For the last 27 years North Tama has been combined with Gladbrook/Reinbeck for the wrestling program.This coming season, North Tama will once again be split and they have brought back alum, Andrew Knaack to lead the program.
“This is a very exciting opportunity for me and this community. For this community, it will mean supporting and watching a new program unveil.” Knaack said on his hiring.
Knaack was a two-time state qualifier with a fifth place finish in 2000 and a two-time Division III NCAA qualifier for Wartburg College. Knaack has been under Mike Duroe as an assistant at Cornell College for 14 seasons.
“This is a perfect time for me to utilize what I have learned from the many great/legendary head coaches that I have wrestled for or coached under.” Knaack added.
Graduating from Wartburg the list of accomplished coaches is lengthy. Jim Miller, Eric Keller, Dave Malachek, Nick Mitchell, and Mike Duroe.
“One repeated theme I have heard Duroe say many times is that we are trying to teach you to be more than a wrestler, you need a good community member and you represent more than yourself. You represent your family”
The program is currently in the process of raising money for singlets and warm ups and working on getting apparel produced.