Lexvold Brothers Set Wrestling Milestone With 700th Win

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- In high school, 700 wins is a lot no matter what sport you are in.

It's even cooler when you and your brothers reach that milestone together and set a state record in the process. That's what happened for the Lexvold brothers in the Kenyon-Wanamingo wrestling program.

"They've definitely made me tougher. I can go out and not back down from anything," said Mitchel Lexvold.

Mitchel is that last of the Lexvold brothers. That's great news for anyone who has wrestled Nathan, Drew, Chad and Mitchel over the years.

"To have 4 boys as successful as these boys- it's something you don't see very often," said Coach Matt Ryan.

It began with Nathan who won a state title in 2008. Drew won back-to-back state titles in 2009 and 2010. Mitchel won his first last year and is hoping for another. Chad came close, getting second at state in 2010.

"A state title has gone to the same house 4 years in a row. Pretty amazing," said Ryan.

That's not even the most amazing part. On Saturday Mitchel got his 200th career win, putting the brothers' win total at 699. No. 700 was the magic number for most state wins by brothers, and Thursday night Mitchel put his family in the history books with a win against Goodhue.

"700 times I've given the kid a handshake coming off the mat. Hard to think it's been that many," said Ryan.

And it didn't happen by accident. The Lexvold's are now legendary. Mitchel said it was a goal since their dad put a wrestling mat in the basement when he was just 4. Of course, being the youngest that didn't always work in his favor.

"Many fights and I don't if I've ever won one," said Mitchel.

But it made him better and it made his brothers better. Now Mitchel says, they have something to tell the kids and grandkids about.

"We've all had to work together our whole lives. We wrestled all the time growing up together. To come out with the most wins in Minnesota, that will be cool to know," said Mitchel.

Mitchel said his brothers didn't put any pressure on him to get that win. Nathan wrestles at Augsburg College, Drew wrestles at Minnesota State University-Mankato.

Mitchel said he's not sure what college he will go to next year, but he will likely wrestle.