Allyn Plattner finds redemption on the national stage

Everyone graduates college with some sort of regret, whether it’s a low grade in a class, a social event unattended or a performance that went on without them. For Luther wrestler Allyn Plattner (‘09), it was losing a match to Augsburg heavyweight and long-time foe Andy Witzel his senior year at the national tournament.

“I kept telling myself that I was a national qualifier and I could live the rest of my life,” said Plattner. “But shortly after graduation, I realized that I would never be satisfied. I tried to tell myself I was happy about how it ended, but I truly wasn’t.”

Plattner attempted to move on with his life, taking a job in Plymouth, Minnesota as a warehouse manager. But every day on his way to work, he drove by Augsburg College, reminding him of his one regret.

“Witzel went to Augsburg,” Plattner said. “I would constantly think about the match and how my career ended. I would just get upset about the loss.”

However, Plattner, unlike most alumni who have graduated with regret, had a chance at redemption; he had one more season of eligibility left. Plattner quit his job and subsequently re-enrolled at Luther for another wrestling season with the hopes of ending his wrestling career on a more positive note.

“I had to do something about it or I would never really be happy,” said Plattner.

Plattner began his climb back into wrestling form with the help of coaches and teammates. He spent countless hours in the wrestling room, pushing his limits with the help of a single memory.

“Every time I was in a tough situation in my wrestling match, or practice, I would think back to my match last year against Witzel,” Plattner said.“I would shoot another shot, or do another rep in the weight room or run another sprint. It was the best motivation I have had.”

Plattner also credits his coaches for recognizing his motivation and newfound drive.

“Coach Mitchell and Coach O’Gara were always on me to keep getting better, and they knew what I could accomplish,” Plattner said. “They were pivotal in me coming back.”

Plattner had a successful regular season with a record of 18-5 in a deep heavyweight division, and winning a conference title. Plattner was named an All-American and had momentum heading into the national meet, where he would eventually wrestle Witzel. Plattner took full advantage of his last chance at redemption, pinning Witzel in the second period in front of a section of Luther fans, which Plattner describes as a loud “sea of blue.”

“The crowd noise made the moment even better than the win,” Plattner said. “They were so loud, and they all knew what I was going through.”

Plattner’s self described ‘exclamation point’ moment at the end of the season was the second chance that is often only found in sports.

“I accomplished my goal,” Plattner said. “Now I’m ready to move on to the next thing in my life.”