Former Albert Lea state wrestling champion hosts clinic

Published 2:14 am Tuesday, August 5, 2014

A trio of nationally renowned wrestlers descended on The Barn in Albert Lea for a three-day clinic.

Ben Berhow, a 2006 graduate of Albert Lea High School, instructed wrestlers along with Ryan Morningstar and Tony Ramos.

As a high school senior, Berhow was the 2006 heavyweight state champion with a 47-2 overall record.

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“It’s good to give back to a program that was my roots as far as the sport of wrestling,” said Berhow. “When we leave a program, we become stewards of that program. You care about it and want to give back.”

The clinic featured workouts and motivational speeches from one instructor each day. Morningstar spoke Saturday, Berhow on Sunday and Ramos on Monday.

Berhow said he enjoyed teaching at the clinic, but his favorite part was spending time with his former coaches and former wrestling partner, Ryan Palmer.

“It was great to see those guys and just talk wrestling,” he said. “They’re very passionate about the sport, too.”

After high school, Berhow wrestled at the University of Minnesota, where he racked up 78 wins and competed at the NCAA Championships. He went on to coach the Gophers’ heavyweights from 2011 to 2013 before becoming an assistant coach at the University of Iowa.

Morningstar was an All-American in 2009 and 2010 and a member of University of Iowa’s NCAA championship teams from 2008 to 2010, according to the university’s official website.

Tony Ramos was an All-American for the Hawkeyes three straight years, and he won the NCAA title at 133 pounds as a senior.

“They’re both very decorated wrestlers who love the sport and want to pass that passion onto younger kids,” Berhow said.

Berhow and Morningstar are both assistant coaches at the University of Iowa, but they weren’t friends in college.

“We were rivals, but the University of Iowa gave me such a great opportunity to go from one great program to another,” Berhow said. “It just gives me another perspective to learn from and become more rounded.”

Berhow said he hopes the clinic will become an annual event.

“Being the first year, we knew it was going to be a building year. Next year, we’ll find a time that works for both my schedule and coach (Larry) Goodnature’s,” Berhow said. “We want to provide another opportunity for guys to get on the mat.