About | Hawkeye Wrestling Academy

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

• 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

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

The legendary arena where Iowa Wrestling history is made.

Dan Gable Wrestling Complex

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

Goschke Family Wrestling Training Center

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

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

• 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

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

Kaleb Young

• 3x All-American
• 2021 NCAA Team National Champion (Iowa)
• Pennsylvania State Champion
• Super 32 Champion, Young Guns alum

Kolby Franklin

• University of Iowa (2022-23)
• Pennsylvania Prep State Champion
• PIAA State Runner-Up
• Prep National Runner-Up
• 2x Fargo Champion (2x Finalist)

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)

FORGING CHAMPIONS
THE RIGHT WAY

Alex Marinelli, Founder