For the Tribune

FAYETTE, Iowa – Albert Lea High School graduate Nate Skaar was assistant coach for the Upper Iowa University wrestling team that finished second in the NCAA Division III national tournament this past season.

Wednesday, March 20, 2002

FAYETTE, Iowa – Albert Lea High School graduate Nate Skaar was assistant coach for the Upper Iowa University wrestling team that finished second in the NCAA Division III national tournament this past season.

A native of Hayward, Skaar wrestled at ALHS and at Luther College, where he earned All-American honors in 1995 and Academic All-American honors in 1997. He majored in English and Philosophy.

After college, Skaar moved to California, where he volunteered at Cerritos Junior College for a season in 1998. That season, he also accepted a job in Costa Mesa, Calif., as head coach for Estancia High School. He spent three years there before accepting the job at UIU.

Skaar also works with Student Services as the Outdoor Pursuits Coordinator at Upper Iowa University.

Head coach Heath Grimm was named the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) Coach of the Year after six Peacocks earned All-American honors, including National Champion Jesus Wilson at 141 pounds. The second-place team finish and the six All-Americans are school bests. Grimm was named the NWCA Rookie Coach of the Year last season.

The Peacocks were close to winning the national title this year, finishing second to perennial power Augsburg by seven points.