On the Bench with Byron Higgin

Wrestling has been a HUGE part of Todd Opdahl’s life. He dreamed of winning a state championship. It didn’t happen and his senior year he finished fifth.

But Sunday, Todd Opdahl discovered his efforts were not taken lightly when he was named to the “Wally Pesch Wall of Fame.”

The award was given to him by J.D. Pesch, son of Wally Pesch.

The award is for outstanding contributions to Minneota wrestling and Opdahl’s relentless drive to become the best wrestler he could be and his 153 and 34 win/loss record earned him the honor.

Wally Pesch was among those who helped save wrestling in Minneota at a time when it had been taken off the board.

Opdahl, now a nurse anesthetist doing surgeries and transplants, “Started wrestling when I was in the third grade. I set my goal at being a state champion,” Opdahl said.

He worked hard, went to all the tournaments, but time-after-time he was stopped from his goal. Finally as a senior, he made the state and finished fifth.

“But it wasn’t my goal.” But what it taught him was, “Discipline, mental toughness,” and, “That’s what it takes to get through life,” he said.

He contributes all his success to wresting and urged the wrestlers to, “Do everything you can to reach your goals.”

For Todd Opdahl, he never reached that state championship goal. But he’s been recognized and will be on the Wall of Fame.

ODDS & ENDS:

•THE THOR Wrestling Club of Minneota will hold practices starting from 6:30 to 8 p.m., Sunday March 18.

Sundays and Thursdays there will be practice in the Minneota Wrestling Room. Times are always 6:30 to 8 p.m.