The lessons he had learned in his tough neighborhood in East Falls Church, Virginia translated to the wrestling mat and the sport he came to credit as having instilled in him the confidence and drive that he needed to become successful in life.

As a high school student, he was small in stature, but his desire and drive took him to the high school wrestling team and a career that saw him enjoy athletic success. He went on to the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill where he continued with wrestling and was undefeated for two years, winning the Atlantic Coast Conference title in his second year.

He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and earned a Doctorate in 1969. He accepted a teaching position at Carleton College in Minnesota and taught there for 21 years. It was at Carleton College that the fire for wrestling was rekindled. He helped with the college's own wrestling program, coached at a nearby junior high school and donned the black and white stripes to officiate.

In 1990, he made the decision to challenge the incumbent for a position in the United States Senate and he pulled one of the largest upsets in Minnesota political history by winning the race. He now serves as the Senior Senator from Minnesota.

His work in the Senate is known for its "grassroots" approach and he has become an advocate in working to preserve family farm and rural community life in America. He has served on numerous senate committees, including the Small Business and Veterans' Affairs Committees; the Foreign Relations Committee; and the Health, Education, Labor and Pension Committee. He has worked on legislation that would benefit children and provide quality education as well.