Augsburg University Athletics

One of the top lightweight wrestlers in Augsburg history, Mitch Hegland '91 was a key member of Auggie teams that were part of the ascent to national dominance in small-college wrestling. A two-time All-American at 118 pounds, Hegland finished sixth nationally in 1989 and fifth nationally in 1990, and was a member of teams that finished eighth in 1988, third in 1989 and second in 1990, while winning MIAC titles all four years. Hegland won the MIAC title at 118 pounds in 1990, earning conference tournament Most Valuable Player honors. Hegland was a team captain his senior year and finished his career with a 125-48 career record, including 300 career takedowns. Hegland then served as an assistant coach on the 1990-91 Augsburg squad that captured its first-ever NCAA Division III national championship. Following his graduation from Augsburg in 1991 with a degree in elementary education, he later earned his master’s degree and school administration licensure. He is currently working towards his Educational Doctorate degree in Leadership. Hegland has spent 20 years in the teaching profession, most of it spent in the Eden Prairie school district as a fifth- and sixth-grade teacher. Most recently, he has worked as a reading and math specialist, as well as a teacher observer and coach. He is currently working on the district’s administrative team as a positive behavior intervention specialist. Hegland spent 20 years as a community and high school wrestling coach, including 10 years as Eden Prairie High School’s head coach. The Hegland family is involved with church and volunteer work in the Twin Cities, including house-building projects in Mexico, working with orphaned and abandoned children in Honduras, and teaching and providing professional development to teachers in Guatemala. He serves on the board of Global Connect, a volunteer organization in the Eden Prairie schools. Hegland and his wife, Lois, have three children – Abby, Peter and Melaku – and live in Eden Prairie, Minn.