuller: Athlete
Steve Ricard: Contributor
Darren Ripley: Coach
Bob Ruedy: Athlete
Joel Toedter: Contributor
Dalen Wasmund: Coach
Pioneer Recipients: Neal Hofland, Chokio-Alberta; and Gary Brantl, Plummer.