National champion wrestlers and coaches Terry Steiner and Troy Steiner have been named the 51st and 52nd recipients of the North Dakota Theodore Roosevelt Rough Rider Award, according to an announcement from Governor Kelly Armstrong. The award is considered the highest honor for citizens of North Dakota.
“The names Troy and Terry Steiner are legendary in the wrestling world, carrying a well-earned reputation of excellence not only in North Dakota but on both the national and international stage,” Armstrong said. “As athletes they dominated their opponents, winning championships in high school, college, national and international competition. As coaches and ambassadors, their positive influence and impact on the sport of wrestling is immeasurable, bringing distinction and recognition to their home state.”
“Terry and Troy have embodied the North Dakota values of resilience, hard work and grit, inspiring countless young men and women to pursue the sport of wrestling,“ Armstrong added. “Their commitment to mentoring athletes and promoting wrestling has strengthened the sport’s pipeline from grassroots programs to international competition, all while remaining deeply connected to North Dakota.”
Terry Steiner expressed gratitude for the recognition: “Troy and I are humbled, honored, and proud to receive this award, and we want to thank Gov. Armstrong for selecting us. The people in the community of Bismarck and the state of North Dakota have lifted us up from the very beginning, and we are forever grateful. Our North Dakota roots and the nurturing community that we grew up in allowed us to grow, flourish and succeed in our athletic, professional and personal lives. When you put ordinary people in an extra ordinary environment, they become extraordinary.”
Troy Steiner also commented on receiving the award: “Receiving the North Dakota Theodore Roosevelt Rough Rider Award is truly humbling, and we are incredibly grateful to Gov. Armstrong. Growing up in North Dakota shaped who we are in every area of our lives. The values of hard work, humility, faith and community were not just taught – they were lived. The people of North Dakota set a standard of humility, toughness and integrity that challenged us to be our best, and that foundation continues to guide us today. Terry and I are honored beyond words to receive this recognition and proud to represent the state that built us.”
The Steiner brothers grew up in Bismarck as some of MATPAC Wrestling’s first members when it was founded by coach Milo Trusty in 1978. Both achieved success at Bismarck Century High School—Troy won three individual state titles between 1986-1988 at various weight classes; Terry won two consecutive titles in 1987-1988.
In college at University of Iowa, both earned All-American honors—Troy four times (NCAA champion at 142 pounds in 1992) with three Big Ten Conference titles; Terry three times (NCAA champion at 150 pounds in 1993). Both went on to join U.S. National Teams with notable achievements including Troy’s victories at major international events such as World Cup (1992) and Pan-American Games (1996), while Terry became a Pan American champion (1996).
Their coaching careers have also been significant contributions to wrestling nationally:
– Terry has led USA Wrestling’s Women’s National Team since 2002. Under his leadership over six Olympic Games—every Olympics featuring women’s wrestling—the U.S women’s team has produced multiple medalists including Helen Maroulis (first U.S Olympic women’s champion) as well as five out of six female inductees into National Wrestling Hall of Fame.
– Troy has coached at several Division I programs including Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa among others; he currently leads Gopher Wrestling Club where he mentors future World/Olympic hopefuls.
Both continue returning home for camps/seminars supporting local programs.
“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,” Armstrong said.
The Theodore Roosevelt Rough Rider Award recognizes current or former residents who achieve national distinction influenced by their time in North Dakota—a tradition dating back to its establishment during the state’s centennial celebration in 1961.
Secretary of State Michael Howe along with State Historical Society Director Bill Peterson agreed with Governor Armstrong’s selection for this year’s honorees.
The official presentation will take place this fall in Bismarck; further details will be announced later.
