Former Watford City athlete Rod Johnsrud inducted into the Wrestling Hall of Fame
Kristen Jones
Farmer Staff Writer
Fifty years to the day after Rod Johnsrud won the first of his three State Championship titles, his coach from that time, Frank Fish, awarded him with his official induction into the North Dakota Wrestling Hall of Fame.
“It’s quite an honor. It really is a humbling experience,” said Johnsrud about his nomination. “To be remembered after all these years is just an honor.”
Johnsrud is considered a legend by those who have been involved in North Dakota wrestling. Part of that reputation is due to the 11 Watford City High School records and one North Dakota state record he held at the time of his graduation.
In 1975, Mike Thornson, who was a writer for the North Dakota Sports Review wrote, “Johnsrud, who is a senior, is perhaps the most talented grappler to ever step on the mat for the Wolves.”