Willy Holst

Willy Holst was a 149-pound wrestler for Augsburg College. After wrestling at the University of Minnesota, he transferred to Augsburg where he finished third at the 2008 National Championships fifth in 2009.

High school career
Holst competed for Prescott (Wis.) High School, winning two Wisconsin state titles in 2001 and 2002 as well as placing runner-up in 2000. Holst compiled a 131-9 record and was a Wrestling USA High School All-American in 2002, while winning the 2001 Junior National championships at his weight class.

College career
During the 2002–03 season at the University of Minnesota, Holst compiled a 6-5 record including a pin and technical fall. During the 2004–05 season at the University of Minnesota, Holst compiled a 4-0 record at 141 pounds, including one pin, one technical fall and one major decision to his credit. Holst finished his career at the University of Minnesota with a 10-5 record, with two pins, two technical falls and a major decision.

Regionals
Top-ranked Holst competed for Augsburg at 149 pounds and drew the first seed at the 2009 Great Lakes Regional. In the first round Holst claimed tournament high 35-second pin over Christian Groom of Maranatha Baptist Bible College. Holst then claimed a 10-0 major decision over eight-seeded Zachary Holland of Augustana College. In the semi-finals, Holst claimed a 10-5 decision over Concordia University Wisconsin's fifth-seeded Joey Massman. In the final Holst pinned third-seeded Justin Berns of Concordia College–Moorhead at 3:23.

Nationals
Top-ranked Holst competed for Augsburg at 149 and earned the top seed at the 2009 national tournament. Holst began the tournament with a 25-0 record against Division III opponents, with his sole loss coming to Division II opponent Esai Dominguez by a 4-2 decision. Holst also began the tournament with a 6-0 record against Nationals qualifiers.

In the first round, Holst received a bye. In the second round, Holst faced Frank Cammisa (Bridgewater State), whom he defeated by a 15-3 major decision. In the quarter-finals, Holst defeated Kevin Sutherland (Rhode Island) 8-2. In the semi-finals, Holst faced fourth-seeded Matt Mauseth (UW LaCrosse). During the match, Holst and Mauseth bumped heads, opening a gash above Mauseth's left eye. Both Holst and Hauseth were wrapped with bandages and the match ended in a 3-1 decision to Mauseth, who eventually became the national champion.

In the semi-finals of the wrestlebacks Holst fell to Blaine Woszczak (Ithaca) 7-5. Holst had defeated Woszczak earlier in the season. In the fifth-place match, Holst scored an 8-0 major decision over Andrew Gardella (Case West Reserve University).