How It Started

Nick Purler began his wrestling journey at Oklahoma State University in 1988 following an extraordinary high school career. He was a 3× Missouri State Champion, losing only two matches in four years, a 2× Junior National Champion (Fargo), Pan American Bronze Medalist, member of the 1998 Asics Dream Team, and ranked #1 in the country in his weight class.

When Nick arrived at Oklahoma State, he quickly realized that many teammates had access to better training opportunities before college.

“It felt like I was playing catch up for two full years.”

That experience planted the seed for what would become Purler Wrestling — a place where dedicated wrestlers could train to reach their college dreams.

Despite significant injuries throughout his career — including a detached retina, thumb reconstruction, torn shoulder ligaments, and competing through a torn ankle ligament — Nick excelled at the highest level. He became a 1994 NCAA All-American, Big 12 Champion, U.S. Open All-American, University Nationals Finalist, and Olympic Sports Festival Champion, while helping Oklahoma State capture three National Championships.

For more than a decade, he remained on Oklahoma State’s Top 20 All-Time list.

The Dream Becomes Reality

After graduating, Nick shared his dream of opening a wrestling academy with his wife Jackie, whom he met at Oklahoma State in 1989.

Life first took them to Texas, where both taught school and Nick coached high school wrestling — even helping run the first sanctioned girls’ state wrestling tournament. During that time they started their family, welcoming Abby and Ty. But the dream never left.


In 1999, the Purler family moved back to Missouri to build something special. The early days were humble. Just one small wrestling room and six kids in the first six months. But word spread quickly.

That summer Nick began hosting wrestling camps at Quiver River State Park, with the entire family pitching in. Jackie ran the kitchen while Abby and Ty helped sweep mats and assist wherever they could.

Year by year, the dream grew.

A World Class Family

In 2017, Nick built the Purler Athletic Center, a 26,000-square-foot training facility that became the headquarters for Purler Wrestling.

Today the center features:

• Three full wrestling rooms

• A strength and endurance training gym

• A jiu-jitsu training center

The academy has grown into a true family operation.

• Ty Purler & Tanner Irwin lead the Girls Wrestling Program — already one of the best in the country.

• Ty & his wife Kimberly run the Jiu-Jitsu program.

• Tanner & his wife Abby manage the Strength & Endurance Gym, specializing in sport performance training.

What began as one coach’s vision over 25 years ago has grown into a world-renowned, family-run wrestling academy helping athletes pursue their dreams at the highest level.

  • SUCCESS STORIES

    Since 1999, Purler Wrestling athletes have reached the highest levels of the sport.

    🏆 Drake Houdasheldt — NCAA Champion & All-American

    🏆 Alex Clemsen — NCAA All-American

    🏆 Nick Lee — NCAA All-American (Summer Camper)

    🏆 Stevan Micic — NCAA All-American & Olympic Medalist

    🏆 Daniel Lewis — NCAA All-American

    🏆 Cohlton Schultz — Junior World Champion

    🏆 Alli Ragan — 2× World Silver Medalist