Bucknell University Athletics
Photo by: Lauren Medeiros
Wrestling Lands Program Record Six on NWCA Scholar All-Americans List
4/1/2026 2:34:00 PM | Wrestling
LEWISBURG, Pa.- Bucknell Wrestling continues its proud history of academic success by receiving a program record six student-athletes on the the NCAA Division I Men's Scholar All-American list, as announced Wednesday by the NWCA (National Wrestling Coaches Association). Bucknell's six recipients - tied with Hofstra for the most in the EIWA  - were Dillon Bechtold, Tyler Bienus, Dylan Chappell, Bryce Manera, Shane McFillin, and Noah Mulvaney.Â
"In today's day and age, we still foster the ideals of the true student athlete model," said head coach Dan Wirnsberger. "Our team continues to problem solve academically and athletically. They understand the importance of balancing both which ultimately prepares them for making an impact personally and professionally for their next phase of life after wrestling."
A total of 390 student-athletes representing 73 institutions were recognized for their academic success in the classroom while competing throughout the season.
NWCA Scholar All-Americans are selected based on parameters that take into account grade-point average as well as a combination of national tournament qualifiers, conference tournament participants and/or season records. Placewinners at nationals must possess a 3.0 GPA, national qualifiers must possess a 3.3 GPA, and those with a 3.5 GPA are eligible if they represent their institutions at the conference tournament or post a 60 percent or better record in a minimum of 15 matches.
Bechtold (197) earned the award for the second consecutive season. The Bison sophomore won Bucknell's seventh individual EIWA title and the first in the 197-weight class. He was seeded 18th at the NCAA National Championships and recorded one win. Overcoming injuries, he finished 16-6 on the year and 4-0 in sudden victory matches. Bechtold is currently an undeclared Management major.
Bienus (184) was the program's breakout star in 2025-26. He stormed into the starting lineup, posted a 20-16 record, was ranked by Intermat, finished sixth at the Midlands Championships, placed at the EIWA Championships, and earned an at-large bid to the NCAA National Championships. Bienus is majoring in Mechanical Engineering.
Chappell (141) maintained his brilliance in the classroom, recording his fourth consecutive scholar-athlete award. The fifth-year senior concluded his historic Bucknell career with 111 wins - fifth-most in Bucknell history - posted 20+ wins for the fifth straight season, placed second at the Navy Classic, slotted fourth at the Midlands Championships, earned third at the EIWA Championships, and notched another bid to the NCAA National Championships. He won two bouts to cap his collegiate tenure. Chappell is a Chemical Engineering major.Â
Manera (133) enjoyed a solid rookie season. The freshman was ranked by Intermat, scored 11 wins, defeated #30 Brendan Ferretti (Navy) with a dramatic pin, and represented the Bison at the EIWA Championships. Manera is an undeclared major.Â
McFillin (165), despite Noah Mulvaney's presence at 165, found opportunities to wrestle. The rookie collected 13 wins - most of which came at various opens - and he bumped up to 174 for the Bucknell Quad where he defeated Morgan State's Kyle Grey in a 6-4 decision. McFillin is an undeclared Management major.Â
Mulvaney (165), receiving third consecutive award, enjoyed his best year for the Bison. The junior collected 27 wins, including seven ranked victories, and was runner-up for the second straight year at the EIWA Championships. He finished fifth at both the Navy Classic and Midlands Championships. The Bison grappler notched two wins at the NCAA National Championships. Mulvaney is a Finance major.Â
Bucknell finished third at the EIWA Championships and scored 126.5 points - the most in program history.Â
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"In today's day and age, we still foster the ideals of the true student athlete model," said head coach Dan Wirnsberger. "Our team continues to problem solve academically and athletically. They understand the importance of balancing both which ultimately prepares them for making an impact personally and professionally for their next phase of life after wrestling."
A total of 390 student-athletes representing 73 institutions were recognized for their academic success in the classroom while competing throughout the season.
NWCA Scholar All-Americans are selected based on parameters that take into account grade-point average as well as a combination of national tournament qualifiers, conference tournament participants and/or season records. Placewinners at nationals must possess a 3.0 GPA, national qualifiers must possess a 3.3 GPA, and those with a 3.5 GPA are eligible if they represent their institutions at the conference tournament or post a 60 percent or better record in a minimum of 15 matches.
Bechtold (197) earned the award for the second consecutive season. The Bison sophomore won Bucknell's seventh individual EIWA title and the first in the 197-weight class. He was seeded 18th at the NCAA National Championships and recorded one win. Overcoming injuries, he finished 16-6 on the year and 4-0 in sudden victory matches. Bechtold is currently an undeclared Management major.
Bienus (184) was the program's breakout star in 2025-26. He stormed into the starting lineup, posted a 20-16 record, was ranked by Intermat, finished sixth at the Midlands Championships, placed at the EIWA Championships, and earned an at-large bid to the NCAA National Championships. Bienus is majoring in Mechanical Engineering.
Chappell (141) maintained his brilliance in the classroom, recording his fourth consecutive scholar-athlete award. The fifth-year senior concluded his historic Bucknell career with 111 wins - fifth-most in Bucknell history - posted 20+ wins for the fifth straight season, placed second at the Navy Classic, slotted fourth at the Midlands Championships, earned third at the EIWA Championships, and notched another bid to the NCAA National Championships. He won two bouts to cap his collegiate tenure. Chappell is a Chemical Engineering major.Â
Manera (133) enjoyed a solid rookie season. The freshman was ranked by Intermat, scored 11 wins, defeated #30 Brendan Ferretti (Navy) with a dramatic pin, and represented the Bison at the EIWA Championships. Manera is an undeclared major.Â
McFillin (165), despite Noah Mulvaney's presence at 165, found opportunities to wrestle. The rookie collected 13 wins - most of which came at various opens - and he bumped up to 174 for the Bucknell Quad where he defeated Morgan State's Kyle Grey in a 6-4 decision. McFillin is an undeclared Management major.Â
Mulvaney (165), receiving third consecutive award, enjoyed his best year for the Bison. The junior collected 27 wins, including seven ranked victories, and was runner-up for the second straight year at the EIWA Championships. He finished fifth at both the Navy Classic and Midlands Championships. The Bison grappler notched two wins at the NCAA National Championships. Mulvaney is a Finance major.Â
Bucknell finished third at the EIWA Championships and scored 126.5 points - the most in program history.Â
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Players Mentioned
197
/ Wrestling
174/184
/ Wrestling
141
/ Wrestling
133
/ Wrestling
165
/ Wrestling
165
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