James Covington, GF Red River

Travis Lang, Bismarck High

James Covington is a graduate of Grand Forks Red River High School. Covington was a state champion in 2002 while placing third in both 2003 and 2004 for coach Bruce Moe. After winning a state title, he was an All-American by placing 5th in Greco at Junior Nationals in Fargo. Throughout his high school wrestling career, Covington amassed a 151-28 record for the RoughRiders. During this time, he was ranked as high as 3rd in the nation in Greco, most notably ahead of University of Iowa national champion Brent Metcalf and 19th in high school rankings. During his youth, Coach Covington claimed a total of seven Freestyle/Greco state titles in Cadet and Junior Divisions in North Dakota. He was also a part of the Cadet and Junior National Dual teams for Team North Dakota. Once his high school career concluded, James signed to wrestle at Division I South Dakota State University in Brookings, South Dakota. In 2005, Covington competed at the FILA Junior Greco National Championships and made the podium, securing All-American status once again. James was a volunteer assistant for the Riders when the team finished runner-up in team duals in 2006. Since then he has served as an assistant coach, and he currently serves as the head boys wrestling coach at Red River High School for the last five years. His high school wrestling coach Dean Larimer will be presenting him with his award. In his free time James enjoys spending time camping and vacationing with his wife Amy and two daughters, Liv and Everly.

Travis Lang is a 2004 graduate of Bismarck High School where he built one of the most decorated careers for the storied Demons wrestling program. During his time in a BHS singlet, Lang amassed a career record of 221-7 & was a five-time state finalist, collecting state championships in 2000, 2002, 2003, & 2004, while also being a state runner-up in 2001. He recorded 142 career falls & finished his sophomore, junior, & senior year campaigns with an unblemished 134-0 record. Travis finished his high school career by being named the 2004 Mr. Wrestler for Class ‘A’ in North Dakota. During the offseason, Lang continued to compete at a high level as he was a FILA Cadet Greco National Champion, FILA Cadet Greco World Team Member, & was twice named Junior Greco All-American. After graduating from Bismarck High, Travis competed for Division I University of Minnesota until he transferred to Augsburg College. During his time at Augsburg, Lang compiled an 88-7 record while twice earning the distinction of NCAA Division III All-American. Once he finished competing, Travis gave back to the sport of wrestling by being an assistant coach for Bismarck High School from 2011-2019, where the Demons won six state championships during that span. He currently lives in Bismarck while serving as the SVP of Mortgage Lending for Guaranteed Rate. Lang has been influenced in his life by his parents Keith and Ellene Lang, his sister Kristy Seiler and her husband Drew Seiler, and his six-year-old daughter Jazlyn Lang. High school coaches Jeff Schumacher & Scott Knowlen will be presenting Travis with his Hall of Fame award.

Daniel White, Jamestown

Brian Zehren, Jamestown

Daniel White is a 2003 graduate of Jamestown High School where he became one of the best technical wrestlers in Blue Jay history. Dan amassed a high school record of 148-12, with an astounding 93% winning percentage (school record). He also currently holds the JHS record for most takedowns in a career with 475. One of only two four-time state placers in Blue Jay history, White was also a two-time state champion. His placings at the state tournament include third at 119 lbs. (2000), first at 125 lbs. (2001), second at 135 lbs. (2002), & first at 152 lbs. (2003). Additionally, White was a region champion twice & region runner-up twice. Notable high school accolades include 63 career pins, 25 technical falls, four-time academic all-state selection, being named the outstanding wrestler at the Aberdeen Tournament in 2002 & the Bismarck Rotary in 2003, & winning the Bismarck Rotary title three times. During his youth wrestling days, Dan racked up nine state titles, four undefeated seasons, & 47 tournament titles. White ended his high school wrestling career by being named an honorable mention All-American by USA Wrestling, along with earning the 2003 Dan Schultz High School Excellence Award for North Dakota from the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. White’s other athletic accomplishments were just as impressive, as he was an all-state defensive back in football & an all-conference pitcher & outfielder in baseball. This success translated into the summer when he was a member of the Jamestown American Legion state champion baseball team. During his college years, Dan was on the Jamestown College football team while also competing as a pitcher & outfielder for the Jimmies baseball team, where his team participated in two NAIA World Series tournaments. Dan is currently a sheriff’s deputy for Stutsman County, assistant football coach for JHS, & serves as a wrestling official. Presenting Dan with his award is his high school wrestling coach & dad Greg White.

Brian Zehren was one of the most successful wrestlers in Jamestown High School history and a fierce competitor. Brian was always ready to perform at a high level. His work ethic and leadership were instrumental in the success of the JHS wrestling program. Competing for the Blue Jays from 1991-1995, Zehren was a four-time state qualifier and three-time state placer, placing 5th at 112 lbs. in 1993 and 2nd at 125 lbs. in both 1994 and 1995. While serving as a two-time team captain, Brian collected two East Region titles and two East Region runner-up finishes. He was a four-year letterman at JHS while amassing a career record of 114-22 and was inducted into the Jamestown High School Hall of Fame.  Ron Zehren, Brian’s dad, and Greg White had the honor of coaching Brian during his high school career. Milo Trusty, Brian’s head coach at the University of Mary, stated, “Brian Zehren was a consistent winner at the NAIA national level, placing 8th, 3rd and 2nd. Brian was a great athlete, always ready to go in practice and competition.” While competing for the Mauraders, Brian qualified for the NAIA national tournament four years, and was named All-American three of those years. He placed 8th at 149 lbs. in 1998 (conference champion), 3rd at 141 lbs. in 1999, and was a national finalist at 149 lbs. in 2000. During his time at UMary, Brian earned the team’s “Hardest Worker” award all four years while also being named a team captain his final two seasons. Brian was inducted into the Maurader Hall of Fame as a member of the 1996-1997 team. He finished his collegiate wrestling career with a 119-40 record and graduated from the University of Mary in 2000.  Brian is Senior Vice President of Commercial Sales, Prestige Beverage Group. He lives in Maple Grove, Minnesota, with his wife Autumn and sons Ian and Morgan. Brian’s dad and high school wrestling coach Ron Zehren will be presenting him with his award.

Scott Grochow, Rugby

Collin Kelly, Oakes

Scott Grochow graduated from Anamoose High School in 1981. He furthered his education at Minot State University, graduating in 1985 with degrees in math and computer science education. While at Minot State, Scott participated in football and track. Scott then earned two master’s degrees: one in mathematics from Minot State in 1995 and the other in Administration from the University of Mary in 1998. Scott began teaching in 1986 at Turtle Lake-Mercer High School where he also served as an assistant football coach, junior high boys basketball coach, and head girls track coach. Scott married his wife, Kerry Hanson, in 1987, and they moved to Rugby where they had both accepted teaching positions. While their plans were to stay in Rugby for only a couple of years, it has been where they have made their home and careers since 1987. Both Scott and Kerry are currently semi-retired yet still active in the school district. During Scott’s time at RHS, Scott began as an assistant football coach then moved into the head coach’s role in 1991. He remained head coach for the next 27 years. Scott also coached boys track first as an assistant then as head coach, which he still enjoys doing today, 37 years later. Not one to take a break, Scott was also an assistant boys basketball coach for 14 years. Scott accepted the AD position at RHS in 1999 and still serves in that position. Scott has been active in the North Dakota High School Coaches Association for 37 years serving on the state board for 14 years and as president for one. He remains active with NDHSCA as an assistant executive secretary. Part of his duties includes taking care of the voting for Sr. Athlete and Coach of the Year. During Scott’s 25 years in athletic administration, he has hosted and managed well over 100 district, regional, and invitational tournaments in nearly every sport at the Class B level including multiple invitational and regional wrestling tournaments. He worked a table at the first combined state wrestling tourney in Minot and continued to work tables at the state tourney in Minot and Bismarck. He help turn the Panther Booster Wrestling tourney from a one day tourney to a two day 28 team tournament. Scott and Kerry have two children, Kaycee and Mitch, who are also both active in education and coaching.

Collin Kelly graduated from Oakes High School in 2000.  Collin was a five-time Region 1 champion.  A six-time state qualifier, five-time state placer and a three-time state finalist, winning the state championship in 1996 as an 8th grader, runner-up as a freshman, 3rd as a sophomore, 4th as a junior and state champion once again his senior season in 2000.  He was a Class B senior athlete nominee and a team member of the Inaugural Class B State Dual Team Championship in 2000.  During his high school career Collin set numerous Oakes High School wrestling records including career wins, pins, takedowns, near falls and a 68 win streak.  The 68 win streak record still stands today.  Collin finished his high school career with 181 wins and 95 pins. After graduating from high school, Collin wrestled five years for North Dakota State University.  He wrestled at 149 and 157 pounds throughout his career. As a freshman, he started for the Bison at 149 pounds.  He compiled 21 wins, finished 3rd in the Northern Central Conference, NCAA DII National Qualifier and NCAA DII National Runner-up Team Member.  His sophomore and juniors years he filled vacancies at multiple weights 149, 157 and 174.  As a starter his senior year at 157 during NDSU’s NCAA Division 1 re-classification period Collin compiled 20 wins throughout the season’s Division 1 schedule.  He finished his career at NDSU with 68 wins.  After he graduated from NDSU in 2005.  Collin enlisted in the United States Navy.  While serving in the Navy, Collin competed on the US All-Navy Wrestling Team, and placed 2nd at 66kg in Freestyle at the 2009 Armed Forces Wrestling Championships. Collin currently resides in Detroit Lakes, MN with his wife Katie and their children; Gabby, Makenzie, Holden, Gannon and Crew.  He is a Fire Fighter for the Fargo Fire Department and a Navy Diver in the US Naval Reserves.

Kriss McCleary, Napoleon

Jeff Nagel, New Salem-Almont

Kriss McCleary was a five time high school region champion. He was also a five time state placer, starting with an 8th place finish as an 8th grader, and followed by four consecutive state championships, all at #215. He was awarded five times Academic All State, had 200 careers wins, and is the retired State Class B record holder of 105 consecutive victories. He was also a member of five State Championship Dual Teams, and Four State Championship Individual Teams. Other high school wrestling achievements include All American (5th place) at Virginia Beach Junior Nationals, a three time finalist in the Bismarck Rotary, a two time member of Team ND for the Disney Duals, and a two time ND USA Triple Crown winner. He received the ND Dave Schultz HS Excellence Award, as well as named to the USA Wrestling All American Honorable Mention team. Kriss was named the 2008 Class B Wrestling Senior Athlete. In addition to his wrestling accomplishments, Kriss was a two time All State Linebacker in 9 Man Football, and was a starter on the 2006 State Championship team. In 2007, he was awarded the 9 Man Football Senior Athlete award. Kriss was a four year starter for the University of Mary. He was a three time Honorable Mention Academic All American. He was also the recipient of the Northern Sun Myles Brand All Academic with Distinction honor. Kriss started his coaching career in Napoleon, spending one year as a Jr High wrestling coach, before taking the head coaching position for the past eight years. He also established a girls’ wrestling program, and coached it for two years. In that time, he has coached seven Boys’ Individual state champions, as well as two girls’ individual state champions. Kriss and his wife, Adriana, have 4 children: Knox-9, Lila-7, Boone-4, and Hayes-2. He is the son of Barry & Brenda McCleary. Kriss is a 2008 graduate of Napoleon High School, a 2012 graduate of the University of Mary, and received his master’s degree from there in 2017. Kriss and his family reside in Napoleon. He continues to teach and coach wrestling.

Jeff Nagel was introduced to wrestling by his older brothers Clint, Lee and Clay.  He learned to wrestle on their living room floor where he quickly found out what a rug burn was. As an athlete of wrestling at New Salem High School under the watchful eye of his high school wrestling coach, Dale Beckman, Jeff was a 5 time state qualifier, 4 time state placer and ultimately became the 1978 State Champion at 155 lbs.  In college, Jeff was a 4 time National qualifier and a 4 time NDCAC champ.  He won his first two NDCAC titles while wrestling at 150 lbs. at Bismarck Junior College under legendary coaches Ed Kringstad and Milo Trusty. He then transferred to Dickinson State where he won two more NDCAC titles at 158 lbs. under Coach Terry Burgess. Jeff, his wife Lisa and their 4 boys moved to western Montana in 1992, where Jeff was the head wrestling coach at Corvallis High School for 23 years. As the head coach, Jeff’s team amassed a dual record of 338 wins and 74 losses. Over his tenure, Jeff’s team won 13 Divisional titles, 3 state Championships and 3 second place finishes. He coached 138 state placers and 16 individual state champions in his career. He was a 3 time MHSA (Montana High School Association) Coach of the Year and was also a 5 time Divisional Coach of the Year.  Jeff was blessed to have coached all four of his boys in wrestling. All 4 boys; twins Devin and Brady, Taylor and Riley all went on to have successful wrestling careers of their own. They all wrestled at the University of Mary, where Taylor went on to become a Division II All American. Jeff and Lisa continue to reside in the beautiful Bitterroot Valley of Western Montana. Jeff is now retired, but stays busy by continuing to volunteer coach High School and Little Guy Wrestling. He is enjoying coaching the next generation of wrestlers, especially his 7 year old grandson Knox.  Jeff and Lisa are now the proud grandparents of six grandchildren: Knox, Hayden, Harrison, George, Navy and Isaac.