Pending MCSD School Board approval, the Marshalltown Activities Department and Marshalltown High School are proud to introduce Luke Cross as the new varsity wrestling head coach for the Bobcats.
Cross will replace Mike Mann, who retired in 2021 after nearly a decade at the helm of Bobcats Wrestling. For the past two years, Cross has served as a volunteer assistant coach with MHS wrestling and has been active in the local youth wrestling program here in Marshalltown.
Cross is a Colorado native, but he is no stranger to Iowa. He wrestled throughout his collegiate career at Buena Vista University in Storm Lake. In 2003, Buena Vista recognized his leadership skills and character with the Courage Award; in 2004, he earned his bachelor’s degree with a major in history and a concentration in education and exercise science.
Coach Cross brings with him a wealth of wrestling knowledge and training. From 2004 until 2019, Cross taught social studies at Eagle Valley High School in Gypsum, Colorado, where he also gained experience as both assistant- and head wrestling coach.
Cross has already led 70 student-athletes to state tournament competition and had 27 state tournament place-winners in his young coaching career, including four champions and five runners-up. In his final year at Eagle Valley, Cross marshaled his team to a third-place finish in the state wrestling tournament.
“After a two year hiatus from the full-time coaching scene, I’m excited and honored to be the next MHS head wrestling coach. I value having an active role in the community,” said Cross. “Building and strengthening the character of young people is important to me.”
He added the lessons he learned in wrestling served him well throughout his life, and he hopes to impart that experience upon the Bobcat wrestlers. Cross said he looks forward to the adventure ahead.
Cross and his wife, Sara, reside in Marshalltown with their five young children. He is eager to build on the legacy of MHS Wrestling and the strong foundation secured by Coach Mann. He hopes to grow the program and foster a broader network of community support.
“I’m blessed to have a supportive wife and children beside me during this next chapter, and I’m especially proud to say ‘Go Bobcats!'” Cross said.