AHS’s Lynn signs to wrestle at Augustana

ADRIAN — What began in kindergarten has led Adrian’s Nate Lynn to Augustana College. Lynn signed a letter of intent in early April to wrestle for the Vikings.

At the same time Lynn was learning to hold a pen, Lynn was learning to hold a pin.

“I started wrestling in kindergarten,” Lynn said. “Going to school in Adrian, wrestling was a thing a lot of people did. It was just something I thought I’d be interested in.

“I thought I’d go to a few practices and try it and it turned into something I really enjoyed.”

Lynn spent five years on Adrian’s varsity wrestling squad, posting a 170-48 record, earning three all-state and four all-conference awards. He was a four-year letterwinner and starter, went 75-10 as an upperclassmen, finished fifth at state his senior year — including a section championship — fourth at state his junior year, a section championship his sophomore year and was a state runner-up and section champion his freshman year.

But it wasn’t just success which brought Lynn back year after year to the grueling toll wrestling puts your body and mind through. Wrestling taught Lynn about life.“I like to work hard and you can see the work you do in wrestling pays off,” Lynn said. “It’s more than just being in a sport.

“I like the environment and how it develops you into a different person. I learned that your hard work pays off and there’s going to be a lot of ups and downs and you got to keep going.”

Augustana noticed Lynn’s development.

“He’s been coming up and working out with us for many years,” Augustana wrestling coach Jason Reitmeier said. “We got to know him since seventh grade and he’s been improving every year.

“For us, we look at how hard they work. A lot of these kids don’t win state championships, but they place and we see the development. We saw a lot of potential, heart and guts in Lynn. Plus, he’s super, super bright.”

The choice of Augustana didn’t require much thinking for Lynn.

“I’ve known the coaches at Augustana for awhile,” Lynn said. “They’ve always been a strong program and that’s something I’ve been looking for in my decision.

“Minnesota State, SMSU, St. Cloud State and Moorehead were interested, but it was pretty easy to pick Augustana. I’ve liked the program for awhile now.”

Augustana went 13-3 overall this past season, finishing tied for 10th at the NCAA championships, returning with three All-Americans.

The hardest part of Lynn’s decision was trying to walk away from the sport he’s done nearly all his life

“At first, I was unsure if I wanted to continue wrestling,” Lynn said. “Now that I’ve made my decision, I’m happy with it.”

Daily Globe Sports Editor Chris Murphy may be reached at 376-7328.

Tags: sports, prep, wrestling, adrian