Experienced Coaches. Proven Systems. Real Relationships.
Featured Leadership
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Nick Purler – Founder & CEO
Nick Purler has dedicated his life to the sport of wrestling—as an athlete, a coach, and an innovator. From his early years as a dominant high school and collegiate competitor to building one of the nation’s largest and most successful wrestling academies, Nick has left an indelible mark on the sport. His vision and leadership have helped thousands of athletes achieve their goals, both on the mat and in life.
College Career
- NCAA All-American, Oklahoma State University (1994)
- Big 12 Conference Champion (1994)
- Member of 3 NCAA Division I National Championship teams with the Oklahoma State Cowboys
- Member of the 1994 Dual Team National Champions (OSU)
- Ranked on Oklahoma State’s All-Time Top 20 Winning Percentage List for over a decade
- Espoir Nationals Finalist & University Nationals Finalist
- Olympic Sports Festival Champion (1993)
- U.S. Open Freestyle All-American
- Member of the 1994 NCAA All-Star Team
High School Career
- 3× Missouri High School State Champion
- Career record included only 2 losses
- 2× Junior National Champion
- Ranked #1 in the Nation at graduation for his weight class
- 1988 Member of the Asics Dream Team
- Voted Outstanding Wrestler of the Dapper Dan Dream Team Classic
- Cadet Pan American Games Bronze Medalist
Coaching Career
- Founder & Head Coach of Purler Wrestling Academy, the 4× Tulsa National Champions
- Girls Wrestling Ambassador: launched one of the first girls’ programs in 1997, featured in USA Today for his efforts
- First-ever Texas Girls State Champion Coach
- Mentor to thousands of athletes, producing countless state medalists, college wrestlers, and champions
Honors & Recognition
- Inducted into the Missouri Wrestling Association Hall of Fame
- Inducted into the Missouri Wrestling Hall of Fame
Over the last two decades, Nick has built Purler Wrestling Academy into a national leader in wrestling development. With over 400 active Academy members and hundreds of state medalists each year, PWA has become a trusted destination for athletes seeking proven systems, expert coaching, and a supportive community. Nick’s passion for wrestling extends beyond competition—his mission is to use the sport to instill discipline, confidence, and lifelong skills in every athlete who walks through the door. His success both on the mat and as a coach, entrepreneur, and mentor continues to shape the next generation of wrestlers nationwide.
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Chad Lunn – Director Of Operations
Chad Lunn’s journey with Purler Wrestling Academy began as a youth athlete, where he quickly separated himself through an uncommon level of commitment, toughness, and consistency. His work ethic and dedication earned him the Hardest Worker/Most Dedicated award four years in a row, setting the tone for what would become a lifelong investment in the Purler mission. From an early age, Chad represented the values that define the Academy: discipline, loyalty, humility, and a relentless drive to improve.
Although concussions limited his high school competition career, they never diminished his passion for wrestling or his commitment to the sport. Rather than stepping away, Chad chose to lead in a different way. He transitioned into coaching through Purler’s Bethalto satellite room, where his ability to connect with athletes, teach with purpose, and uphold the Academy’s standard quickly became clear. What began as a coaching role grew into something much greater, as Chad became one of the most trusted and dependable leaders in the entire organization.
Today, Chad serves as the Director of Operations for Purler Wrestling Academy and plays a critical role in both the vision and execution of the program. He is the author of Purler’s complete camp syllabus, helping build the structure, consistency, and instructional framework that shape athletes across every level of development. His influence can be seen in the way Purler teaches, operates, and delivers value to wrestlers and families across the country.
Chad also oversees the coordination of Private Team Camps, summer camps, clinics, and Competition Hammer Camps, ensuring that every event reflects the professionalism, intensity, and attention to detail that Purler Wrestling is known for. In addition, he manages the Purler website and helps direct the day-to-day operations of the Academy, keeping a fast-moving and growing organization aligned, efficient, and moving forward. His leadership behind the scenes is a major reason Purler continues to operate at such a high level.
What makes Chad so valuable is not just what he does, but how deeply he understands what Purler Wrestling stands for. He has lived the program as an athlete, strengthened it as a coach, and helped build it as a leader. He brings a rare combination of loyalty, grit, operational excellence, and belief in the mission. His impact reaches far beyond a single role or title. Chad is a foundational part of Purler Wrestling Academy’s strength, growth, and future.
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Tanner Irwin – Girls Head Coach & Purler Performance
Tanner Irwin brings a rare combination of high-level competitive experience, proven coaching ability, and strength & conditioning expertise to Purler Wrestling Academy. His journey as a Purler wrestler, collegiate athlete, and now full-time coach gives him a unique perspective on athlete development.
College Career
- Wrestled at Williams Baptist University and Grand View University
- 3× NAIA National Qualifier
- 3× All-Conference selection
- Ranked as high as 4th nationally
- Member of teams that placed 4th, 3rd, and 1st at the NAIA National Championships
High School Career
- 115 career wins
- Missouri Class 4 State Medalist (4th place)
- Wrestled with Purler Wrestling Academy from 7th grade through 12th grade
Coaching & Leadership
- Purler Wrestling Coach since 2019
- Head Girls Coach at Purler Wrestling Academy, leading the growth and success of the girls’ program
- Owner of a strength and endurance gym that has trained and mentored athletes from youth to the collegiate level, with a focus on performance, injury prevention, and long-term athletic development
- Experienced in running large-scale training camps, clinics, and specialized programs, providing world-class technical instruction and strength training support
Education
- Bachelor of Science Degree
Through his leadership at Purler Wrestling Academy and his Strength & Endurance program, Tanner has become a trusted mentor to countless athletes. His focus on discipline, mental toughness, and work ethic has left a lasting impact on wrestlers at every level, helping them succeed both on the mat and in life.
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Ty Purler – Girls Head Coach & Purler Combat Academy
From an early age, Ty Purler was immersed in the sport of wrestling, spending countless hours in the practice room while his father, Nick Purler, ran practices and summer camps. Growing up within the Purler system gave Ty a strong foundation in both technique and philosophy, which he now passes on to the next generation of athletes.
Ty is the owner of Purler Combat Academy, the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu division of the business, and he serves as Girls Head Coach at Purler Wrestling Academy alongside Tanner Irwin. In this role, he helps lead girls’ practices, Competition Hammer Camps, Friday Night Fights, and summer camps, bringing energy, experience, and technical expertise to every session.
Wrestling Career
- Missouri Class 4 State Medalist
- Nationally ranked Top 15 in high school
- Over 15 years of experience in the Purler Wrestling system
Ty combines his lifelong connection to Purler Wrestling with his passion for coaching, giving athletes the tools, mindset, and support they need to succeed both on and off the mat. His leadership in both wrestling and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu continues to strengthen and expand the Purler community.
Meet the Full Coaching Staff
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Lauren Mills – Coach, Camp Director & Team Coordinator
Lauren brings a wealth of competitive experience and leadership to Purler Wrestling Academy, both on and off the mat.
College Career
- Wrestled at Utah Tech University
- 2024 123 lb National Champion
- Recipient of the Outstanding Female Wrestler Award
- West Coast Conference Champion at 123 lbs
- Academic All-American
High School Career
- Wrestled at Festus High School with a career record of 127–20
- 3× Missouri State Qualifier
- 2× Missouri State Placer
- 2024 Wonder Woman Wrestling Champion (125 lbs)
- 2024 Missouri State Finalist (125 lbs)
- Ranked #22 nationally at 127 lbs in 2024
- 2× First-Team All-Metro honoree
Coaching & Leadership
- Purler Wrestling Coach since 2022
- Camp Director for Purler Wrestling Camps
- Teams Coordinator, helping manage schedules, rosters, and athlete development
Lauren combines a proven competitive background with strong organizational skills, making her an invaluable part of the Purler Wrestling Academy coaching staff. She is passionate about helping athletes reach their full potential and bringing her own championship-level experience to the next generation of wrestlers.
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Trevor Feagans – Coach & Director of Purler College Recruiting Services
Trevor Feagans combines his Division I wrestling background with a unique ability to guide athletes toward the next level of their careers. As the owner of Purler College Recruiting Services, Trevor has helped athletes earn more than $4.5 million in scholarships since 2002. His extensive network and personal connections with virtually every college program in the country allow him to place wrestlers where they will thrive both athletically and academically. Known for his ability to connect with wrestlers and families, Trevor ensures each athlete finds the right fit for their future.
College Career
- Wrestled Division I at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE)
- 3-Year Division I Letterwinner
- Wins over multiple nationally ranked opponents
- Ranked as high as #20 in the country by FloWrestling during his senior year
High School Career
- Career record of 178–13
- 4× Missouri State Medalist (2nd, 5th, 2nd, 2nd)
- 4× Missouri District Champion
- 3× Central Ozark Conference Champion
- 2013 USA Wrestling Junior National Folkstyle All-American (5th at 138 lbs)
Coaching Career
- Purler Wrestling Coach since 2014
Other
- 2× Missouri Academic All-State
- Graduated college with a 3.2 GPA
- Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Trevor’s blend of competitive success, coaching experience, and recruiting expertise makes him an invaluable member of the Purler team. Whether he’s on the mat coaching or guiding athletes through the college recruiting process, his focus is always on helping wrestlers maximize their potential and build a successful future.
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Jeremiah Reed – Coach
Jeremiah Reed is one of the most active members of the Purler Wrestling Academy coaching staff, running multiple practices each week, supporting wrestlers at both youth and high school tournaments, and mentoring athletes on and off the mat. He leads over 10 private team camps every year and is present at nearly every Competition Hammer Camp, making him a familiar and trusted face for PWA families.
College Career
- Wrestled NAIA at Hannibal-LaGrange University
- 2× NAIA National Qualifier
- Won over 100 college matches
- Named Male Athlete of the Year for Hannibal-LaGrange in his senior year
High School Career
- 2× Missouri State Qualifier
- Holds the record for most tech falls in a season at Francis Howell North High School
Coaching Career
- Purler Wrestling Coach since 2015
- Volunteer Assistant Coach at Francis Howell North High School since 2015
Jeremiah’s dedication to his wrestlers is unmatched. Whether it’s running a daily practice, coaching matside at tournaments, or traveling across the country for private team and hammer camps, Jeremiah goes above and beyond to ensure every athlete gets the instruction, encouragement, and support they need to succeed.
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AJ Carter – Coach
AJ Carter is a dedicated mentor who has a unique ability to connect with wrestlers of all ages. He’s known for building strong relationships with his athletes, and he consistently earns outstanding feedback from both parents and wrestlers. AJ specializes in private lessons, where he focuses on the individual needs of each athlete, helping them set goals, refine technique, and reach their full potential.
College Career
- 3× National Qualifier at Missouri Baptist University
- Regional Runner-Up
High School Career
- Wrestled for Parkway West High School
- 2× Missouri Class 4 State Qualifier
- Missouri Class 4 District Champion
Coaching Career
- Hazelwood West High School Assistant Coach (2016–2019)
- Hazelwood West High School Head Coach (2019–2022)
- Purler Wrestling Academy Coach (2016–Present)
AJ brings over a decade of combined wrestling and coaching experience to Purler Wrestling Academy. His commitment to athlete development, paired with his ability to mentor on and off the mat, makes him an invaluable part of the Purler coaching staff. AJ’s passion lies in helping the next generation of wrestlers not only succeed in competition but also grow in confidence, discipline, and character.
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Jarrett Reisenbichler – Coach
Jarrett Reisenbichler is a full-time coach with Purler Wrestling Academy and a cornerstone of our operations across the Midwest. He plays a key role in organizing and running clinics, leads a majority of our private team camps, and consistently earns outstanding feedback from parents, athletes, and coaches for his teaching and leadership.
College Career
- Competed at 125 lbs for McKendree University
High School Career
- Career record of 150–9
- 4× Missouri Class 4 State Medalist (4th, 2nd, 3rd, 3rd)
- 2014 NHSCA Virginia Beach National Runner-Up
- 2015 NHSCA Virginia Beach National Champion
Coaching Career
- Assistant Coach at Jackson High School (2018–2020)
- Assistant Coach at Cape Central High School (2020–Present)
- Purler Wrestling Academy Coach – clinics, team camps, and year-round training
Other
- Degree in Elementary Education
Jarrett combines a proven competitive background with strong teaching and communication skills, making him an invaluable part of the Purler coaching staff. His ability to connect with wrestlers, build relationships, and deliver technical instruction has made him a trusted mentor and a key leader in expanding Purler Wrestling’s reach.
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Jacob Brune - Coach
Jacob Brune is a longtime Purler Wrestling Academy athlete turned coach who brings a strong mix of competitive success, technical knowledge, and loyalty to the Purler system. A Jefferson City, Missouri native, Jacob began training with Purler at a young age and developed into one of the top wrestlers in the state.Â
At Jefferson City High School, Jacob was a three-time Missouri Class 4 state qualifier, a district champion, a state placer, and finished his career with 152 wins. He helped lead Jefferson City to a 42-1 dual record, multiple district titles, and a state runner-up team finish while also earning Academic All-State honors.Â
Jacob went on to wrestle at Drury University, where he earned success both on the mat and in the classroom. During his college career, he posted a 16-8 season record, won the Dan Harris Open multiple times, and was named to the NWCA All-Academic Team.Â
Today, Jacob gives back to the next generation through coaching at Purler Wrestling Academy. As someone who came up through the Purler system himself, he understands what it takes to build great habits, sharpen technique, and develop wrestlers the right way over the long term.Â
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Ty Loethen – Coach
Ty Loethen brings years of competitive experience and proven coaching ability to Purler Wrestling Academy. As a former NCAA All-American and standout high school wrestler, Ty combines his technical expertise with a passion for mentoring athletes and helping them reach their potential.
College Career
- Wrestled at Northern Illinois University before transferring to the University of Central Missouri
- 2014 NCAA Division II All-American (8th place)
High School Career
- Career record of 139–7
- 3× Missouri State Medalist (2nd as a freshman, 3rd as a sophomore, 1st as a senior)
Coaching Career
- Purler Wrestling Coach since 2018
Other
- Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural Business – University of Central Missouri
Ty’s combination of competitive success, technical knowledge, and commitment to athlete development makes him an invaluable part of the Purler staff. His ability to connect with wrestlers and guide them through the demands of the sport has made him a trusted coach for athletes and families alike.
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Sean Gant – Coach
Sean Gant has been a cornerstone of Purler Wrestling Academy for nearly two decades. As the very first full-time PWA coach, Sean has played a pivotal role in shaping the Academy’s growth and success, bringing his championship-level experience and deep commitment to mentoring wrestlers across the country.
College Career
- Wrestled at Lindenwood University
- Member of 3 National Championship Teams (2007, 2008, 2009; team finished 2nd in 2010)
- Recorded wins over multiple All-Americans and National Champions
- Inducted into the Lindenwood University Hall of Fame
- Academic All-American
- Earned an MBA and is also an entrepreneur
High School Career
- Missouri Class 4 State Medalist
- Made a 4-hour commute every Wednesday from 7th–12th grade to train with Purler Wrestling Academy
- Attended the very first Purler Wrestling Take Down Machine Camp
Coaching Career
- Purler Wrestling Coach since 2007 (first full-time PWA coach)
- Has taught Purler Wrestling Camps in over 20 states nationwide
- Coached Plainview High School to their only Oklahoma High School State Title
- Has coached at or attended PWA overnight summer camps for more than 10 consecutive years
Sean’s story is a testament to hard work, loyalty, and passion for the sport. From his early days commuting weekly to train at PWA, to becoming one of the Academy’s most trusted leaders, Sean has dedicated his career to helping wrestlers achieve success on and off the mat. His blend of competitive achievement, coaching expertise, and entrepreneurial spirit makes him an invaluable member of the Purler staff.
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Ben Lunn – Coach
Ben Lunn brings years of high-level competitive experience and a strong coaching background to Purler Wrestling Academy. With a collegiate career that spanned two top programs and a proven record as both an athlete and mentor, Ben has developed into a respected leader on and off the mat.
College Career
- Wrestled 4 years at the University of Minnesota and 1 year at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE)
- Placed 8th at the prestigious Midlands Championships
- Posted a 12–7 record in his final season
High School Career
- 3× State Runner-Up
- Folkstyle Nationals All-American
- Member of the Minnesota Cadet National Team
- 2× Team State Champion with Shakopee High School
Coaching Career
- Purler Wrestling Camp Coach (5 years)
- Shakopee, Minnesota Freestyle/Greco Coach (3 years)
- Purler Wrestling Academy Coach – Bethalto, IL (1 year)
Ben’s blend of competitive success and hands-on coaching experience makes him a valuable part of the Purler staff. His ability to connect with wrestlers, develop their skills, and instill confidence has helped countless athletes progress toward their goals.
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Cody Compton – Coach
Cody Compton is a former University of Nebraska wrestler and one of Missouri’s most accomplished competitors from the Bonne Terre area. Wrestling for North County High School, Cody compiled a 162-7 career record, earned four straight top-five state finishes, won a Missouri state championship, and captured a senior national title. He was also recognized as a two-time All-American during his high school career.Â
Cody continued his wrestling career at the University of Nebraska, where he competed in one of the nation’s top Division I programs. During his time in Lincoln, he won the Viking-Warrior Open and earned recognition on the Nebraska Scholar-Athlete Honor Roll and Big 12 Commissioner’s Honor Roll.Â
In addition to competing at a high level, Cody has continued to invest in the sport through coaching and mentorship. He has served in collegiate and high school coaching roles and brings athletes a valuable mix of high-level experience, technical understanding, and athlete development insight.
