John G. Reese Wrestling Excellence Fund 

Wrestling at Wilkes is ready to begin another legendary chapter, building on its proud and historic tradition.

We are thrilled to introduce the John G. Reese Wrestling Excellence Fund, created to honor the legacy of Coach Reese - who led the program to 39 consecutive winning seasons, more than 500 career victories, and a national championship - while shaping generations of student-athletes along the way.

With the launch of Women's Wrestling, both Men's and Women's programs are growing stronger than ever. This fund carries forward John G. Reese's standard of excellence, and every dollar directly benefits our student-athletes and strengthens the program he built.

Thanks to the generosity of Coach Reese’s daughter, Megan Reese Thomas, and her husband, Brian Thomas ’82, who have made a leadership gift of $25,000 to help launch this effort, the momentum is already building.

With strong early leadership support already behind this effort, you can join alumni, families, and friends in carrying forward Coach Reese’s standard of excellence and investing in the future of Wilkes Wrestling.

We wrapped up a productive regular season by hosting our senior night dual to recognize our seniors for their impact on our program. Thankful for the efforts of Sam Kimmel, Jaryn Hartranft, Trevor Gitski, Ben Grater, Braden Sitton, and Wilfred Jimenez for all you have gave to Colonel Wrestling!

Thank you to Wilkes Alumnus and current Board of Trustee Member, Dan Cardell '77 on his hospitality and treating the team to a Chicago Style Deep Dish pizza experience while out in the Chicago area for the Pete Willson Invitational!

Congratulations to 2015 NCAA DIII 133lb Champion, Matt Grossmann for being inducted into the Lancaster-Lebanon League Hall of Fame today!

A graduate of Manheim Township, Matt compiled a career record of 136-31 in high school. He was a two-time champion and 4X medalist at both the LL Tournament and District 3 Sectional Tournament. Grossmann was a two-time PIAA state medalist, including a PIAA AAA State runner up finish in 2012.

As a Colonel at Wilkes University, Grossmann finished with a 99-18 record, was a two-time NCAA Division 3 National Championships Qualifier, returning to the Giant Center in 2015 to win Wilkes’ 11th individual national wrestling title, prevailing as the 2015 NCAA Division 3 National Champion at 133lbs.

Grossmann remained at Wilkes to complete his M.B.A. following his wrestling career and served as a graduate assistant coach for the Colonels from 2018-2020.

Matt now resides in Philadelphia with his wife, Antonia (a fellow Wilkes graduate!) and works for Boeing as a Contract Management Specialist.