Born in Rochester - moved to Wisconsin

What an adventure it was in creating this event in 2003. With an idea scratched out on a napkin to equal local high school holiday basketball and hockey festivals - the Clash was a gamble in establishing it from the start. However, once Minnesota wrestling perennial powerhouse Apple Valley agreed to participate - other high-level teams from other states wanted to come see how they stacked up against the Midwest's best. Here was the field of teams in year one - 2003:

20 High School teams from 8 states in a unique format

Friday, January 3rd, 2003, 6:00 & 8:00 pm matches determine pools

Saturday, January 4th, 9:00 am begins five round-robin dual match rounds!

Perry Oklahoma: ’02 State runner up. ’98, ’99, ’00, ’01 State Champions

Luxemburg-Casco Wisconsin: 2002 Wisconsin Division 2 State Champions

Skutt Catholic, Omaha Nebraska: ’98, ’99, ’00, ’01, ’02 State Champions

Apple Valley Minnesota: ’98, ’99, ’00, ’01, ’02 Minnesota State Champions

Iowa City Iowa: 2001, 2002 Iowa State Champions

Wasatch HS, Heber City Utah: 2001 Utah State Champions

Mineral Point Wisconsin: 2001 and 2002 Wisconsin State Champions

Centennial Minnesota: 2002 Minnesota State runner-up

Lincoln East Nebraska: 2002 Nebraska State Champions

Owatonna Minnesota: 1996 – 2002 Minnesota State entrant

Osage Iowa: 2002 Iowa State runner up

Glenbard North Chicago Illinois: 2002 Illinois State Champions

Vacaville California: Top California dual team!

Milaca Minnesota: 2002 State entrant

Windom Minnesota: 2002 State entrant

It has been twenty years of extremely exciting high school dual meets - with top teams from several states colliding to determine the champion of the famous Clash. Congratulations to all the volunteers and participants over the years - you have created lifetime memories for many. Now, let's get this event back in Rochester where it belongs!