SMWOA History
The Southern Minnesota Wrestling Officials Association was built by officials who believed in training, consistency, communication, professionalism, and service to the sport of wrestling.
Origins
SMWOA began more than 35 years ago when a group of wrestling officials, led by Duane Silker, split away from the Rochester Officials Association to form their own group with a unique connection to both high school and college wrestling.
That original group called itself The Wrestling Officials, or TWO. It included some of the state’s premier wrestling officials and helped establish a foundation for consistency, mentorship, and professional development.
SMWOA’s story is not just about assigning officials. It is about developing the next generation of wrestling officials and supporting the sport across southern Minnesota.
Timeline
The association has changed and expanded over time, but its central mission has remained the same: support wrestling officials and strengthen the quality of officiating.
Early years
A small group of wrestling officials formed a dedicated wrestling officiating group known as The Wrestling Officials, or TWO. The group included officials with strong connections to high school and college wrestling.
1983
The group changed again and became the Southern Minnesota Wrestling Officials Association, led by Rick Rud. By that time, the association had grown from an original group of six officials to more than twenty.
2015
SMWOA expanded to include the southwest portion of the state, led by Cami Snobl. This growth expanded the association’s footprint across southern Minnesota, from the South Dakota border to Wisconsin and from the Iowa border north toward central Minnesota.
Today
Today, SMWOA maintains a roster of more than fifty officials and continues its original mandate to train younger officials, promote consistency, and grow wrestling officiating talent in Minnesota.
Legacy
The early association was served by many respected officials, including Pat Dunn, Constantine “Gust” Barbas, Darrell Lande, John Philo, and others who were mainstays at the Minnesota State Wrestling Tournament.
Their work helped create a culture of preparation, consistency, mentorship, and communication that continues to influence the association today.
SMWOA serves as the head officiating group for The Clash National High School Wrestling Duals team tournament, one of the nation’s premier high school wrestling championship events.
Continue the Tradition
SMWOA continues to grow by recruiting, mentoring, and supporting officials who want to serve the sport of wrestling.