One of the most significant people in the storied history of the Augsburg College wrestling program is that of Donny Wichmann. This Marshall, Minnesota native not only excelled on the wrestling mat, but played a significant role as an assistant wrestling coach in building the Augsburg College wrestling program into an NCAA Division III dynasty.

As a high school wrestler, Wichmann enjoyed a solid career, by qualifying for three Minnesota (Class AA Large Schools) state tournaments. This Marshall High School wrestler was also a third place finisher in 1984 at 119 pounds. Prior to 1984, Wichmann qualified for State at 112 pounds in 1983 and 105 pounds in 1982. He finished with an impressive 102-13-1 career high school record.

Upon graduation Donny wanted to attend college in the Twin Cities, making a change from the rural community setting he grew up in. Augsburg College became his choice for a school, and that decision proved to be a good one! Little did he know then, but Wichmann would become an All-American wrestler and play a significant role on the coaching staff in helping make the Auggie wrestling program an NCAA Division III national powerhouse.

As a wrestler, Wichmann won three MIAC Conference titles, being awarded MIAC Most Valuable Wrestler honors in 1987 and 1989. Donny went on to achieve All-American honors by placing fourth in the NCAA Division III national tournament at 150 pounds in 1989, helping his Augsburg team place third in the national tournament. These significant achievements were enhanced with Augsburg College awarding Wichmann with Co-Honor Athlete of the Year honors in 1989.

He was inducted into the Augsburg College Athletic Hall of Fame in 2010.

Donny started his college wrestling career his first two years under head coach Brian Arvold and finished his last two years with legendary Hall of Fame Coach Jeff Swenson. Graduating with a bachelor's degree in marketing and management, Wichmann was asked by Swenson if he could stay and serve as an assistant wrestling coach.

"I knew that he was the glue that I needed in order to come back and lead the Augsburg wrestling program after I had left it after my first four years," said Swenson. "It was always a special relationship."

This proved to be a great decision for both Augsburg and Wichmann. Donny coached for 19 seasons, 1990 to 2007, and 2009. As an assistant coach, he played a role in 10 NCAA Division III national team titles, 13 MIAC conference championships, 14 MIAC duals titles, while helping coach 134 All-Americans and 34 individual national titles.

"In my time we won 10 national championships, and I don't think it's any coincidence that Donny was part of every one of those 10 national championships," said Swenson.

Wichmann has worked at Gopher Stage Lighting, an architectural and entertainment lighting and rigging company, since 1999, and has operated his own wrestling equipment business, DW Athletics/Wrestling Products, since 1995.

Wichmann says, "The idea for a wrestling apparel company came about while driving with Swenson on a recruiting trip to La Crosse, Wisconsin."

The Augsburg wrestling team was sponsored by Brute, and Swenson put Donny in touch with Tom Sculley of Brute.

"Tom helped me out, got me going that first year with wrestling gear," said Donny. "The rest is history after that. Everything Donny Wichmann has accomplished in wrestling would qualify him for Hall of Fame caliber recognition.

However, his courageous battle with a brain tumor has demonstrated to everyone why the the National Wrestling Hall of Fame's Minnesota Chapter is awarding him the Medal of Courage.

To know Donny is to know this friendly tall forever youthful looking gentleman with a super huge smile. Donny can be seen at numerous wrestling tournaments around the state of Minnesota in the winter and spring months selling his wrestling apparel.

"You think about that big old smile and some real warm greeting that he's going to give you," says Swenson. "He makes everybody feel good about themselves."

Donny continues to fight and refuses to talk about life expectancy estimates.

"Donny Wichmann is not only the toughest person I know, but he's also the most generous person I know," says Swenson. "He's generous with his time, with any kind of resources he has. He's one of a kind. He's just a wonderful guy."

We wish Donny the very best in his continued fight against cancer, and he must know that the sport of wrestling proudly recognizes him with the 2018 Minnesota Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame's Medal of Courage.