Assistant Vice President for Athletics Matt Land has announced that Josh Stephenson will serve as the next head coach of the Trine University men's wrestling program.
"I expect great things from Coach Stephenson and the Trine University men's wrestling program," said Land, "Despite being a familiar face, he will bring a fresh perspective and new toughness to the program as he leads the team to know heights."
In Stephenson's first year leading the Thunder wrestling program he led the Thunder to an impressive 6-2 non-conference dual record. Phil Burney placed fourth at the NCAA Central Regionals at 165 pounds, just one spot out of a bid for the NCAA Championships.
Stephenson served as an assistant for the Thunder since the 2022-23 season, working with the lower weight classes. In the 2024 season he was instrumental in
Joseph Langeman becoming the programs first national qualifier in nine seasons during the 2023-24 campaign.
"I want to thank Coach Land for the opportunity to continue building the program at Trine," said Stephenson, "I am excited to lead a program built on trust, camaraderie and toughness. Together, we will push boundaries, cultivate champions and create a new Thunder legacy."
Stephenson graduated from Manchester University with a degree in Elementary Education, he has gone on to earn a Masters in Sports Leadership from Indiana Wesleyan University. While at Manchester he was four-year letterwinner with their wrestling program. During his finals season he led the team in pins with nine while competing primarily at 133-lbs.
