The Heidelberg University Men's Wrestling team is ready to hit the mats for the upcoming 2025-26 season, in hopes of building off of last season's triumphs. This season will mark Head Coach Tony Patrizi's 12th season at the helm for the Student Princes. Coach Patrizi welcomes Ryan Moore in his first year as the full-time assistant coach. 

Last year, the team finished with a 7-10 overall record in duals and 3-4 in the OAC. The National Wrestling Coaches Association announced that Heidelberg Wrestling finished second in the 2024 NCAA Division III Team Scholar All-America Awards, with an impressive 3.82 team GPA. In addition to the team's success, three Heidelberg wrestlers earned NWCA Scholar All-American honors. As for the OAC, Wrestling led the way at HU for Academic All-OAC honors, with 10 wrestlers receiving the award. 

IN THE POLLS
OAC coaches predicted that Heidelberg would finish fourth in the conference, earning 22 points. Mount Union is projected to finish in third with 25 points, ONU is projected to finish in second with 31 points and one first-place vote, and Baldwin Wallace landed in first, earning 36 points and six first-place votes. The poll is rounded out by Otterbein (16), Wilmington (9), and Muskingum (8).

ON THE SCALES
At 125, the Student Princes return junior Brenden Yob and sophomore Lee Woods, while freshman Michael Finders joins the mix.

Sophomore Colin Hering returns, transferring from 125 into 133. He is challenged by freshmen Ty Stuckey and Josh Cornell

141 had a big graduation class this spring. With the departure of Josh Gibson, this opens up a starting spot for sophomores Maddox Cade and Lamar Freeman, and freshmen Brayden Burelison and Kam Johnson who are all up for the challenge. 

Dual athlete and two year starter Drew Miller is challenged this year by junior Michael Hatgas. Sophomores Sam Smith, Joe Conti, Sawyer Cooper, and freshman Aaron Cole hope to have a say this season. 

With Anthony Grecol's graduation, this gives junior Carter Mock a chance to continue Grecol's success in the 157 weight class. 

Junior Travis Richardson returns at 167 with freshman Joel Carter to keep him on his toes. 

At 174, sophomore Tristan Craddock looks to improve his 20-9 freshman campaign. Freshman Austin Dipzinski will also be in the mix.

The Student Princes will double the Owen's at 184, as 3x Academic All-American senior Owen Frizzell is joined by freshman Owen Price. 

With the departure of 2025 graduate Aidan Belgiorno, at 197 HU is looking at an open spot for junior Khelei Tillman and sophomore Landon Cook to duke it out.

The spot at 285 is up for grabs to freshman Noah Robinson and junior Tyler Jackson. 

FROM PATRIZI
"I'm really looking forward to seeing these new faces bring their energy and passion to the mat. It's exciting to think about what this team can accomplish this season," says Patrizi.

SCHEDULE
The Student Princes start their season at Adrian College on Saturday, Nov. 1. Heidelberg will host three meets this season; John Carroll Dual on Nov. 5, Berg Duals Dec.13 at Frann's Fieldhouse, and Muskingum Dual Feb. 10.