Berge joins SDSU wrestling staff

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Two-time NCAA qualifier Brady Berge will join the South Dakota State wrestling coaching staff as a volunteer assistant, head coach Damion Hahn announced Saturday.

 “We are ecstatic to announce the addition of Brady Berge to our coaching staff,” Hahn said. “Brady brings a wealth of knowledge and experience having competed on some of the biggest stages. His wrestling mind and strong work ethic will most definitely elevate our program.”

A native of Mantorville, Minnesota, Berge competed at Penn State for four seasons, 2017-18 through 2020-21, compiling a 31-9 career record. He wrestled at 149 pounds for the Nittany Lions during the 2018-19 season, earning his first trip to the NCAA Championships and finishing with a 20-5 overall record.

After having his 2019-20 season cut short due to injury, Berge returned to the starting lineup this past season – this time at 157 pounds. He went undefeated in dual competition (5-0) and earned his second NCAA berth after placing sixth at the 2021 Big Ten Conference Championships. He won his first two matches at nationals before withdrawing from the tournament due to injury, ending his season with a 10-3 overall mark.

“I’m very excited for this opportunity Coach Hahn and the staff has given me,” Berge said. “I’m looking forward to helping the student-athletes achieve their goals in the classroom and on the mat. Brookings is a beautiful place and an extremely supportive community. I’m blessed with a great support system and I want to thank my family for being there every step of the way.”

Berge was honored multiple times on the Academic All-Big Ten squad while majoring in telecommunications.

As a member of the Kasson-Mantorville High School wrestling team, Berge won four individual Minnesota state titles and posted a 282-5 overall record. He also competed in international competition, including wrestling at the 2018 Junior World Championships and the 2019 U23 World Championships.