A phenomenal athlete, coach and scholar, Dr Michael Rybak, a native of Anoka, was a 1963 State wrestling champion, All State football player, State team tournament baseball catcher and 3 sport Captain at Anoka High School. He went on to capture an NAIA National championship as a wrestler at St. Cloud State College in 1967, where he became a 2 time All American. After his accomplished athletic career Mike began coaching in 1968 at Foley High School. He coached football, wrestling and track. From 1968 to 1980 Foley wrestling teams won 10 conference titles, 7 District titles and 2 Region titles. He moved on to the junior college scene at Itasca Community College in 1980-81 and coached 5 teams to top 5 finishes in the NJCAA Nationals with his 1995 team capturing the NJCAA Division III National Title. He coached 36 NJCAA All Americans. He was named Minnesota Community College. "Coach of the Year" S times. He was also named NJCAA Region XIII. Coach of 'the Year 5 times and he was named NJCAA Wrestling "Man of the Year" in 1992. Mike received his B.S. and M.S. degrees at St. Cloud State University and a Doctorate of Education from the University of Northern Colorado in 1994. All his degrees earned were with "Highest Honors." Coach Rybak has been honored for his athletic and coaching efforts with Hall of Fame Inductions to St. Cloud State University, NATA, NJCAA and the Dave Bartelma Minnesota Wrestling Hall of Fames. A tribute to Coach Rybak's career is best summed up by former assistant coach Tom Keating when he says, "In 15 years as his assistant wrestling coach at Foley High School I saw Mike not only develop successful wrestlers and teams but more importantly successful people. Some have even shared with me that they would not be the person they are today if it had not been for Coach Rybak." A fitting statement for a man who put education as a priority for himself and his wrestlers, while they also succeeded on the wrestling mats. Will Backes, Dean of Students, emeritus, at Itasca Community College said, "Mr. Rybak was a role model, not only for his wrestling teams, but the entire campus, community and the Minnesota Community College Athletic Association." He is one of Minnesota's wrestling legends.