In the heart of northeastern South Dakota, veteran high school wrestling fans are likely buzzing with excitement over the latest development in the Hamlin-Castlewood wrestling program. Chad LaQua, a notable figure in the local wrestling scene and a 1992 graduate of Watertown High School, is stepping up as the new head coach this winter. His return is marked not just by nostalgia but by a strong vision for revitalizing the wrestling culture within the community.
LaQua’s hiring was announced by Hamlin School District Athletic Director Todd Neuendorf, a fellow 1990 Watertown High School graduate. “Hamlin was also really tough when I was in high school,” LaQua remarked, reflecting on the storied past of the program. “We hope to bring that kind of excitement for girls and boys into the wrestling mix.”
Chad LaQua, a 1992 graduate of Watertown High School, has been hired as the new head wrestling coach at Hamlin High School.
A Legacy in Wrestling
Chad LaQua’s journey in wrestling began in the late 1980s as a five-year letterwinner under the guidance of legendary head coach Marv Sherrill at Watertown Arrows. His competitive spirit saw him reach the state Class A individual championship matches in 1990, 1991, and 1992. Notably, he faced off against Milbank’s George Thompson, a formidable opponent who later achieved recognition as a four-time NCAA Division II All-American wrestler for North Dakota State University.
LaQua’s high school career exemplified both determination and resilience, as he captured titles and endured close defeats across various weight classes. In 1990, he lost to Thompson in an overtime thriller for the 103-pound state championship. However, LaQua showed his mettle the following year by pinning Thompson to seize the 112-pound title in 1991. Although he faced defeat again in the 119-pound championship in 1992, it didn’t overshadow his team’s remarkable achievement as state champions that same year.
Capitalizing on his successful high school career, LaQua continued his wrestling journey at South Dakota State University (SDSU) in Brookings, where he competed for three years, becoming a varsity regular for the Jackrabbits.
A Multifaceted Career
LaQua’s career spans beyond the wrestling mat. After graduating from SDSU in 1998, he returned to the wrestling scene as an intern, first assisting Sherrill and then moving on to help at Mitchell under coach Andy Tate. His coaching adventures took him further afield, including Parker, Germany, and various locations in the U.S. while serving a 28-year tenure with the Army National Guard.
Though he stepped away from coaching between 2016 and 2019, LaQua remained heavily involved in wrestling, highlighting his lifelong dedication to the sport. Now back in South Dakota, he is set to balance his family commitments—such as attending his son’s final season of football in Alabama—with his new coaching responsibilities.
Chad LaQua of Watertown wrestles Joe Anderson of Sioux Falls Roosevelt at 119 pounds during the 1992 state Class A wrestling tournament. LaQua wrestled in the state championship three-straight years from 1990-92 and won the 119-pound title in 1991.
Revitalizing the Hamlin-Castlewood Wrestling Program
Now, LaQua is ready for the challenge ahead, fully committed to igniting interest in the Hamlin-Castlewood wrestling program. The school has enjoyed significant success in other sports—basketball, football, and track and field—yet wrestling has struggled to attract the numbers necessary for sustained competition at the state level.
Recent years have seen enrollment numbers in wrestling lag, with boys teams averaging just 10-15 wrestlers and only two girls participating since the South Dakota High School Activities Association introduced girls wrestling. Last season, the boys team fielded a mere 12 wrestlers, with junior Tate Everson representing the sole state qualifier.
Despite these challenges, LaQua’s vision aligns with the hopes of the administration. “The superintendent expects all of his coaches to build confidence in our skills to be champions,” LaQua stated, emphasizing his goal to fill the rosters and foster competitiveness at state championships. “We need to build confidence in Charger Wrestling!”
The anticipation building around LaQua’s return to Hamlin reflects a broader community desire for revitalization within the wrestling program. His personal journey through wrestling adds an additional layer of inspiration for both current and prospective students looking to embrace this sport. With LaQua at the helm, the future of Hamlin-Castlewood wrestling appears promising and filled with potential for growth.