Mike Polz
Carl Sandburg High School
Impact Statement
One of the most storied wrestling coaches in Illinois leading multiple schools to titles.
Biography
Polz recently completed his 18th season as a head coach, and his 14th at Carl Sandburg. This season, he led the Eagles to a 33-0 record and their second consecutive Class AA dual-team state championship. In the individual state tournament Polz coached three state champions and five Eagles advanced to the finals, a Class AA record.
Carl Sandburg currently boasts a 51-match winning streak over two seasons, and Polz’s last four teams have a combined record of 103-3 and have been unbeaten in the regular season against Illinois opponents. Polz also coached at New Lenox Providence High for four seasons, leading the Celtics to the 1989 Class AA title and a runner-up finish in 1990. His career dual-meet record is 400-45 and he has coached 13 individual state champions and 45 placewinners.
Since being honored in 2006, Polz’ team won another state championship in 2007. He retired shortly after but has stayed on as an assistant coach, a position he still holds.
In 2017 Polz was honored as the IWCOA Lifetime Achievement Award honoree.
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