The American University Eagles Wrestling Program: A History of Determination and Achievement
The American University Eagles wrestling program has a storied history marked by individual brilliance, team milestones, and dedicated leadership. From its early days to its current standing as a competitive force in NCAA Division I wrestling, the program has overcome challenges, celebrated victories, and fostered a culture of academic and athletic excellence. This article delves into the program's evolution, highlighting key figures, notable achievements, and the unwavering spirit that defines American University wrestling.
Early Years and Foundational Figures
American University's intercollegiate athletic program began in 1925, but it wasn't until the 2001-2002 season that the wrestling team affiliated with the Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association (EIWA). The program faced substantial challenges in the late 1960s, including inconsistent performance and limited resources. Dr. Robert Karch assumed head coaching duties in 1968, inheriting a struggling squad. Over his 10-year tenure through 1979, Karch compiled more than 70 dual meet victories and mentored 17 conference place-winners, including one champion-Rick Tomford at 152 pounds in 1969-while producing the program's first documented NCAA qualifier, Ron Ferrara, in 1973.
The Mark Cody Era: Building a Competitive Program (2001-2011)
Mark Cody was hired as head coach in July 2002, bringing 17 years of prior coaching experience. Cody's first season in 2002-03 marked a challenging start, with the Eagles posting a 2-16 dual meet record amid efforts to stabilize a program nearing discontinuation. By 2004-05, the Eagles showed marked gains at the Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association (EIWA) Championships, securing four podium finishes that qualified them for their first NCAA Championships appearance the following year. Major milestones included the program's first NCAA qualifiers in 2005, with Muzaffar Abdurakhmanov (165 pounds), Josh Glenn (184 pounds), Adam LoPiccolo (heavyweight), and Daniel Waters (174 pounds) advancing from strong EIWA performances. Additional qualifiers emerged annually thereafter, such as Kyle Borshoff (149 pounds) and Mike Cannon (165/174 pounds) in 2007, building to a record six in 2011, including Steve Fittery (157 pounds) and Ryan Flores (heavyweight).
Program-building under Cody centered on strategic recruitment of versatile student-athletes capable of thriving academically and athletically, resulting in nationally ranked team GPAs (first in Division I in 2008 and 2009) and multiple NWCA Scholar All-Americans. Dual meet scheduling evolved to include tougher non-conference foes like Nebraska and Minnesota, fostering resilience and attracting talent through demonstrated commitment to holistic development. Under his leadership, the team achieved a cumulative record of 112-65-2, including multiple winning seasons and notable finishes such as third place at the 2006 Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association (EIWA) Championships.
Josh Glenn: A National Champion (2007)
The Eagles' pinnacle accomplishment came in 2007, when Josh Glenn became American's first-and to date, only-NCAA national champion, defeating Iowa State's Kurt Backes 6-4 in overtime at 197 pounds to cap a 22-1 season. Glenn began the year as a favorite to win the crown after placing fourth at 184 pounds the previous season. He entered the 2007 NCAAs with a 22-1 overall record and with a 19-match winning streak. Glenn finished his career at American University with 110 victories, second-most in program history. He is one of two Eagle wrestlers to finish as a three-time All-American. Glenn was also a three-time champion in the Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association (EIWA), and the first Eagle to win an individual title at the prestigious Ken Kraft Midlands Championships. A 2018 inductee into the Stafford H.
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The Teague Moore Era (2011-2021)
Teague Moore succeeded Cody in 2011 and led the program until 2021, focusing on recruiting international talent and innovative training regimens that integrated sports science for injury prevention and performance optimization. Moore, who wrestled at the University of Maryland and later coached at Binghamton University, posted a 60-71 dual meet record during his tenure, highlighted by consistent NCAA Championship appearances for individual wrestlers. His appointment came after a deliberate transition process involving input from alumni and EIWA officials, valuing his East Coast recruiting network. Off the mat, Moore spearheaded initiatives like the Eagles' partnership with local D.C.
The Jason Borrelli Era: A Focus on Holistic Development (2021-Present)
Jason Borrelli was appointed head coach in 2021, bringing a vision of holistic athlete development that combines competitive success with academic and leadership growth. Borrelli came to American on April 13, 2021, after a remarkable run of success as the head coach at Stanford University. Over Borrelli’s 13 seasons with the Cardinal, the program sent 35 different wrestlers to the NCAA Championships a total of 64 times. In 2016-17, Stanford set a program record with nine NCAA qualifiers. Borrelli’s wrestlers garnered a total of 15 All-America honors and 21 individual Pac-12 championships. His 21 conference champions were the most during any 13-year span in program history.
A two-time All-American at Rider University and former assistant at Stanford, Borrelli has implemented a data-driven approach to match preparation, drawing from his experience in Olympic development programs. Through the 2023-24 season, his record stood at 17-38 in dual meets, with the team qualifying multiple wrestlers for the 2024 NCAA Championships and securing a top-20 national ranking. In April 2024, Borrelli agreed to a four-year contract extension.
Under Borrelli's leadership, the Eagles have shown steady progress in recent seasons, particularly within the competitive Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association (EIWA). In the 2021-22 season, his inaugural year, the team secured its first dual meet victory under his guidance and finished fourth at the EIWA Championships, with freshman Jack Maida placing fourth at 133 pounds to earn an automatic NCAA qualification-the program's first since 2018. The 2022-23 campaign marked a breakthrough with eight dual wins-the most in 13 years-including a sweep at the Chippewa Challenge against Central Michigan, Cal State Bakersfield, and Campbell; Maida again placed fifth at 133 pounds for his second NCAA berth, while Jack Nies finished sixth at 157 pounds. Building on this, the 2023-24 season yielded another eight dual victories, highlighted by Maximilian Leete's fifth-place finish at 133 pounds and NCAA qualification. Borrelli guided the program to its best season since 2011 last year, posting an 11-10 dual record while putting six wrestlers on the podium at the EIWA Championships. The Eagles made a significant jump in bonus points earned in dual meets, as Borrelli saw his squad record 43 major decisions (14 more than 2023-24) and 22 technical falls (10 more than 2023-24) to gut out several tight victories. The first win of the season came by one point against Clarion, highlighted by a pin from sophomore Liam Volk-Klos with one second remaining in the 197 bout.
Facilities and Training
The primary venue for the American University Eagles wrestling program is Bender Arena, located within the university's Sports Center at the geographic center of the Washington, D.C. campus. The program's training infrastructure centers on the Marilyn Meltzer Wrestling Room, housed in the Jacobs Fitness Center. Certified as a USA Wrestling Regional Training Center, it supports rigorous on-mat sessions focused on technique, live wrestling, and skill development essential for conference and national competition preparation.
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Strength and conditioning occurs primarily in the Jacobs and Cassell Fitness Centers, which offer extensive free-weight equipment tailored to wrestling's demands for explosive power and endurance. Typical sessions, supervised by dedicated strength coaches, combine heavy lifts like squats and deadlifts with plyometrics and core work, occurring 4-5 days per week during the season to complement mat practices while incorporating mobility drills for injury prevention.
Support Staff
The assistant coaching staff for the American Eagles wrestling program plays a crucial role in technique development, recruiting, and wrestler mentorship under the oversight of the head coach. Currently, Alex Tirapelle serves as associate head coach, focusing on overall program development and guiding wrestlers while also overseeing the progress of redshirt freshmen Gage Owen and Kaden Milheim. Joey Dance, an assistant coach since 2021, specializes in lightweight wrestlers, contributing to NCAA qualifiers such as Jack Maida and Maximilian Leete at 133 pounds, and leading freshmen Coen Bainey and JJ Peace . Ganbayar Sanjaa, another assistant since 2021 and a two-time All-American alumnus of the program, supports technique coaching across weight classes.
Support staff specific to wrestling includes athletic trainer Daniel Houston, who manages injury prevention and rehabilitation; strength and conditioning coach Alex Lee, focusing on performance enhancement; academic advisor Summer Matlack, supporting student-athletes' scholastic success; sports dietician Stephanie Mull, aiding nutrition plans; and mental well-being specialist Dr. Sydnee Collins, promoting psychological resilience. These roles ensure comprehensive athlete care, with the program ranking high in NCAA Division I team GPA and producing multiple NWCA Scholar All-Americans.
Program Achievements and Recognition
The American Eagles wrestling team has established itself as a consistent contender within the Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association (EIWA) and at the NCAA Division I level. At the national level, the Eagles have made regular appearances at the NCAA Championships since joining Division I in 2005, qualifying as a team 16 consecutive seasons through 2020 before the event's cancellation due to COVID-19. Their highest NCAA team finish was fifth place in 2010-11, propelled by five All-Americans and a 14-7 dual meet record, the program's best win total in that period. The team has earned points at Nationals in 12 of those appearances, underscoring sustained competitiveness.
Nationally, the Eagles achieved their peak rankings during this era, earning a No. 8 preseason slot in 2011-the highest in program history-and climbing to No. 12 during the 2011-12 regular season. More recently, they ranked as high as No. 16 in the NWCA Division I poll at the end of the 2023-24 season.
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A Unique Challenge: Max Leete's Story
The American University wrestling program is also a story of overcoming adversity. Max Leete, a 133-pound wrestler, provides a compelling example. Leete was diagnosed in childhood with degenerative myopia, a severe genetic form of nearsightedness that strains the eyes and progressively worsens vision. For the first 16 years of his career, Leete learned how to outmaneuver opponents primarily by feel. In high school, he wrestled under the “touch rule,” a provision requiring opponents to maintain contact with him at all times. Leete continued under the touch rule for his first three years on campus. Stepping away from team duals last year brought clarity. He got in the best shape of his life and competed in open tournaments nationwide. In the 2023-24 season, Maximilian Leete's fifth-place finish at 133 pounds and NCAA qualification highlighted the season.
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