Franklin Regional grad Michael Kemerer joins Minnesota coaching staff

By: Bill Beckner Jr.
Saturday, October 5, 2024 | 11:01 AM

Former All-American wrestler Michael Kemerer will join the University of Minnesota coaching staff this winter.

The former Iowa standout spent last season as an assistant at Brown University, which followed his time as a resident athlete at Spartan Combat RTC in Ithaca, N.Y.

A Franklin Regional alum, he also worked camps at Iowa in 2019.

“I am excited for the opportunity to make an immediate impact on the Minnesota wrestling program,” Kemerer said. “I am looking forward to working alongside the rest of the staff to help our guys achieve their goals.”

Kemerer was the first five-time All-American at Iowa and was an NCAA finalist in 2021. He finished his career with a record of 100-12, including a 55-12 mark against ranked opponents.

He finished third at the NCAA Division I Championships as a redshirt freshman competing at 157 pounds in 2017. He took fourth the next year.

Kemerer missed the 2019 season with an injury but came back to wrestle at 174 in 2020 and earned All-American honors.

In 2021, he won a Big Ten title at 174 and was a national runner-up as a redshirt junior, before capping his career with a fourth-place finish in ‘22.

“Having Michael Kemerer join our coaching staff is a huge addition to our program,” Minnesota head coach Brandon Eggum said in a news release. “His technical expertise, leadership, emphasis on culture and personal connections with our athletes will make a significant impact. With his background as a high-level competitor, he’s uniquely equipped to help our wrestlers excel both on and off the mat.”

Bill Beckner Jr. is a TribLive reporter covering local sports in Westmoreland County. He can be reached at bbeckner@triblive.com.

Tags: Franklin Regional