Ryan Timmerman joined Luther College’s coaching staff as the inaugural head women’s wrestling coach on April 15. The announcement was made by Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Renae Hartl and Head Men’s Wrestling Coach Dave Mitchell.
Timmerman currently serves as a special education teacher and co-head wrestling coach at St. Peter High School in St. Peter, Minnesota, where he has led the Saints to eight consecutive winning seasons. In an April 11 news release, Timmerman expressed excitement about the opportunity to begin his collegiate coaching career.
“I’m incredibly excited and honored to be the inaugural women’s wrestling head coach at Luther College,” Timmerman said. “The culture of success that Coach Mitchell and his staff have created along with the incredible new wrestling facility, training space, athletic training and locker room updates are a once in a lifetime situation for me and my family.”
Timmerman holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from St. Olaf College and a master’s degree in environmental education from the University of Minnesota Duluth. While at St. Olaf, he was a two-time All-American wrestler, placing third at the 2011 NCAA Championships and fourth in 2012. He also holds the program’s career wins record and served as team captain all four years. Mitchell acknowledged these accomplishments in the announcement.
“I am excited to welcome Ryan and his family to the greater Luther College wrestling community,” Mitchell said. “He has impressive wrestling accolades, a strong work ethic, and a genuine enthusiasm that will serve the young women he coaches well. I am excited to work alongside him as he works to build a strong women’s wrestling program at Luther.”
Timmerman and his family plan to relocate to Decorah this summer, though he is already beginning the recruiting process for the program’s first team.
“I plan to start recruiting immediately and build a schedule with Dave and Renae next week,” Timmerman said. “My culture within the Luther women’s program will be built with the cornerstones of faith, family and fight.”
The team’s inaugural season is scheduled for the 2025–26 academic year.
