Allan Goeden has not let a physical disability slow him down. A hunting accident, which left him paralyzed from the waist down, only altered his mode of travel, not his determination. He continued to achieve and contribute in many ways to his family, the sport of wrestling and boy scouts. He started his long involvement in wrestling as a sophomore at Staples High School, under legendary coach Don Dravis. From there he went on to compete at Itaska Community College where he captured State Champion and runner-up finishes in the then thriving Minnesota State Junior College tournament in l970 and l971. He also captained the team both years. From there he attended Moorhead State University, where he became Northern Sun Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Champion for the Dragons. He also finished as runner-up one year. He was named "MVW" at Moorhead in l972. Goeden is a member of the l997 Minnesota Community College Conference Hall of Fame. He received the 2005 Dan Drinkwine Award from Minnesota USA Wrestling, and served as l993-94 President of the Grand Rapids Wrestling Association. He was selected l997 Grand Rapids "Fan of the Year". He was also Director of Region 7 for Minnesota/USA Wrestling for over ten years. He has served numerous years as Grand Rapids Middle School coach. Beyond Wrestling, Al has worked with the Boy Scouts for over twenty years, receiving the distinguished "Silver Beaver" Award. He also served on the Boy Scouts Board of Directors. He has put in a countless number of hours working with young people. Al and his wife, Dorothy, have three sons of their own in Jeremy, Joel and Josh. They also have a daughter, Jessica. Al has been a great father, getting involved with his kid's interest in athletics and everything else they pursue. His family has been highly successful too, with his sons and daughter capturing 23 high school State tournament medals among them. Oldest son, Jeremy, was a two-time state place winner and State Wrestling Champion. He was a two-time Division I All-American at Northern Illinois. Second son, Joel, was a two-time State Wrestling Champion, placing second as a sophomore. He wrestled at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. Injury ended his wrestling career early. Youngest son, Josh, went on to place fourth in State. He wrestled at Northern Illinois University. All three graduated and are successful in the work force. Daughter, Jessica, was a two sport star in cross country and track. She was a multi state place winner. Her Grand Rapids High School team captured a state championship. She went on to compete at Coastal Carolina University and ran Division I Track and field and cross country. As an athlete, coach, organizer, director and booster club President, Al Goeden succeeded at all of them. His unfortunate hunting accident did not slow his involvement and ability to help young people. He is a credit to society, and especially the sport of wrestling. The Minnesota Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame is proud to honor Mr. Allan Goeden with the Courage Award.