Erik Hanson

Erik Hanson

Erik Hanson joined the Millikin staff in February 2015 as the Big Blue’s Assistant Wrestling Coach.
 
Hanson was a three-time NCAA Qualifier and All-American at 157 pounds wrestling collegiately for Loras College.  In high school, Hanson was an All-State football player at Thornton Fractional South High School under Coach Tom Padjen and an All-State wrestler under Mike Tisza.
 
Prior to coming to Millikin, Hanson was freshman wrestling coach at Lincoln Way North High School in Frankfort, Illinois.  Hanson is a member of the Iowa Army National Guard’s 248th Aviation Support Battalion based in Muscatine, Iowa.
 
Hanson earned a bachelor’s degree in Physical Education from Loras College in 2013.
 
Erik is part of an athletic family.  Erik’s dad, Chet, wrestled at Thornridge High School.  Erik’s brother Chet played football collegiately at Concordia-Chicago and his sister-in-law Mandy was a swimmer at Augustana College.  Erik’s brother Kyle was a two-time state qualifier in wrestling.  Erik has two nephews, Noah and Colton, and one niece Molly.  Erik’s sister Megan Palka is a school social worker in Joliet and her husband Kevin Palka is a carpenter in Chicago.  Erik's mother, Marge Hanson, has supported all of the family's athletic and academical endeavors.