Members of the Union Knights 2015 wrestling squad pictured with their Hall of Fame Class of 2025 certificates on Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026, in La Porte City. From left, Coach Pat Hogan, Coach Curt Hilmer, Ryder Albertsen, Jace Hadachek, Teal Ludemann, Trevor McLaughlin, Jacob Holschlag, Max Thomsen, Colton Dietrick, Michael Ahrendsen, Tanner Hilton Will Reiter, Jon Hellman, and Tanner Shirk. PHOTO BY REBECCA LYN DAVIS

LA PORTE CITY – Union High School rounded out the Hall of Fame Class of 2025 ceremonies by inducting two final recipients on Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026 – the legendary 2015 wrestling team and one of the program’s most accomplished individuals, grappler Max Thomsen. Both were honored in the high school gym following the first dual of the evening’s NICL triangular between Union, Dike-New Hartford, and Sumner-Fredericksburg.

2015 Wrestling Team

The 2015 Union wrestling team secured its place in school history in myriad ways, including going undefeated in duals against Iowa teams and outscoring all opponents 2,392 to 657 over the course of the season. The Knights also tested themselves nationally, finishing 4-2 at the Clash Tournament in Rochester, Minn. – a competition widely regarded at the time as one of the best high school dual tournaments in the country.

Within Iowa, the 2015 Knights won every tournament they entered outside of the traditional state tournament. They capped the regular season by capturing the conference title plus seven conference champions, seven sectional champions, and five district champions. A total of eight Knights qualified individually for state, producing four state place winners and two state champions (Max Thomsen at 145 and Jacob Holschlag at 170).

The season culminated in one of the program’s defining moments when the Knights defeated four-time defending champion Davenport Assumption, 33-31, in the Class 2A Wrestling Team Dual Tournament on Feb. 18, 2015, at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines. The Progress Review newspaper (now shuttered) wrote at the time, “This win truly was a team effort. Throughout the day, they got gutty performances and key pins when they needed them most. Union’s victory was not so much about undefeated returning state champions (though they did themselves and their team proud) as much as it was the performances by the wrestlers who did not qualify for the traditional tournament.”

Coach Pat Hogan, left, speaks during the Union High School Hall of Fame induction ceremony on Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026, in La Porte City. Also pictured, assistant coach Curt Hilmer, Trevor McLaughlin, Tanner Shirk, and Max Thomsen. All were inducted as members of the 2015 Knights wrestling team. PHOTO BY REBECCA LYN DAVIS

At the 2015 IHSAA traditional wrestling tournament, Union tied for runner-up in Class 2A.

During the Hall of Fame ceremony in La Porte City last month, head coach Pat Hogan thanked the selection committee for recognizing the team, as well as his assistant coaches Curt Hilmer, Bart Mehlert, Kyle Kriz, and Kirk Crawford. He also thanked the administration for allowing the team to compete in a tournament ‘like the Clash’, as well as the 2015 cheerleaders and all those behind the scenes. Finally, he gave special thanks to Dick Ingvall for leading the program in the right direction; to the Progress Review newspaper for their coverage at the time; and to all the parents, community members, and fans for their unwavering support.

Max Thomsen

Max Thomsen’s high school career vaulted him to among the most dominant wrestlers in Iowa history.

A 2015 Union graduate, Thomsen became a four-time state champion, winning titles at 113, 126, 138, and 145 pounds. He compiled a 210-1 high school career record, including 199 consecutive victories and 157 falls.

Union alumnus Max Thomsen, left, pictured with his Hall of Fame Class of 2025 plaque alongside his family, including his wife Taylor and daughter Miley. PHOTO BY REBECCA LYN DAVIS

Thomsen’s individual high school honors include being named the Dan Gable Class 2A Mr. Wrestler of the Year twice (2014, 2015); earning state tournament outstanding 2A wrestler honors twice (2014, 2015); the Junior Schalles Award as the nation’s top high school pinner; the Dave Schultz High School Excellence Award; and the 2015 Bob Steenlage Iowa High School Wrestler of the Year. In addition to wrestling, Thomsen played two seasons each of football and cross country for the Knights.

Following high school, Thomsen continued his wrestling career at the University of Northern Iowa (Class of 2021), where he recorded 103 career wins. Collegiate accolades include:

-2017 Division 1 All-American at 149 pounds (5th place)

-4X NCAA Division I National Qualifier

-4X NCAA Academic All-American

Thomsen family photo; from left, Taylor, Miley, Max, Kim, Jack, and Mark Thomsen. PHOTO BY REBECCA LYN DAVIS

-2019 Midlands Championships 3rd place

-2018 Midlands Championships Runner-up

-2018 Big 12 Championships Runner-up

-2018 NWCA All-Star Classic Champion (149 pounds)

-2017 Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invite 4th place

-2017 Southern Scuffle 3rd place

-2017 MAC Championship Runner-up

Today, Thomsen lives in La Porte City with his wife Taylor, daughter Miley, and another baby on the way. He works for The Accel Group, while continuing his connection to Knights wrestling as a volunteer assistant coach.

“It has been a great honor to represent Union,” Thomsen said during the induction ceremony. “The Union wrestling family is a special group of people. We have a storied program that has created many legends in the sport. Union is known for tough wrestling. Excited to see the program continue to produce top level wrestlers. Thank you to the coaches who helped me throughout my career as a Knight – Pat Hogan, Bart Mehlert, Kyle Kriz, Curt Hilmer, and Kirk Crawford. Finally, thank you to my parents, Mark and Kim Thomsen. I would not be where I am today without the sacrifices they made to give me every opportunity to chase my dreams. Go Knights!”