National honour for Wrestling Coach.

Posted on September 9, 2011 , by charley

Mike DeRoehn, Lakeland College's head wrestling coach, has been awarded Kids Persons of the Year by USA Wrestling.

This annual award honours those people who have made incredible contributions to youth wrestling in the USA

DeRoehn has been sering as state coach for the Wisconsin Wrestling Federations since 2006, during which he trained a range of athletes of all ages including youths and cadet age divisions

"It is gratifying getting this award. It comes down to the entire Wisconsin Wrestling Federation, which is reflected in this award. We have great leadership in this state, from chairman Dave Black and our entire board. It all starts there. Our board makes decisions in the best interest of our wrestlers. This also gives me and other leaders the freedom to make a difference in the lives of kids," said DeRoehn.

DeRoehn worked closely every year with the states Cadet National Dual Meet Teams. He ran camps for the Wisconsin Cadet and Junior teams where they would train in freestyle and Greco -Roman Wrestling.

DeRoehn still volunteers and remains active with the Wisconsin Wrestling Federation. He owns and is head coach of a World Class Wrestling School, which assists young adults to develop their wrestling skills, improve confidence, and creates a positive outlook on and off the mat. DeRoehn has run the club since 2003 which works with young athletes all year round. the club focuses on folkstyle, freestyle and Greco Roman Wrestling.

In 2010, he was named USA Wrestling Greco-Roman Junior National Coach of the Year.

"We send the message through our club, and through the Wisconsin Wrestling Federation, that we want to win titles, but developing good citizens and students is the most important thing," said DeRoehn.

Last season, DeRoehn led the Muskies to their fourth straight Northern Wrestling Association team title with four individual champions.