Update from Head Wrestling Coach Dan Wirnsberger -- October 2025

Welcome to the September Newsletter & Season Kickoff!
The team has been putting in solid work this preseason, blending conditioning, lifting, and skill instruction to prepare for an exciting season ahead. We’re wrapping up week three and are eager to get on the mat full-time. Our four returning national qualifiers and team leaders have done a phenomenal job motivating and leading by example. These four are also ranked preseason nationally:

Dylan Chappell (141): #15
Noah Mulvaney (165): #30
Myles Takats (174): #17
Dillon Bechtold (197): #12

Beyond the captains, our room is bursting with talent. We expect those current rankings to climb, along with the emergence of new stars. We’re excited for what’s ahead and want to thank everyone for their continued support and dedication to Bucknell Wrestling. Here are some points of emphasis for the season:

2025-2026 Season Schedule
This season promises to be both challenging and thrilling. As always, we will face the top programs in the country to ensure our athletes gain valuable experience and are well-prepared for the national tournament in March. Make sure to follow along and pack the house for our first home meet versus Oklahoma in November!

Check out the full 2025-26 schedule HERE.

Meet the Freshmen
We’re excited to welcome another top-25 recruiting class for the third straight year. Our newest team members are eager to compete and make an impact.

Full roster info: Bucknell Wrestling Roster

Newcomers:

Ethan Dalling (Newton, NJ): Kittatinny HS | 174 lbs | 5th NJ State Championships
Dante Donaldson (Summit, NJ): The Hill School | 285 lbs | Prep State Champ, National All-American
Will Greenberg (Cleveland, OH): Hawken School | 285 lbs | Ohio State Champion, 2x Finalist
Lucas Lawler (Harrisburg, PA): Bishop McDevitt | 285 lbs | 3x PA State Medalist & Finalist, Escape the Rock Champ
Bryce Manera (Ventor, NJ): Southern Regional HS | 133 lbs | 2x NJ State Medalist
Logan McDermid (Hillsborough, NJ): Hillsborough HS | 125/133 lbs | 2x NJ State Qualifier
Shane McFillin (Hellertown, PA): Bethlehem Catholic | 165 lbs | 2x PA State Medalist & Ironman Medalist
Blue Stiffler (Eastover, SC): Mill Creek HS | 133 lbs | 3x GA State Champion, Fargo Champion, U.S. Pan Ams Team
Andrij Szczesniuk (Coatesville, PA): Coatesville HS | 125 lbs | 3x PIAA State Qualifier

Summer Recap
It was a busy and successful summer through our Buffalo Valley RTC. Some significant highlights are listed below. It is a testament to the time and effort and sacrifice our athletes made this summer. We will be looking to carry this success forward into this season.

Participation in NJ Duals, Clarion Duals, U20 Championships, and U23 Championships.

Dillon Bechtold made a splash by defeating the nation’s top competitors and making the U20 National Finals!
Myles Takats earned a spot on the national team with a 3^rd-place finish at the U23 Nationals.
Cade Wirnsberger also put himself in the national spotlight, earning 7^th at U23 Nationals.

We appreciate your continued support and belief in Bucknell Wrestling. Thank you for being part of our journey — we look forward to an exciting season ahead!

Go Bison!

Dan Wirnsberger
Head Wrestling Coach
djw020@bucknell.edu

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Update from Head Wrestling Coach Dan Wirnsberger -- October 2025