Former Charles City Assistant Coached Named Iowa Secondary Assistant Principal of the Year

A former Charles City assistant wrestling coach, who went on to a distinguished head coaching career at Denver-Tripoli, has been named the 2026 Iowa Secondary Assistant Principal of the Year.

The School Administrators of Iowa (SAI) has honored Chris Krueger, the associate principal at Mason City High School since 2022. He oversees the freshmen and senior classes, has expanded career and technical education opportunities, and initiated programs like Mentors in Violence Prevention to enhance school culture. 

SAI says Krueger’s efforts led to improved attendance, higher scores, and record numbers of English Learner graduates.

Prior to coming to Mason City, Krueger also worked in the Denver and Charles City school districts. He was also recently inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame for his coaching with the Denver and Denver-Tripoli high school programs from 2000 to 2020.

A standout wrestler at Denver High School, Krueger went on to coach at his alma mater, leading Denver and Denver-Tripoli teams to three state championships and six runner-up finishes. Krueger was named the 2010 Class 2A Coach of the Year.

Prior to going to Denver, Krueger was named Class 3A Assistant Coach of the Year for Charles City High School in 1999.

His awards also include being named the 2025 Iowa Wrestling Coaches and Officials Association Assistant Wrestling Coach of the Year.