June 9, 2026
Northland Community & Technical College has named Dale Rystad as its new head women’s wrestling coach, bringing more than a decade of coaching experience and a proven track record building girls wrestling programs in the region.
Rystad joins Northland after a successful tenure with the Thief River Falls Prowlers, where he has coached since 2013. He served as an assistant boys wrestling coach from 2013 to 2023 before leading the girls varsity program as head coach from 2023 to 2026. During his time with the Prowlers, Rystad played a key role in building and strengthening the girls wrestling program, one of the fastest-growing sports at the high school level.
His hiring strengthens a direct connection between Northland and one of the region’s most established high school wrestling communities.
“We’re excited to welcome Dale to Northland,” said Kelsey McLean, Northland’s athletic director. “His experience building a girls wrestling program and his commitment to student-athletes make him the right leader for Northland.”
A lifelong wrestler, Rystad began competing in kindergarten in Oklee, Minnesota, and went on to wrestle at Red Lake County Central High School. He competed at the varsity level in the 145-, 152-, and 160-pound weight classes.
Rystad holds a Bachelor of Science in Social Studies Education from St. Cloud State University and a Master of Science in Educational Leadership from Minnesota State University, Moorhead.
“I’m most proud of the connections I’ve made with the wrestlers I’ve coached,” Rystad said. “I’m also extremely proud of the girls wrestling program we’ve built in Thief River Falls.”
At Northland, Rystad will help lead the continued development of the women’s wrestling program at the collegiate level, where the sport continues to see rapid national growth.
“Northland saw the potential for women’s wrestling at the collegiate level,” Rystad said. “It is one of the fastest-growing female sports in the nation, so I’m excited to be a part of building that program into one that the college and community can be proud of.”
Rystad emphasizes a holistic approach to coaching that extends beyond competition.
“Wrestling is an individual sport, but no one wins alone,” he said. “The discipline, effort, and accountability each athlete brings not only lifts the team on the mat — it builds the habits and character that prepare them for success in life.”
Northland’s women’s wrestling program is poised for continued growth under Rystad’s leadership, as the sport gains momentum across Minnesota and the Upper Midwest.