Terry And Troy Steiner Named Rough Rider Award Recipients
Kelly Armstrong has named twin brothers Terry Steiner and Troy Steiner as the 51st and 52nd recipients of the Theodore Roosevelt Rough Rider Award, the state’s highest commendation for its citizens.
Armstrong announced the honor last week, recognizing the Bismarck natives for their achievements as national champion wrestlers and influential coaches.
“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.”
The brothers grew up in Bismarck and starred at Bismarck Century High School before continuing their careers with the Iowa Hawkeyes wrestling at the University of Iowa. Troy Steiner became a four-time All-American and won the NCAA championship at 142 pounds in 1992, while Terry Steiner was a three-time All-American and captured the NCAA title at 150 pounds in 1993.
Both also competed internationally for the United States. Troy was a nine-time member of the U.S. National Team and won titles at the 1992 World Cup and the 1996 Pan American Games. Terry also competed at the highest levels of freestyle wrestling and won a Pan American championship in 1996.
Much of their lasting influence has come through coaching. Terry Steiner has led the U.S. women’s national wrestling team with USA Wrestling since 2002, guiding athletes to multiple Olympic and world championship medals. Troy Steiner has coached at several Division I programs and currently leads the Gopher Wrestling Club in Minneapolis.
“Troy and I are humbled, honored, and proud to receive this award, and we want to thank Gov. Armstrong for selecting us,” Terry Steiner said.
The award, established in 1961, recognizes North Dakotans who achieve national recognition and bring distinction to the state. Michael Howe and Bill Peterson concurred with Armstrong’s selection.
The award will be presented this fall in Bismarck.
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