Mark NeumannMark Neumann, a two-time NCAA All-American at University of Oklahoma in the 1970s, has announced his retirement as a teacher and wrestling coach after 39 years, the New Richmond (Wisconsin) News reported Monday.
Neumann's career as a wrestler and coach flourished at opposite ends of the country, in both Wisconsin and Oklahoma.
Neumann first stepped onto the mat at St. Croix Central High School on the Wisconsin-Minnesota border, where he was a two-time placer at the WIAA (Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association) state wrestling championships. As a junior, Neumann placed third at the 1972 WIAAs; he capped off his senior season with a perfect record and the 182-pound title at the 1973 WIAA state championships.
After being recruited by nearly 100 schools, Neumann chose Oklahoma. Wrestling for long-time coach Stan Abel, Neumann earned back-to-back NCAA All-American honors in 1976 and 1977, placing fifth both years at 190 pounds. His performance helped the Sooners win the NCAA national championship in 1974, and finish in the top four at the Nationals in each of his four years on the team. In addition, Neumann was a two-time finalist at the Big 8 conference championships.
Upon graduation from college, Neumann was hired to teach and coach wrestling in Guthrie, Okla., where he stayed for 15 years. His Guthrie team earned one state championship and was runner-up once.
"We were ranked in the top five in the state most of the last seven or eight years," Neumann told the New Richmond News.
The past 24 years, Neumann has served as a classroom instructor (teaching English) and varsity mat coach at New Richmond High School in west-central Wisconsin, not far from his hometown. Among the hundreds of young athletes he coached in nearly a quarter-century: his four sons, who can claim a combined 450 wins in their prep careers.
Another reward for Neumann: Seeing how the dedication of his wrestlers in high school has benefitted them in life beyond the sport.
"It's such a hard sport," said Neumann. "It teaches you persistence and perseverance. Wrestling is like life. You'd like it to be all sunshine and roses, but not everything turns out the way you want."
Is Neumann stepping away from coaching for good? The wrestler/coach whose career spanned the Sooner State and America's Dairyland appears to be leaving the door open.
"For my perspective, it would be good to take a year off and evaluate," said the coach whose career spanned nearly four decades. "I have no idea where my life will carry me."
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