STURGIS, S.D. – Sturgis Scooper Wrestling Coach Mike Abell has been named the South Dakota High School Coaches Association Boys’ Wrestling Coach of the Year!

Coach Abell has led the Sturgis wrestling program for 11 seasons and has built one of the premier programs in the state through hard work, consistency, and excellence.

During his tenure, Sturgis has placed as a team at the Individual State Tournament 9 times, including 3 State Championships. The program has also placed at the State Dual Tournament 6 times, earning 3 State Dual Titles as well.

This past season was another remarkable year, as the Scoopers captured their third straight Dual Team State Title and third consecutive Individual Team State Title. Coach Abell shared how proud he was of the way his athletes competed at a high level every week, remained humble, and continued to improve each day.

With high expectations and the pressure that comes with championship success, Coach Abell’s team responded by battling through adversity and rising to the challenge all season long.

Coach Abell’s vision for the future goes beyond trophies—he hopes to see student-athletes continue to have fun while competing at a high level, grow participation numbers, and learn the valuable life lessons that wrestling teaches along the way.