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ABOUT HAWKEYE WRESTLING ACADEMY

FORGING CHAMPIONS
THE RIGHT WAY

The Hawkeye Wrestling Academy is a nonprofit organization founded by University of Iowa 4x All American, 4x Big Ten Champion, Hawkeye Wrestling Club member Alex Marinelli is where champions are made no matter win or lose.

The academy is committed to give one-on-one coaching to youth, middle school, and high school wrestlers. Instilling principles and values that allow our athletes to take on any challenge.

Our approach to our athletes is to never train alone and to build camaraderie. To hold each other accountable while pushing each other towards greatness. We strive to win at the HWA but we want to win the right way. Being a champion means more than just getting your hand raised.

Here at the HWA we have standards for academics, lifestyle and athletics that will never be compromised.

Alex Marinelli, Founder

Alex Marinelli, Founder

  • • 4x All-American, 4x Big Ten Champion
  • • 2021 NCAA Team National Champion (Iowa)
  • • 4x Ohio State Champion (Graham High School)
  • • 2x Ironman Champion, Team Jordan alum

WHERE YOU WILL TRAIN

Hawkeye Wrestling Academy athletes train in the heart of Iowa Wrestling home to champions past and present. Our athletes have access to elite facilities that set the standard for excellence.

From tradition to innovation, your athlete will train in the best environment the sport has to offer.

Carver-Hawkeye Arena exterior view

Carver-Hawkeye Arena

The legendary arena where Iowa Wrestling history is made.

Dan Gable Wrestling Complex interior

Dan Gable Wrestling Complex

Located inside Carver, this iconic room has shaped generations of champions.

Goschke Family Wrestling Training Center

Goschke Family Wrestling Training Center

A state-of-the-art, $31 million facility equipped with cutting-edge technology, training equipment, and recovery rooms.

ENVIRONMENT TO SUCCEED

With our world class coaching and mentoring, the youth will be provided what best fits their needs. They will train in the same environment as legends have and still train in today.

Each wrestler in the HWA will receive the same support and guidance as each coach received during their time here at the University of Iowa.

COACHING STAFF

From All-Americans to seasoned youth mentors, our staff brings years of elite-level experience, a deep love for the sport, and a passion for developing the next generation of wrestlers. Every coach is dedicated to building champions on and off the mat, emphasizing discipline, accountability, and heart.

Alex Marinelli

Alex Marinelli

  • • 4x All-American, 4x Big Ten Champion
  • • 2021 NCAA Team National Champion (Iowa)
  • • 4x Ohio State Champion (Graham High School)
  • • 2x Ironman Champion, Team Jordan alum
Austin DeSanto

Austin DeSanto

  • • 4x All-American
  • • 2021 NCAA Team National Champion (Iowa)
  • • NCAA Qualifier (Drexel)
  • • Pennsylvania State Champion
Macey Kilty

Macey Kilty

  • • 2025 NCWWC National Champion
  • • Two-time Senior World Championships Medalist
  • • Two-time U.S. World Team Member
  • • Two-time U23 World Championships Medalist
  • • Two-time Junior World Championships Medalist
  • • Two-time Cadet World Championships Medalist
  • • Pan American Championships Gold Medalist
  • • Two-time U.S. Olympic Team Trials Runner-Up
  • • U.S. Open Champion
  • • Final X Champion
  • • 5x Fargo Champion
  • • Wisconsin High School State Runner-Up (Boys Div)
Nanea Estrella

Nanea Estrella

  • • 4x Hawaii State Champion
  • • 2020 Tricia Saunders Award Winner
  • • 2022 U.S. Open
  • • 2022 NAIA National Runner-Up
  • • 2022 Junior Pan Am Champion
  • • 2025 3rd Place NCAA Nationals
  • • 2025 Jackie Robinson Community Impact Award
Koye Grebel

Koye Grebel

  • • Current Iowa Hawkeye Wrestler (Year 3)
  • • North Dakota Mr. Wrestler
  • • 3x State Champion
  • • Valley City, ND
  • • SRM Major
Kyle Anson

Kyle Anson

  • • 3x Iowa State Champion (Class 3A)
  • • High School Career Record: 164-9
  • • 2005 High School All-American
  • • 2x Junior Freestyle All-American
  • • NCAA Qualifier (UNI, 2007)
  • • Iowa City, City High - 2005 Graduate
Rusty Exline

Rusty Exline

  • • High School Career Record: 103-31
  • • West Branch High School - 2004 graduate
Octavio Cruz

Octavio Cruz

  • • Coached 25 AAU State Qualifiers
  • • Coached 1 AAU State Champion
  • • Coached 1 AAU State Runner-Up
  • • Coached 1 AAU 4th Place Finisher
  • • Coached 3 District High School Qualifiers
  • • Coached 2 State Qualifiers
  • • Coached 1 State Placer
  • • Coached 3 Wrestlers with 100+ Career Wins
Matt Fields

Matt Fields

  • • 2008 NCAA All-American (5th Place)
  • • 3x Big Ten Conference Placewinner
  • • University of Iowa Career Record: 95-38
  • • 2008 Iowa Most Improved Wrestler
  • • J. Donald McPike Award Winner
  • • 32-8 Record Senior Season
  • • 2008 Big Ten 3rd Place
  • • Native of Lowden, Iowa
Adam Budelier

Adam Budelier

  • • 4th Place State Finish (2001)
  • • 2X Iowa State Qualifier
  • • 121 Career Wins
  • • School Record Most Takedowns
  • • 2000 LB Club
  • • H.S. Freestyle (City High, Brad Smith)
  • • Native of Durant, Iowa
Jordin Bakke

Jordin Bakke

  • • Lisbon High School (2004-2008)
  • • High School Career record 135-31
  • • 2005 Iowa Cadet freestyle State Champion
  • • Solon Spartan Wrestling Club coach
Hawkeye Wrestling Academy Logo

EVERY CHAMPION
STARTS SOMEWHERE.