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Head coach of the Lake Mills Wrestling program, Alex Brandenburg, has been named the 2024-25 Class 1A Wrestling Coach of the Year.

The award, handed out by the Iowa Wrestling Coaches and Officials Association, was presented to Brandenburg at the culmination of a season in which six individuals qualified for the state tournament, two of which wrestled in the championship finals.

This season marked the 17th year as head coach for Brandenburg. Over that span, he has amassed a 518-122 dual record, eight state dual appearances and five top-10 team finishes at the traditional state tournament, including a runner-up finish in 2007.

Brandenburg said many factors play into the success the team has had over the years. Firstly, he said the communication and cooperation at all age levels, from youth up into the high school program, are important to keep the same messages throughout a wrestler’s entire journey in Lake Mills. Brandenburg said many schools don’t have that cohesiveness, but Lake Mills makes it a priority.

Another factor he mentioned was focusing on the team aspect of the sport rather than individuals. Despite the high levels of individual success in the program under Brandenburg, including 77 state qualifiers and 40 state place winners, the focus on team building is at the forefront for him.

“By doing this, we try to make every kid feel important to the team no matter how many wins and losses they have,” Brandenburg said. “This has helped us sustain numbers and have a good dual team year in and year out … I would say only about 25 percent of schools do that. Most stress it as an individual sport with a team component. We do the opposite.”

That factor shows at Lake Mills wrestling events, not only with the wrestlers on the mat, but in the stands as well. Numerous alumni from the program can often be seen in the stands at meets and tournaments supporting the team they were once a member of. Youth, parents and community members also fill the gyms, showing how the impact of the team sweeps over the town.

Brandenburg said the trips to the state dual meet stand out the most as some of his top memories. The Bulldogs have finished in third place twice in their eight trips to the dual meet. He also said the big crowds and intense atmosphere at the home regional dual meets were special to be a part of.

“My two favorite dual wins were both upsets,” he said. “Beating Lisbon for third at state in 2018 and beating Osage this year to end their long Top of Iowa Conference win streak. Having two finalists this year for the first time in Lake Mills history was also a high point.”

With an already standout resume after 17 years, Brandenburg shows no signs of stopping as preparations for season 18 are just around the corner.