05/16/2026
Today we recognize and celebrate the retirement of one of the most dedicated coaches to ever step on the mat, Mark Bergman.
Coach Bergman began his wrestling journey as an athlete from 1971–1975 at Cahokia High School before continuing his career at BAC (SWIC) from 1991–1992. What followed was more than three decades of commitment to the sport and to the countless athletes whose lives he impacted along the way.
Over approximately 35 years of coaching, he spent:
• 2 years coaching at Cahokia High School
• 3 years coaching IKWF alongside his brother Frank
• 23 seasons at Belleville East High School
• The last 7 years at Collinsville High School as a Kahok
For the past 7 seasons, Coach Bergman has been a valued part of the Collinsville wrestling family. His experience, loyalty, toughness, and love for the sport helped shape generations of wrestlers both on and off the mat.
Thank you for the years of sacrifice, leadership, and passion you gave to this sport. The impact you made cannot be measured simply in wins and losses, but in the lives of athletes and coaches you helped shape through wrestling.
Congratulations on your retirement, Coach. You’ve earned it.
