Wrestling: Little Falls head coach dies at age 46 (2024)

LITTLE FALLS — Little Falls head wrestling coach Simon Waltman unexpectedly died Tuesday, July 30, at the age of 46.

He spent the last three years as the Flyers wrestling coach, which included a state tournament appearance as a team last year.

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Simon Waltman,” Little Falls activities director Kevin Jordan said in a statement. “Coach Waltman was not only a remarkable coach but also an extraordinary individual whose character and dedication left an indelible mark on our community. Simon was a man of integrity and compassion, always putting the needs of his athletes first. His focus and commitment to excellence in wrestling were unparalleled. He instilled in his team a relentless work ethic and a passion for the sport that inspired all who had the privilege to know him. Beyond the mat, Coach Waltman was a true Flyer at heart. His love for the Little Falls community and his unwavering support for the Flyers were evident in everything he did. He was more than a coach; he was a mentor, a friend, and a pillar of strength for our school and community. His legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched and the spirit of perseverance and dedication he instilled in all of us. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”

Waltman taught math at Little Falls High School. He leaves behind his wife Kim and their two children.

On social media the Little Falls Community Schools made a statement: “It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Simon Waltman, a beloved math teacher at Little Falls Community High School and the dedicated head coach of the Flyers’ wrestling team. Mr. Waltman’s unwavering drive to help students succeed both academically and athletically was evident in every aspect of his work. His character, marked by integrity and kindness, set a powerful example for all who knew him. Coach Waltman’s intense focus and passion for wrestling inspired countless athletes, while his love for the Flyers community was evident to all.”

Waltman was raised in Little Falls where he was a three-sport athlete in football, wrestling and baseball. In college, he pitched for the Bemidji State University Beavers.

After college, his baseball career wasn’t over as he was a standout pitcher for the Sobieski Skis in amateur baseball.

Waltman was put into the Sobieski Baseball Hall of Fame as a part of its 2024 class this last spring. Waltman finished his Sobieski career in 2014 and compiled 100 wins and 727 strikeouts in 1,001 innings pitched. He posted a 3.18 ERA and helped the Skis reach many state tournaments.

Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch

“Simon’s leadership provided the heartbeat for Sobieski baseball during his many years,” Sobieski Skis Facebook page stated. “Beyond the field, he gave his very best to all aspects of his life, and he cared greatly about every person around him. We’ll always carry that positive message with us.”

Waltman succeeded Mike Hendrickson as Little Falls wrestling coach in 2021. Waltman was an assistant coach under Hendrickson for eight seasons. Prior to that, Waltman spent seven seasons as head wrestling coach at Pierz.

“I was very, very confident in him taking over the program,” Hendrickson said. “Of course, he had been the head coach in Pierz and he had the credentials. I just loved the way he worked. He was a great technician coach and just couldn’t have asked for a better person to take over the program.”

Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch

Hendrickson remembers coaching Waltman in wrestling, eighth-grade baseball and high school football.

“He was a linebacker in football and he could lay a lick on people,” Hendrickson said. “He was also a great pitcher.”

Hendrickson added that Waltman was a man who did things the right way.

Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch

“It’s quite a loss for our community because he was one of a kind,” Hendrickson said. “The word integrity comes to mind when I think of him. He was stoic and did everything right. He was a man of true character. He loved his family. He loved his wife and children. He loved being a father and he loved wrestling.”

CONRAD ENGSTROM may be reached at 218-855-5861 or conrad.engstrom@brainerddispatch.com. Follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/the_rad34.