BISMARCK, N.D. — Twin brothers Terry and Troy Steiner, nationally recognized wrestling champions and coaches, have been awarded the North Dakota Theodore Roosevelt Rough Rider Award, Governor Kelly Armstrong announced today. The award, North Dakota’s highest commendation for citizens, recognizes their significant contributions to the sport of wrestling and their enduring connection to their home state. The Steiner brothers’ achievements span decades, from their own decorated athletic careers to their impactful roles in shaping the next generation of wrestlers.
The Rough Rider Award, established in 1961 during the Dakota Territory Centennial, initially honored recipients with the honorary rank of Colonel in Theodore Roosevelt’s Rough Riders. Today, it stands as a testament to individuals who bring distinction and honor to North Dakota through their accomplishments. Secretary of State Michael Howe and State Historical Society Director Bill Peterson concurred with Governor Armstrong’s selection of the Steiners, highlighting the broad recognition of their achievements.
Born and raised in Bismarck, North Dakota, Terry and Troy Steiner’s journey began with MATPAC Wrestling, founded in 1978 by coach Milo Trusty. Their early success at Bismarck Century High School laid the foundation for their future accomplishments. Troy secured three individual state titles between 1986 and 1988, competing at 112, 119, and 125 pounds, while Terry claimed back-to-back titles in 1987 and 1988 at 126 and 130 pounds.
The brothers continued their wrestling careers at the University of Iowa, where they achieved All-American status and NCAA championships. Troy earned All-American honors for four consecutive years and won the NCAA championship at 142 pounds in 1992. Terry became a three-time All-American, winning the NCAA championship at 150 pounds in 1993 and also securing three Large Ten Conference championships. Their collegiate success propelled them onto the national and international stage.
Both brothers represented the United States on the U.S. National Team. Troy competed nine times, earning titles at the 1992 World Cup and the 1996 Pan-American Games, and placed third at the U.S. Olympic Trials in both 1992 and 1996. Terry also achieved success on the international stage, becoming a 1996 Pan American champion and consistently placing at the U.S. Open.
A Legacy of Coaching Excellence
While their athletic achievements are remarkable, the Steiners’ greatest impact has come through coaching. Terry Steiner has served as the head coach of the U.S. Women’s National Wrestling Team since 2002. Under his leadership, the program has risen to become a global powerhouse, fostering the growth of women’s wrestling and producing numerous Olympic and World champions. He has coached the U.S. Women’s freestyle team in six Olympic Games, beginning with the Athens Games in 2004, and has guided his athletes to a total of 12 Olympic medals – four gold, three silver, and five bronze. His athletes include Helen Maroulis, the first U.S. Olympic champion in women’s wrestling, and Amit Elor, the youngest U.S. Olympic wrestling champion in any discipline. In 21 Senior World Teams led by Steiner, the U.S. Has won 72 medals, including 22 golds, 17 silvers, and 33 bronzes. He has also coached five of the six women inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.
Troy Steiner has also enjoyed a successful coaching career, holding positions at several major Division I wrestling programs, including Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Oregon State, and Fresno State. He currently serves as the head coach of the Gopher Wrestling Club in Minneapolis, mentoring aspiring World and Olympic wrestlers.
Returning to Their Roots
Despite their national and international success, the Steiner brothers have remained deeply connected to North Dakota, frequently returning to Bismarck and other cities to conduct wrestling camps and coaching seminars. This commitment to giving back to the community that nurtured their talents underscores their dedication to the state and the sport.
“Growing up in North Dakota shaped who we are in every area of our lives,” Troy Steiner said in a statement. “The values of hard work, humility, faith and community were not just taught – they were lived.” Terry Steiner echoed this sentiment, adding, “The people in the community of Bismarck and the state of North Dakota have lifted us up from the very beginning.”
Governor Armstrong emphasized the significance of their contributions, stating, “As competitors, coaches and mentors, Terry and Troy have built a legacy that continues to elevate North Dakota and strengthen the sport of wrestling for future generations.”
The award presentation is scheduled to take place this fall in Bismarck, with further details to be announced at a later date. The North Dakota Theodore Roosevelt Rough Rider Award serves as a fitting tribute to the Steiners’ remarkable achievements and their lasting impact on the sport of wrestling and the state of North Dakota.
For those interested in learning more about Terry Steiner’s career, a video highlighting his induction into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame can be found here. A video of Troy Steiner wrestling at the University of Iowa is available here.
The North Dakota Office of the Governor will release details regarding the award ceremony in the coming months. Stay tuned for updates on this celebration of two of North Dakota’s most accomplished athletes and coaches.
