FULTON, Mo.- Wrestling is a fairly new sport on the campus of William Woods when you consider the University's rich 156-year history that has shaped generations through academic rigor, personal growth, and, of course, Owls Athletics. This year, WWU Wrestling begins a new chapter under the direction of world-renowned coaches Tony and Mike Eierman, who have already begun to reshape what it means to be on the mat at The Woods. For the first time in three years, Owls men's wrestling is receiving votes in the NAIA Top 25 coach's poll, thanks to a well-rounded roster that has depth and talent at every class. Particularly, Woods is proud to host the #13 wrestler in the 184-pound weight class: Austen Wetzel.
The transfer junior from Battle High School in Columbia starts his first season at the NAIA level after receiving NCAA DIII All-America honors last season as a member of the Westminster wrestling team. Since arriving at William Woods, the 2025 SLIAC Men's Wrestler of the Year offered a look into life as an Owl's grappler.
"I have only had two or three classes in person in my first semester at Woods, so I haven't gotten to experience that academic side too much. Wrestling is a lot different here; it is more of a family aspect that the wrestling program at Woods has adopted. All of us wrestlers are family; we strive to make each other better and help each other when it is needed. It wasn't always like that for me."
Having a team that acts in a familial capacity is huge for Austen, as wrestling is a sport that pushes the boundaries of what a human anatomy is allowed to adapt. The resilience and discipline required to make weight tests the bounds of personal limitations.
"As a wrestler, you can't eat or drink the day before you weigh in; you must cut the weight, even if that means no food until after you get off the scale." After weighing in, Austen transitions to eating before his match, regain the lost energy for his competitions. "It depends on what we had packed for us, but my go-to food is normally a sandwich with honey and bananas."
It is well documented that wrestling places significant challenges on your body, but for Austen, it is also about winning the mental battle each and every day.
"For me, wrestling is all about getting your mind focused. It might be odd, but I don't try hyping myself up before the match. I stay calm. I don't listen to any music; to me, it's nonsense because you're hyping yourself up. I just go out there, trust my skills, and stay calm. I have found that is the best thing I can do for myself."
Although new to the NAIA and Heart of America Athletic Conference, he is no stranger to tough competition. The grappler participated on the biggest stage in NCAA DIII, putting up a strong showing for a sophomore against some of the best talent in the country.
"It doesn't matter where I am. I'm going to go out there, wrestle, and win. The NAIA has been a little different with the matchups and can be funky at times when it comes to my opponent. Although the competition is a little different, my mindset stays the same: go out there and win."
The life of a college athlete is a tough one, with the balance of class, workouts, practice, and homework. Austen relies heavily on the support of his coaches, who have mentored him for most of his life.
"Having those two as my coaches means a lot to me. They have been my coaches for my whole life, but they are also my family. I know I can trust them in everything they tell me; I don't have to worry about doing the wrong things," added Wetzel. "They know how to cut the weight, they know how to coach you in every scenario, like if I'm down by five or if I'm up by five. They have my full trust."
Although having your coaches' full support is vital for success, Austen also depends on the support of his dad, Travis, who is a common staple on the campus of William Woods University.
"I would definitely say my biggest supporter is my dad. He's been in my corner since I first started wrestling, and he has never missed a match," mentioned Wetzel. "It doesn't matter how far the drive is for him. If it's eight hours away, he's going to be there to support me, no matter what, win or lose. It's good to know that because I know he loves me, and I don't have to be someone else out there. I get to be who I am, and I know my dad's going to be there for me at the end of the day."
Men's and women's wrestling are just over the halfway point for the season, leaving wrestler like Wetzel in a unique place to reflect on the goals that they have set for the season.
"For myself, I came in thinking I was going to be the national champion. I lost once, but that was early in the year, and that doesn't matter now. I keep my focus on March. The goal has always been the national champion. I practice competing for a national title."
Wetzel doesn't just focus on his personal goals; he also wants to support his teammates in their endeavors as well.
"We are really young team with a new coaching staff, so it can be difficult to see the goals we would like to have. For instance, next year our goal is to get seven deep at nationals and make a run for multiple titles, but it is a little early for that to come to fruition. Just being here half the year, I have seen tremendous growth. We are consistently seeing four- and five-match wins. Its growth, and we like that as a team."
Off the mat, Austen likes to live simply. He spends most of his time working out or perfecting his craft in the hunt for a national title, but the junior has already set his eyes on the next steps in life.
"I want to go into coaching; it doesn't matter the level. Because my coaches have been such a huge part of my life, I want to return that sentiment to others. But long term, I want to open my own gym and go from there."
The Owls continue their historic season on Tuesday night inside Anderson Arena when they host visiting Heart of America Conference opponent William Penn University for senior day at 5 and 6 p.m.
