Bethel's Hanson bound for University of Minnesota

Published on March 4th, 2010

By VAN WILLIAMS

Bethel Warrior Randy Hanson, top, takes advantage of his dominant positioning to pin Craig Schlosser of Dillingham and become the 119-pound class state champion in 2008. Hanson went on to win three state titles. And now he's headed to the University of Minnesota. (Roy Corral, Alaska Newspapers)

Randy Hanson of Bethel, top, attempts to become disentangled with opponent Craig Schlosser, below, of Dillingham during state competition in 2008. (Roy Corral, Alaska Newspapers)

After setting the standard as the ideal student-athlete at Bethel Regional High School, senior Randy Hanson was rewarded with acceptance into the University of Minnesota.

Hanson is exceptional in the classroom (where he owns a 4.0 grade point average and is in the running for class of 2010 valedictorian) and on the wrestling mat (where he was a three-time Alaska state champion and a four-time state finalist).

"We are very pleased to be adding Randy to our program," said Minnesota head coach J. Robinson.

In joining the Golden Gophers, Hanson will compete in the battle-tested Big Ten Conference-traditionally the best for big college wrestling.

The 18-year-old Alaskan visited the Twin Cities campus a few weeks ago, touring the university grounds and facilities, and eating lunch with the coaches and wrestlers.

He also attended a dual meet between Minnesota and Iowa, with first-place in the Big Ten on the line. That night left an impression on Hanson.

"I saw just how big wrestling was down there," he said. "That was one of the factors in my decision."

At Bethel, Hanson became the school's first three-time state wrestling champion after claiming titles at 103 (2007), 119 (2008) and 125 (2009). He lost the state final as a freshman, a defeat that proved to be a driving force in his career.

In fact, he never lost at the state tournament again.

"He's a class act," said Bethel coach Darren Lieb. "I don't think he realizes that he is a huge role model for the young wrestlers we have here in Bethel."

Hanson credited his teammates and coaches for preparing him for the next chapter in his life.

"I think I'm ready for the next step," he said. "I'm really excited. I know how much better I'm going to get in the practice room with all those (college) guys. Everyone pretty much is state champs, so it's going to be a good experience."

Hanson was also being recruited heavily by Boise State, another top-notch NCAA program.

At Minnesota he will join another Alaskan - Wes Richards of Dillingham.

"He was trying to recruit me along with the coaches," Hanson said.

Hanson will begin his college career in the fall. His major is undecided.

"As a three-time state champion and a top-ranked wrestler, he makes an already great class even better and will continue the successful tradition of Minnesota wrestling," Robinson said.