Coaches

Alexander Reeves is the Head Wrestling Coach at Shenandoah University, bringing intensity, leadership, and a proven track record of success to the program.

In just a year and a half at Shenandoah, Coach Reeves has already made a major impact — coaching 14 ODAC Conference placers, 2 All-Conference wrestlers, 2 All-Region wrestlers, and 2 Scholar All-Americans. His ability to develop athletes both on the mat and in the classroom reflects his commitment to building complete competitors.

Prior to Shenandoah, Reeves served as the head coach at Rowan College of South Jersey (NJCAA), where he built a nationally respected program. During his tenure, he coached 4 All-Americans and 40 National Qualifiers, captured multiple conference and regional titles, and led his teams to Top-25 finishes at the NJCAA National Championships every year.

As an athlete, Reeves built his foundation at Irvington High School, where he was a Fargo National Freestyle Qualifier, a two-time Essex County placewinner, two-time district placer, and district finalist. His senior season, he led the state in pins, a testament to his aggressive, attacking style.

He went on to compete at nationally top-ten ranked Centenary University, where he was a two-year varsity starter and standout performer.

Coach Reeves brings championship experience, relentless energy, and a passion for developing wrestlers to every room he leads.

Zach Backner is a proven champion whose career is defined by consistency, grit, and excellence on the national stage.

A two-time NCAA Regional Champion and three-time NCAA National Qualifier at Ferrum College, Backner solidified his place among the nation’s elite as a 2017 NCAA National Finalist and NCAA All-American. His ability to perform under pressure and compete at the highest level made him one of the most respected wrestlers in the country during his collegiate career. In addition to his success on the mat, he was a two-time Scholar All-American, demonstrating the discipline and dedication required to excel both academically and athletically.

Before his collegiate success, Backner built a dominant high school career in Virginia. He was a two-time Virginia State Champion and a two-time NHSCA All-American, establishing himself early as one of the top competitors in the nation.

Backner’s career reflects a relentless work ethic, championship mindset, and commitment to excellence — qualities that continue to inspire the next generation of wrestlers.

Roger Stewart A graduate of Old Dominion University (2004) and American Public University (B.S. Sport Management, 2024), he wrestled under Hall of Famer Gray E. Simons, a 2x Olympian and 7x NCAA Champion, and trained at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs.

As an athlete, Stewart-Frederick is a 2x U.S. Deaflympian, 4x Veterans World Team Member, 2005 US National Freestyle All American 2008 Senior Olympic Team Trials Qualifier, 2019 Senior World Team Qualifier, and the 2022 Veterans World Team Champion.

From 2022–2025, he served as Head Wrestling Coach at Louisa County High School, helping lead the program to two district titles, multiple regional top-four finishes, and consistent state-level success. During his tenure, he coached 4 state champions, 11 state placers, and more than 30 state qualifiers, while also guiding athletes to national-level achievements including a Beast of the East Champion. Several of his athletes have also gone on to compete at the U.S. Open in freestyle wrestling, earning All-American honors. His last State Champion was a female who has carried the legacy within the girls program, Coach Stewart has developed. Each graduating class under his leadership saw 2–3 seniors commit to wrestle at the college level—with one of his college commits making an immediate impact by qualifying for nationals as a freshman at The Apprentice School.

In addition to his coaching success, Stewart-Frederick holds USAW - Bronze Level National Coach Education Program, NSCA and NASM personal training certifications. He has designed and implemented specialized strength and conditioning programs to enhance performance, resilience, and injury prevention for his athletes.

Coach Stewart-Frederick’s philosophy centers on developing champions both on and off the mat by building discipline, resilience, and leadership through an education-based athletic experience.

Felton “Bam” Banks brings passion, experience, and a deep knowledge of the sport to the wrestling community.

Banks was part of the 2025 Virginia High School Assistant Coaching Staff of the Year at Skyline High School, where his leadership and dedication helped elevate the program and develop successful athletes. With over 10 years of club wrestling coaching experience, he has spent more than a decade mentoring wrestlers and helping them grow both on and off the mat.

As an athlete, Banks earned a spot on the Virginia Freestyle and Greco-Roman National Team, showcasing his skill in both international wrestling styles. He also competed at the collegiate level for Iowa State University, one of the most respected wrestling programs in the country.

Known for his intensity, energy, and commitment to athlete development, Coach “Bam” Banks continues to play a key role in building strong wrestlers and strong character in the next generation of competitors.