Momentum Builds as Juniata Adds Men’s and Women’s Wrestling
HUNTINGDON, Pa. — Wrestling will return to Juniata College as preparations begin to reestablish its men's program and launch a new women's team, marking a significant expansion of its athletics offerings. The addition of these programs offers more opportunities for students to compete at the college level, underscoring Juniata's commitment to student engagement, wellness, and athletic excellence.
The search for a head coach will begin immediately with an anticipated start date of August 2026. After a year of recruitment, both programs will begin competition with other Landmark Conference institutions in the fall of 2027. Each wrestling team is projected to have 25-40 wrestlers.
"This moment represents both a return to tradition and an exciting step forward for our athletic program," said Juniata College President James A. Troha. "By bringing back men's wrestling and introducing women's wrestling, one of the fastest growing sports in America, we are expanding access and continuing to invest in opportunities that strengthen our community and support sustainable enrollment growth."
A gift from Carl '77 and Nancy Glaeser '76 will help this program get established, including an investment to construct the Glaeser Training Center at the Isett property where wrestling will practice.
"This Training Center reflects our family belief that student wellness and engagement are central to their success," said the Glaesers. "By creating a dedicated space for training and community, we are supporting students both physically and mentally, and we're helping them grow stronger — not just as athletes, but as individuals prepared for success beyond campus."
Intercollegiate wrestling has experienced notable growth in recent years. At the collegiate level, the rise of women's wrestling — now recognized as an emerging sport by the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) — has been especially transformative. In fact, the NCAA's Inaugural National Collegiate Women's Wrestling Championships wrapped up last month in Coralville, Iowa.
The addition of men's and women's wrestling as varsity sports will give Juniata 26 varsity sports and reflects the culture of local regional excellence exhibited among high school athletes.
Within the Landmark Conference, competitors in men's wrestling will be University of Scranton, Elizabethtown College, and Lycoming College; with Wilkes University competing in both men's and women's wrestling.
"Juniata College's addition of wrestling is a positive move that reflects a clear investment in the student-athlete experience," Landmark Conference Commissioner Katie Boldvich said. "As more of our institutions sponsor the sport, it naturally creates momentum and gives us something real to think about as we look at the future of the Landmark Conference and our Championship offerings. It's exciting to see that growth happening within our membership, and we're looking forward to continuing those conversations as the landscape evolves."