Herman finds new home at Luther

DECORAH - Conner Herman has a new home.

The former Cedar Rapids Jefferson state champion heavyweight and football standout was embarking on a career in both in college in the only town he had ever lived until he decided he needed a change.

After about two weeks of football practice at Coe and with classes soon to begin, Herman decided to transfer to Luther College where he now appears to be making an impact on the Norse wrestling team.

"I just didn't feel right there, for some reason," Herman said. "I visited Luther in the spring. I liked it up here and I just decided to give it a try and get away from home a little bit to see how it went."

So far, so good. Herman won the heavyweight title in the freshman division Saturday at the Luther Open. He defeated Wisconsin-La Crosse's Zach Tooley in the finals. He also impressed his new coaches during a preseason alumni dual, and is one of four state champions in that division for the Norse.

"He's doing a great job. I'm excited about him," Luther Coach Dave Mitchell said last week before the Luther Open. "As of right now, he's at the top of the depth chart."

Something that wasn't even an option until the end of August. Herman was practicing with the Kohawk football team with plans of continuing his education at Coe. He was living off campus, however, and it led to a tough decision.

"There I'd be, going home every day," Herman said. "I felt like I needed to get out and start experiencing on my own."

Then in a whirlwind, Herman decided to leave Coe and scurried to take the appropriate measures and submit the proper paperwork to contact other schools. Herman told his parents a mere four days before he wanted to transfer. Herman said they knew something was bothering him, and that it should be handled immediately instead of postponing it and making a tougher process.

"They both agreed with it," said Herman, who arrived in Decorah 48 hours before classes began. "They've always been supportive."

The support he received from Mitchell during the recruiting process last year made a lasting impression. Herman immediately thought of Luther, recalling how Mitchell was there at the state tournament encouraging him on each round as he became Jefferson's first state champion since Tim Ironside in 1998.

Mitchell even sat with Herman in the practice room for part of last Monday afternoon, going over math homework.

"Coach Mitchell welcomed me with open arms," Herman said. He made the transition 20 times easier than I thought it was going to be. Everybody was really supportive and helpful.

"It's been great."

It isn't often when a catch gets away and then swims back to jump into the boat, but Mitchell wasn't going to throw him back. Mitchell, in his 16th season as Luther head coach, was surprised and excited when he was contacted by Herman. A better feeling than the previous time they talked, which was the news Herman originally chose Coe.

"We went after him pretty hard," Mitchell said. "When he told us he wanted to go to Coe, we understood, but we were disappointed."

Herman has been anything but disappointed with his decision. He decided not to go out for football at Luther in respect to Coe after leaving its team. An accomplished singer as a J-Hawk, Herman is participating in choir. He said he has talked to Mitchell and football head coach Mike Durnin about playing both sports next year.

The biggest hiccup was a little homesickness after he got settled in Decorah. Former Jefferson teammate, Riley Welsh, who is at Wartburg, advised him to stay busy and tough it out until it passes. It worked and now the move has actually made him appreciate home more than miss it.

"I find myself wanting to call them and be in contact just about everyday," Herman said. "In a way, it's brought me closer (to my family) even though I'm further away."

He was able to connect with a couple other Jefferson alumni to make the transition smoother, but he had a rough adjustment to college wrestling. Herman was introduced quickly to the competition, high level of skill and intensity.

"The first day I stepped in the wrestling room I got my ass kicked," said Herman, a two-time placewinner who set a Jefferson record with 57 career pins. "That was a real eye-opener. It's just a different experience when you get to college."

Herman has adjusted well to his new home and level. Mitchell has seen some good things from him so far.

"He looks like a young heavyweight that can grow into a bull. He has a good frame and works hard," Mitchell said. "He has a lot of potential. He is a good kid."

And a good fit at Luther.