Wrestling Lands Four NCAA Division I Men's Scholar All-Americans

LEWISBURG, Pa.- Bucknell wrestling continued its excellence off the mat by landing four NCAA Division I Scholar All-Americans as announced Wednesday by the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA). Dillon Bechtold, Dylan Chappell, Noah Mulvaney, and Kurt Phipps received the honor.

"We are all very proud of these four young men and their commitment to excel academically and athletically," said head coach Dan Wirnsberger. "Our entire program is committed to performing at a high level in the classroom and on the mat. We are looking forward to more Scholar All-Americans while following these four young men's future successes as they pave the way."

NWCA Release

These exceptional student-athletes have excelled both on the mat and in the classroom, meeting one of the following criteria:

All nominees are determined by the academic records returned and the results in TrackWrestling.
Top 8 and 3.00 GPA
National Qualifier and 3.2 GPA
Conference qualifier and 3.5 GPA
15 matches with 60% win record and 3.5 GPA

"The NWCA is proud to recognize these outstanding individuals who embody excellence in both athletics and academics," said NWCA Executive Director Mike Moyer.

All four of Bucknell's Scholar All-Americans received NCAA bids and contain cumulative GPAs over 3.40, showcasing the Bison's proud history in combining academic and athletic success for the true student-athlete experience.

Bechtold, a freshman undeclared major, holds a 3.81 GPA and broke into the collegiate arena with a team-best 24-11 record, including a 11-4 mark in dual meets. The 197-pound wrestler advanced to the EIWA Finals before losing to the overwhelming favorite from Lehigh. He went 2-2 at the NCAA National Championships.

Chappell, a senior chemical engineering major, boasts a 3.41 GPA and earned his third straight EIWA runner-up designation this year. The 141-pound grappler recorded three wins at the NCAA National Championships, including a pin over #19 Mosha Schwartz (Oklahoma). He battled #10 CJ Composto (Pennsylvania) for All-American honors and narrowly fell 4-0.

Noah Mulvaney, a sophomore finance major, owns a 3.47 GPA and parried injuries all year to earn his NCAA National Championships bid. His early season was derailed by injuries but the 165-pound force returned to lead Bucknell to a 21-13 upset win over No. 21 Army in January. He advanced to the EIWA Finals but had to medically forfeit due to an injury sustained in his epic semifinals victory. Despite being hindered by the injury, he heroically wrestled at National Championships and displayed himself with honor.

Kurt Phipps, a fifth-year civil engineering major, holds a 3.74 GPA and celebrated his final year in the Orange & Blue with a banner campaign. The 133-pound grappler became Bucknell's 11th wrestler to pass the 100-win plateau when he defeated Lock Haven's two-time All-American Anthony Noto on the foe's home mat. He finished with 108 wins, tying him for seventh place in Bucknell history with Victor Lopez (2013-17) and Shane Riccio (2006-10). His title in his division marked only the fifth time a Bucknell wrestler won an EIWA Championships individual title. He recorded a single win at the NCAA Championships before bowing out in the consolations second round.

Bucknell wrestling finished fifth at the EIWA Championships and recorded multiple wins at the NCAA National Championships. Four of Bucknell's five NCAA qualifiers will return for the 2025-26 campaign.

Wrestling Lands Four NCAA Division I Men's Scholar All-Americans

Players Mentioned

Dillon Bechtold

Dylan Chappell

Noah Mulvaney

Kurt Phipps

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