No. 12 Norse Help Mitchell Notch 350th Career Victory

The fire, the vote, the triumph — when it happens, Decorah News shows up. Support us being there. DECORAH — Luther College head wrestling coach Dave Mitchell recorded his 350th career dual meet victory when the Norse defeated Simpson College 44-6 during the American Rivers Conference Duals on Saturday, Jan. 24, in Lincoln, Neb. Mitchell, in his 30th season as head coach, has led Luther to a 10-7 dual meet record this season, with three duals remaining on the 2025-26 schedule. Following the win over Simpson, his career record stands at 350-185-6. In the most recent National Wrestling Coaches Association Division III national poll, released Jan. 23, the Norse are ranked No. 12 in dual meet competition and No. 11 in tournament competition. Mitchell has been joined throughout his tenure by assistant coach Jeff O'Gara and, for the past 17 years, by assistant coach and recruiting coordinator Billy Huebner. The longest-tenured head coach in Luther athletics history, Mitchell is the school's all-time leader in career wins. He was named NCAA Division III National Coach of the Year in 2004 and was inducted into the NWCA Division III Hall of Fame in 2010. Under Mitchell's leadership, the Norse have recorded seven top-five finishes at the NCAA Division III National Championships, placing third in 2004, 2005 and 2016; fourth in 2001 and 2007; and fifth in 2003. He has coached 64 All-Americans, nine national champions, six national runners-up, 74 Scholar All-Americans, three NCAA Postgraduate Scholars, five CoSIDA Scholar All-Americans and two American Rivers Conference Male Scholar-Athletes of the Year. Stay connected and informed! Join the free newsletter for curated news, trending topics, and insider perspectives you won't find anywhere else.