One of southern Minnesota's great coaches for 28 years was Hayfield High School Head Coach David Erickson. Erickson produced some outstanding individuals that went on to compete at the highest level of collegiate and international competition. Erickson's Hayfield High School teams accumulated a 268-118-4 record over 28 years with his 1993 team capturing a Class A (two class system) State Runner up finish. Individually, 24 wrestlers captured Region (now Section) championships, 44 were state qualifiers with 9 individual state champions and 26 individual state placewinners. Some of Hayfield's most notable wrestlers coached by Erickson include Corey Olson, Chris Steele and Jim Richardson. All three left their mark on the national scene. Corey Olson was a 3-time Minnesota High School State Wrestling Champion for Hayfield High School. He went on to wrestle at the University of Nebraska where he became a 3-time Division l All-American, placing 3rd in 1990 and captured two consecutive NCAA national finals runner up finishes in 1992 and 1993. Chris Steele was another standout for Hayfield High School becoming a 2-time Minnesota High School State Wrestling Champion in 1993 and 1994. He went on to excel in Greco Roman style wrestling. A third Hayfield High School wrestler that made a strong showing in the Wrestling World was Jim Richardson. Richardson, a 2-time state qualifier, placed 4th in State in high school and went on to an outstanding career in Greco Roman wrestling. Coach Dave Erickson's success is remarkable as a wrestling coach considering the fact that he never wrestled in high school or college. He attended Waldorf College in Forest City, Iowa where he played on the football team. He completed his college education at Mankato State College, graduating in 1959. For all his success as a coach at Hayfield High School, Erickson has received several honors. He was inducted into the Dave BartelmaMinnesota Wrestling Hall of Fame in 1995 and the Region One-Mayo Civic Center Hall of fame in 2009. Now of course his honors reach the national level with his induction into the Minnesota Chapter of the National wrestling Hall of Fame. Coach Erickson has also served on the Dave Bartelma-Minnesota Wrestling Hall of Fame Selection Committee. Former Hayfield wrestler Cory Olson says this about his former high school coach: "He (Erickson) has influenced so many boys' lives in such a positive way." Another Hayfield high school graduate and wrestler Jim Richardson say, "Coach Erickson was not only my wrestling coach, football coach, teacher and mentor, but he laid a foundation down in my soul that truly saved my life." Dave Erickson retired from teaching and coaching in 1994 and he now serves as Commissioner for Dodge County. His family includes his wife, Marilyn, and adult children Kent (age 55), Kurt (age 54), Karin (age 43) and Kyle (deceased at age 38 in 2004).