The Albert Lea wrestlers named to the 2002-03 All-Big Nine Conference team were pretty much as expected. The Tigers’ fourth honoree was a bit of a surprise. But he was no less deserving.

Larry Goodnature was voted Big Nine Coach of the Year by his peers, joining the Tigers’ Adam Elseth, Josh Hansen and Chris Hable on the recently released all-conference team.

Goodnature guided the Tigers to a record of 16-2 overall and 8-1 in the Big Nine this past season, when they were rated as high as No. 5 in the state in Class AAA.

The Tigers’ head coach since 1993, Goodnature’s ALHS teams have compiled a record of 137-75. His career mark, which includes three years at Hutchinson, is 180-85.

This year’s Tigers won the academic state championship with the highest grade point average in the history of the award. It was the third state academic title for Goodnature and the Tigers.

As for the coach of the year honor, Goodnature said it’s not a one-man award.

“It is a great feeling that your colleagues respect you and your program, but at the same time I give our whole wrestling program credit for this award,” said Goodnature. “This includes the wrestlers, parents, fans, and especially my assistant coaches Neal Skaar, Mike Hansen, Brian Goodnature and Wayne Busch. They all gain respect from other Big Nine wrestling teams by what they say how they act, how they compete – this all affects Albert Lea wrestling.”

Goodnature said Big Nine wrestling is very tough, evidenced by 12 conference wrestlers in this year’s state tournament, including three finalists and one champion.

Hansen and Elseth made the all-conference team for the third year in a row.

Hansen, a senior, was 9-0 in the Big Nine and 32-6 overall.

“Josh does it all, works hard in the offseason wrestling freestyle and weight training,” said Goodnature. “Josh was somebody you always counted on in a dual to get you the big points. He is the team leader in most team points and second in falls. He will be missed next year in our lineup and as a captain for his leadership.”

Elseth, a junior, was also 9-0 in the conference, 34-2 overall.

“Adam was another wrestler we always counted on for big wins in duals,” said Goodnature. “He also is right up there on all awards, most takedowns in one season, most wins. Adam is coming back next year and will be hungry for that state championship individually and getting our team to state. Adam is a great competitor and leader.”

Hable, a junior, went 7-2 in the Big Nine and 24-10 overall at heavyweight.

“Chris had a great year, coming up a little short at the end, but that should make him want it more next year,” said Goodnature. “He had the most falls this year with 16, which is great for your dual-meet scores. Chris should be one of our senior leaders next year.”

The 2002-03 all-conference team, by school, with conference record: Albert Lea – Josh Hansen, 9-0; Adam Elseth, 4-0; Chris Hable, 7-2; Austin – T.J. Parlin, 9-0; Marcus Ball, 7-2; Faribault – Ryan Cross, 6-1; Nate Tatge, 7-2; Mankato East – Cody Adams, 8-0; Gerry Brekke, 6-0; Michael Davis, 6-3; Kyle Carriveau, 6-3; Eric Jean, 8-1; Mankato West – Seth Beyer, 7-1; Drew Hood, 7-2; Tim Palmer, 7-2; Owatonna – Alex Meger, 103; Mike Meger, 119; Titon Erler, 135; Brady Pettis, 152; Dan Sorensen, 6-0; Trevor Erler, 7-1; Russell Smith, 7-0; Rochester Century – Joe Weinmann, 6-2; Brenden Faust, 7-2; Nate Beich, 7-2; Rochester John Marshall – Adam Maves, 7-2; Rochester Mayo – Matt Mauseth, 7-2; Ryan Vanderheiden, 6-0; Drew Hruska, 5-1; Andy Leisen, 6-0; Josh Zabel, 5-2; Luke Ties, 7-2; Dan Goodson, 9-0; Aaron Weets, 8-1; Dan Mauseth, 6-3.

Coach of the Year – Larry Goodnature, Albert Lea.