Mark Bertsch retired from coaching at Newman Catholic High School in Mason City, Iowa, following the 2019 season. He coached for 40 years and compiled a career coaching record of 395-228-6.

Bertsch's career began in 1979 coaching the junior high program, a position he held until 1981 when he became the assistant high school coach. After two years, he became the head coach, a position he held until his retirement.

He coached eight state champions, 14 finalists and 80 qualifiers. Bertsch was named District Coach of the Year in 1992, 1996, 1998, 2008, and 2011. He coached in the North/South All-Star meet in 2019.

Bertsch served as secretary, vice president and president of the Iowa Wrestling Coaches & Officials Association, and received the organization's President's Award in 2010. He was inducted into the Iowa High School Athletic Association Hall of Fame in 2019.

He became chairman of the dual team rankings committee in 1994 and was instrumental in getting seventh-place and eighth-place winners onto the podium at the state tournament.

Bertsch received the Jerry R. Wetzel Service Award, for his service to girls softball, in 2015 and was named assistant coach of the year in football in 2007.

He attended Western Arizona Junior College and then Lora College, where he was the wrestling team captain and a two-time national qualifier.

Bertsch was known for his professional demeanor with officials, staff and especially his student athletes. He continued to instruct and encourage regardless of the result, and his teaching of life's lessons continue every time one of his former student athletes becomes an employer, husband and father. Bertsch never forgot that he was a teacher first, instilling in each student the value of hard work, discipline and teamwork, not only in sports but in life. He was also appreciative of the hard work of his opponents and was not shy about applauding a deserving individual, even if it cost his athlete or team a victory.

He and his wife, Debra, have two children, Carrie and Matthew.