Two former Gopher grapplers, Chad Erikson and Brad Gibson, will be inducted into the Minnesota Wrestling Coaches Association Hall of Fame on May 4, 2019.
Erikson (’02), a two-time All-American with 105 career wins, was part of the 2001 and 2002 National Championship teams, the Gophers first two national titles.
Erikson is sixth all-time on the Gophers list with 40 career pins. He previously coached at Apple Valley High School, the home of many former Gophers, and now works at Minnesota Elite.
“Chad was of those unique wrestlers that was great in every wrestling area,” head coach Brandon Eggum said. “From his feet he could throw, attack low, and anywhere in between. He was a hammer on top and great at scrambling. Chad had a ferocious competitive attitude that was always fun to watch.”
Gibson (’94), a Chokio, Minnesota, native, was a two-time All-American in 1993 and 1994 and finished his career with 78 victories in a Maroon and Gold singlet.
Gibson was also the 1994 Big Ten champion at 177-pounds.
After his career ended, Gibson spent some time coaching both the Gophers and local high school wrestling programs.
“Gibby showed us all what being hard-nosed meant. He was not a technical wrestler, he beat you with grit, stamina and pure toughness. To learn from him you just had to go to battle,” Eggum told the MWCA.
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