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Lexington Announces New Head Boys Wrestling Coach

Lexington Head Wrestling Coach, Karl Degengardt, announced his resignation as head coach. Coach Degengardt served the Minutemen as Head Coach from November 2014 until the conclusion of this past season (nine years). Coach Degengardt has coached four individual state champions for LHS, (2015-Dakota Hernandez, 2018-Andy Rojas, 2019-Riley Kopf, and 2020-Brady Fago), as well as a few other runner ups, and numerous state medalists. In 2018, the Lexington Wrestling team finished in 3rd place as a team, Coach Degenhardt’s highest team finish. In 2017, the Western Nebraska Wrestling Officials Association named Karl the Western Nebraska Wrestling Coach of the Year. Karl will be moving on to take a job closer to his family in Hebron, Nebraska.

 

LHS is very happy and excited to announce the hiring of Mark Burson as the next leader of the Minutemen Wrestling Team. With a diverse coaching career spanning 18 years, Mark brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the team.

 

Mark’s journey at Lexington High School began in 2008 when he joined the staff as a Middle School Assistant. His commitment and passion for coaching quickly earned him recognition, and in 2010, he was promoted to the position of Varsity Assistant for Boys Wrestling. During his tenure in this role, Mark played a vital role in the success and growth of the program, contributing to the development of talented athletes.

 

Mark has also served as a Varsity Assistant for various other sports, including football and track. His coaching background has provided him with a well-rounded understanding of athletic development and the skills necessary for success in different disciplines.

 

Prior to his time at Lexington, Mark was a part of the coaching staff at Kimball Jr.-Sr. High School. This experience further honed his coaching abilities and allowed him to work with student-athletes at different levels.

 

Outside of his coaching endeavors, Mark resides in Lexington with his wife, Amber, and their three children. Amber is also employed by LHS, serving as the Department Chair of the Phys. Ed. department, Strength and Conditioning Coordinator, and Head Powerlifting Coach. All three of Mark and Amber’s children attend Bryan Elementary School in Lexington.

 

As the next Minutemen Head Wrestling Coach, Coach Burson is driven by a genuine desire to help his athletes reach their full potential. His extensive coaching experience, coupled with his dedication to the sport are great indicators of the bright future that the LHS Boys Wrestling program has!

 

-Phil Truax