Lumberjack Wrestler Nick Strand Reflects on Decorated High School Career

Strand prepares to continue his wrestling journey at Northern Illinois University

Apr. 11, 2026 at 3:20pm

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A fractured, geometric painting depicting the action and tension of a high school wrestling match, with overlapping planes of navy blue, gold, and red representing the competing teams.A cubist interpretation of the intense rivalry and dramatic conclusion of the 2025 Section 8-3A wrestling championship between Bemidji High School and Willmar.Bemidji Today

Nick Strand, a standout wrestler for Bemidji High School in Minnesota, is reflecting on his decorated high school career as he prepares to compete at the Division I level for Northern Illinois University. Strand, a three-time section champion and five-time state tournament qualifier, finished his high school career with 220 wins, the most in school history. Despite some regrets, Strand is proud of his accomplishments and is eager to take on new challenges at the collegiate level.

Why it matters

Strand's success on the wrestling mat has cemented his legacy as one of the greatest wrestlers in Bemidji High School history. His story highlights the dedication and hard work required to excel at the high school level and the opportunities that can arise for talented student-athletes to continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level.

The details

Strand's high school wrestling career began in the fall of 2020 when he was just in seventh grade. He was called up to the varsity team along with his longtime friend Gabe Morin, and the two helped each other adjust to the higher level of competition. Strand's first season was a learning experience, but he quickly found his footing and started to dominate, winning four individual section titles and finishing third at the state tournament as a senior. Strand's leadership and pin-focused approach on the mat were key to his success, and he helped lead Bemidji to a team section championship his junior year, a moment he considers one of the highlights of his high school career.

  • Strand's high school wrestling career began in the fall of 2020 when he was in seventh grade.
  • Strand won his first individual section title in eighth grade at 106 pounds.
  • Strand won three more individual section titles after his freshman year, for a total of four.
  • Strand finished third at the state tournament as a senior in the 139-pound weight class.
  • Bemidji won the Section 8-3A team championship Strand's junior year, a moment he considers a highlight of his high school career.

The players

Nick Strand

A standout wrestler for Bemidji High School in Minnesota, Strand finished his high school career with 220 wins, the most in school history. He was a three-time section champion and five-time state tournament qualifier.

Gabe Morin

Strand's longtime friend who was also called up to the Bemidji High School varsity wrestling team as a seventh grader, helping each other adjust to the higher level of competition.

Rob Strand

Strand's father, a former Bemidji High School wrestler, who instilled high expectations in his son and wanted him to be better than he was.

Greg Skerik

Bemidji High School's head wrestling coach, whose career win record of 217 wins Strand surpassed to become the school's all-time leader.

Ben Derosier

A Bemidji High School wrestler who secured a crucial pin in the 2025 Section 8-3A Championship match to help the Lumberjacks win the team title.

Nehemiah Schwinghammer

A Bemidji High School wrestler who got a win by decision in the 2025 Section 8-3A Championship match to help the Lumberjacks tie Willmar and win the team title by criteria.

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What they’re saying

“I'm not satisfied (with my career), but I'm happy that it happened. I can't go back and change it, so I'm not going to dwell on the past. I wish I could've did things differently, maybe try a little bit harder when I was younger. (But) I made a lot out of it, so I am happy about that.”

— Nick Strand, Wrestler

“He wanted me to be better than he was, and I wanted the same thing.”

— Nick Strand, Wrestler

“Once I got into that groove my freshman year ... I was really finding out what worked and how I could beat other good guys.”

— Nick Strand, Wrestler

“That was pretty surreal. I felt like my time was running out to win a section championship, because that was one of my big goals.”

— Nick Strand, Wrestler

“I wouldn't say I'm like him, but I definitely have the same goals as him. He wants to be the best and I want to be the best. So knowing that there are other people like that there, you want to surround yourself with people that you want to be like.”

— Nick Strand, Wrestler

What’s next

Strand will continue his wrestling career at the Division I level for Northern Illinois University this fall. He hopes to avoid a redshirt season and earn All-American honors in his first year with the Huskies.

The takeaway

Nick Strand's decorated high school wrestling career at Bemidji High School has prepared him well for the next chapter of his athletic journey at Northern Illinois University. His dedication, leadership, and competitive drive have made him one of the most accomplished wrestlers in Bemidji history, and he is poised to make a similar impact at the collegiate level.