Park Rapids graduate Mark Costello was one of six members inducted into the Minnesota Wrestling Coaches Association (MWCA) Dave Bartelma Hall of Fame during an awards ceremony in Benson on Oct. 30.
Costello, who graduated from Park Rapids High School in 1972, was a four-time Mid-State Conference champion, a four-time district champion, a four-time region champion and a four-time state tournament entrant. Costello placed fifth in 1969 at 98 pounds, third in 1970 at 103 pounds and was a state champion in the 106-pound weight class in both 1971 and 1972. His career record was 126-6-1 (a 95% winning percentage).
Costello attended the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland from 1972-1976 and placed second in the EIWA in 1975 and first in 1976, qualifying for the NCAA Division I Tournament both years. As a senior, Costello was named the Outstanding Wrestler at the Academy and earned D-1 All American honors with a sixth-place finish. After college, Costello continued to wrestle and earned an invitation to the U.S. Olympic Wrestling Training Camp tryouts in 1980.
