Skillings to coach wrestling at SMSU

•Longtime prep coach takes college route

It's hard to stay retired when you have a passion for your profession. And it didn't take long for Joel Skillings to realize that. The former longtime Minneota wrestling coach who retired at the conclusion of last season, has been named an Adjunct Assistant Coach for the Southwest Minnesota State University wrestling team beginning this fall. "I'm really excited about this opportunity," said Skillings.

"I don't coach for the money or the accolades. I do it because I love working with the kids."

Skillings told of how even as a child, he always wanted to be a coach.

"Most of the kids I knew wanted to be professional athletes," he said. "I wanted to be a coach. I wanted to be Bud Grant. He was stoic, yet he had that passion for coaching."

Skillings, a two-time Class A Coach of the Year, amassed an impressive 559-174-4 record in his 31 seasons coaching at Minneota, including a Class A state championship in 2015.

He currently ranks No. 8 in career wins among all-time Minnesota high school wrestling coaches in all classes. Skillings announced he was stepping down as head wrestling coach at Minneota in June.

Matt Myrvik was hired as the new Minneota wrestling coach for the 2019-20 season. SMSU head wrestling coach Jesse Nelson has known Skillings for many years and is genuinely excited to have him join his coaching team.

"Obviously, what (Skillings) brings to the table is a huge asset to our program," said Nelson.

"He brings a lot of diverse things such as his knowledge of coaching, his reputation, his contacts for recruiting, and his passion." Two SMSU wrestlers, seniors Brock Buysse (133 pounds) and Cole Hennen (184 pounds) wrestled for Skillings for several seasons at Minneota.

And Brad Gillingham, also a Minneota resident, is the SMSU Volunteer Strength and Conditioning Coach. "I've known Jesse and Brad for a long time," said Skillings.

"It will be a privilege to work with both of them. And Brock and Cole are outstanding kids."

So proficient at his craft for so many years that the Minnesota House of Representatives Rules and Legislative administration recently presented Skillings with a signed resolution certificate congratulating him on his many years of service, achievements and contributions to the sport and to the school.

The resolution concluded: "Be it resolved by the Committee on Rules and Legislative Administration of the House of Representatives of the State of Minnesota that recognizes Joel Skillings for his many contributions to Minneota Public Schools and extends its warm wishes to him for the future."

It was signed by Melissa Hortman, Speaker of the House; Ryan Winkler, Chairman of the Rules and Legislative Administration; and Rep. Chris Swedzinsk (R-Ghent). "It's nice to be recognized like that," said Skillings.

"But it's more of a reflection on the kids and all the work they put in." Skillings, who is a K-6 physical education instructor in Minneota, is excited again for the wrestling season to begin.

"It's a new chapter for me," said the personable and humble Skillings. "I wasn't ready to stop coaching. I'm very excited."

Skillings has already met with the SMSU wrestlers and has attended team meetings and activities. Individual workouts begin on Sept. 10 and full practices get underway in early October.

"I'm not trying to impress anyone," Skillings noted. "I'm just here for the kids."

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