Dane Bonnigson is not only a valued Woodmore history teacher but also a professional fighter. Bonnigson’s fights are done MMA style, or Mixed Martial Arts, which means during the fight almost anything goes.

Bonnigson’s last fight was in September against an unbeaten fighter, Don Spohn, who unfortunately beat Bonnigson during the first round.

Woodmore teacher and assistant wrestling coach Dane Bonnigson. (Press photo by Dean Utendorf/ WoodmorePhotos.com)

Bonnigson went pro less than a year ago and has one win and two losses; however, when Bonnigson was an amateur fighter, he had an undefeated record consisting of nine fights.

Fights for Bonnigson take place on Saturdays, usually in Ohio in a large city such as Cleveland or Akron. Bonnigson was National Amateur Light-Heavyweight Champion in 2008 and 2009. He was the only NAAFS fighter to ever win back to back national amateur titles.

Training is a big part of fighting. Bonnigson trains four to five days a week at the U.S.A. Martial Arts gym in Toledo.

“I needed a good hobby and am competitive, and it helps me stay in shape,” said Bonnigson.

Bonnigson trains with other fighters and is coached by Mike Grey a former pro fighter who also sets up Bonnigson’s fights. The only rules fighters must abide by are no biting, eye gouging or kicking opponents in the head while they are on the ground. Fights are three rounds that last three to five minutes, however; if one fighter knocks the other out then they win.

Bonnigson usually has three to four fights a year and his next match will most likely be this spring. Bonnigson’s matches air live on Spike.com.

“Mr. Bonnigson teaches well in the classroom, and it’s cool that he has a fighting career,” said eighth grade World History student Ryan Otte.

“Bonnigson also is an assistant coach for the Woodmore wrestling team alongside head coach Dave Larendaeu. “Bonnigson’s a good coach, and he uses his training experience to help us get a better practice,” said senior wrestler Cody Lockhart.

He also enjoys reading books, playing video games, playing his guitar and spending time with his girlfriend, Hannah.

(Dylan Young is a Woodmore junior who writes for the school newspaper, Window to Woodmore. His story from the October issue was used with permission from advisor Carolyn Nitz.)

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