– Coach in Minnesota wrestling Hall of Fame
– National wrestling Hall of Fame inductee from Minnesota.
Remembering Dave Arens: A Legendary Wrestling Coach
Dave Arens, a celebrated figure in the wrestling community, passed away on January 19th at the age of 90. He leaves behind a remarkable legacy that will forever be remembered in the annals of the sport. Born and raised in Lakeville, Minnesota, Arens dedicated his life to coaching and mentoring young wrestlers, leaving an indelible mark on the Minnesota Wrestling Hall of Fame and the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.
A Wrestling Career Spanning Decades
Arens began his coaching career in 1961 at Jordan High School, where he would spend seven years nurturing young talent. His dedication and expertise led the team to victory, with Arens guiding them to win the Region Four title in 1966. In 1975, he moved on to Bloomington Kennedy High School, where he continued to mold future champions until his retirement in 1984.
During his tenure at Bloomington Kennedy, Arens achieved remarkable success. Under his guidance, the team clinched the Class 2A state title in both 1980 and 1984. Impressively, they consistently finished among the top three at the state meet for seven consecutive years. In recognition of his outstanding coaching abilities, Arens was named the Minnesota Wrestling Coach of the Year in 1984.
A Mentor and a Champion Maker
One of Arens’ greatest accomplishments as a coach was his ability to cultivate individual talent. Throughout his career, he coached ten state champions at Kennedy, including his own son, Todd, who secured the title in 1980. Another notable wrestler under his guidance was Marty Morgan, who went on to become the 1991 NCAA champion at 177 pounds for the University of Minnesota. Marty’s undefeated record made him the first Gophers wrestler to achieve such a feat.
A Life Beyond Wrestling
Although wrestling was his passion, Arens had diverse interests outside of the sport. After retiring from teaching in 1993, he embarked on a new chapter as a fishing guide on Lake of the Woods. Living on the picturesque Oak Island, he spent his days sharing his love for fishing with others and enjoying the tranquility of the lake.
At the age of 90, Dave Arens peacefully passed away, leaving behind a rich legacy that will continue to inspire wrestlers for generations to come. While the cause of his death remains unknown, his impact on the wrestling community is undeniable.
In Memory of Dave Arens
Dave Arens will be remembered not only for his coaching prowess but also for his passion, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the sport of wrestling. His influence extended far beyond the wrestling mat, shaping the lives of countless individuals who had the privilege of being mentored by him. As the wrestling community mourns his loss, we will forever cherish the memories and victories he brought to the sport.
Though Dave Arens may no longer be with us, his spirit lives on through the wrestlers he coached and the lessons he imparted. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of wrestlers and serve as a testament to the immense impact a dedicated coach can make.
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– Coach in Minnesota
– National wrestling Halls of Fame.
