(10/20/2025) Before sharing his trademark “It’s a great day to be a Cardinal” throughout the hallways as Principal at Coon Rapids High School, John Peña made his days at Augsburg College a time to remember. (Photo by Kevin Healy for Augsburg University Athletics).
Peña’s contributions as an Auggie wrestler and football player were recognized with his induction into the Augsburg University Athletic Hall of Fame in an October ceremony held during Homecoming festivities for the school.
In a high-energy acceptance speech before family, friends and school supporters, Peña recounted his playing days at Augsburg, and an influential recruiting meeting with legendary Auggie coach and Athletic Director Jeff Swenson that he characterized as a “life-changing moment’.”
Highlights include:
- Peña was MIAC conference champion three times and a three-time All-American wrestler at heavyweight, finishing sixth nationally in 1996, fourth in 1997 and second in 1998.
- Team: He was a member of Augsburg teams that won national titles in 1995, 1997 and 1998, along with a runner-up finish in 1996. Served as team co-captain his senior year.
- He compiled 106-24 career record at Augsburg, including 32-4 record his senior season
- Two-time National Wrestling Coaches Association Scholar All-American
- Defensive lineman on Augsburg’s 1997 MIAC Championship football team.
View the Augsburg University Hall of Fame ceremony held Thursday, Oct. 2. John Pena’s recognition portion begins at 1:33:28 of the ceremony.
Peña has served as principal of Coon Rapids High School for five years, and a total of 20 years in the Anoka-Hennepin School District as a teacher and administrator.
