The KROX/Drafts Sports Bar and Grill Athlete of the week is Nolan Dans, a 120-pound junior on the Crookston Pirate Wrestling team. Nolan has had a perfect start to the season going 10-0 while wrestling at 120 and 126 pounds. Nolan 
won both of his matches in the Border Battle with an 8-0 and 15-0 decision wins. In the Hillsboro duals last Saturday, Nolan went 5-0 with a 7-5 win against Grafton, a win by pin against Central Cass, a win by pin in 12 seconds against LaMoure, a win by pin against Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton and a win by pin over New York Mills. “Nolan is a leader by example on our team. He does the right things on and off the mat. It’s been great to see him emerge as a go-to guy on our roster,” said Pirate Wrestling Coach Wes Hanson. “He is very solid in all positions which gives his opponents difficulty. Nolan is also very coachable and willing to do what is best to help his team be successful.”
Nolan is making the case for the most improved wrestler so far this season, although he had a solid season as a sophomore going 19-18 with a fifth-place finish at sections last year. He currently has 62 career wins going into the Thief River Falls match. He started wrestling varsity at 106 pounds in seventh grade and has made the move up to 120 pounds as a Junior.
Nolan is a two-sport athlete and played soccer in the fall where he was a defensive player. It was his third year playing varsity soccer.
Nolan is also a member of the Crookston High School LEO Club and the honor roll.
First started wrestling- Kindergarten
The best part of your game – My Cobra move
Part of your game that still needs work – I need to get stronger
Toughest wrestler you’ve ever faced – Zach Brown (teammate)
Biggest thrill in your athletic career so far– Going undefeated so far
Do you have a pre-match ritual – I say a prayer for being blessed for the opportunity to wrestle
Favorite place to wrestle – Crookston High School
Favorite sport – Wrestling
Favorite sports team – Minnesota Vikings
Favorite athlete – Austin Desanto
Last movie you’ve seen – Midway (the U.S. History class at CHS went to the Grand Theatre to watch)
Favorite TV program – The Office
Favorite food – Burgers
What music are you listening to – Rap and pop
Something about you that people don’t know – I am legally blind
You are stranded on a deserted island and you can have ANY three people with you – Coach Wes Hanson, my Mom, and Jesus
Plans after graduation – I am kind of undecided, but probably go to college for accounting
Family –
Dad – Jim (Farmer)
Mom- Kim (owns Wish Upon a Star)
Sisters – Whitney Smith (Special Ed teacher at Cavalier), Sophia (3rd grade), Hadley (1st grade)
Brother – Jameson (Preschool)
