Erie, PA - Since its inception in 2001, Mercyhurst Wrestling has been shaped by dedicated leadership, first under Tony Cipollone and, for the past 18 seasons, by Mike Wehler. Now, after nearly two decades at the helm, Wehler is stepping down, ready to embrace new opportunities while leaving behind a lasting legacy.
"Coach Wehler has been an invaluable part of the Mercyhurst community, not only shaping a successful wrestling program but also the lives of many student-athletes," said Mercyhurst President Kathleen A. Getz, Ph.D. "His dedication, leadership, and passion for the sport have left a lasting mark on this university. We wish him great success in his next chapter."
About Mike Wehler
From 1995 to 2000, Mike Wehler attended Lock Haven University, where he wrestled at the Division I level. Wehler graduated with a degree in Health and Physical Education.
His coaching career began as the head wrestling coach and Health & Physical Education teacher at Hollidaysburg Area Senior High School. Wehler then moved on to the collegiate ranks as a graduate assistant coach at the University of North Carolina-Pembroke. Wehler helped coach seven All-Americans, 12 national qualifiers, and two Top-15 finishes at the NCAA Championships during his two-year stint as an assistant coach. His first collegiate head coaching post came in 2004 at West Liberty University. Wehler spent three seasons with the Hilltoppers in the West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, where he led several wrestlers to national qualifiers and helped four achieve All-American status.
Wehler assumed leadership of Mercyhurst's growing wrestling program in 2007 and has been instilling a winning tradition ever since.
Mike has been an incredible coach, mentor, and friend to so many people on campus and in the community," said Athletic Director Joe Spano. "His reputation in the wrestling world is second to none. As great of a coach as he is, Mike is an even better person, with an amazing family. Mike will be greatly missed on campus, but we have been incredibly fortunate to have him with us for so many years. I wish him all the best in the future."
Wehler's Mercyhurst Accolades
In the past 18 years, Wehler has achieved an overall record of 188-90-2. He has coached 32 All-American wrestlers, five national finalists, and 69 national qualifiers. In a hallmark season, 2014-2015, he coached six grapplers to All-American status. That year, his dual record was 18-1, the team finished fourth at the NCAA Championships and Wehler was named Division II Coach of the Year as well as Super Region I Coach of the Year. Wehler also earned the Bob Bubb Coaching Excellence Award in 2013 and 2018.
Overall, Wehler is credited with a winning season in 16 of his 18 campaigns, and five Top-10 NCAA finishes.
Of the All-Americans Wehler has coached, Josh Shields is among the most prestigious. In the 2008-2009 season, Shields became the first Laker to win an individual national championship. He also claimed the largest margin of victory at the NCAA Division II National Championships. Shields then finished runner-up in the championship the following year. Shields was recently inducted into the NWCA Division II Hall of Fame.
"The impact Coach Wehler had on this program will be felt for generations to come," said Josh Shields. "As I grow older, I realize how much his influence has shaped me. His selfless attitude and strong work ethic inspired many to reach their full potential on and off the mat. In my household, only one person is known as a "coach," and that will never change. Thank you, Coach, and to the entire Wehler family for allowing him to impact lives for generations positively."
Willie Bohince is another top wrestler from Wehler's time. Bohince is the only wrestler in Mercyhurst Wrestling history to earn an All-American in all four years he wrestled, making the national finals during his junior and senior seasons.
"What made the wrestling program so successful under Coach Wehler was the family bond he created within the team," said Willie Bohince. "Coach brought in a bunch of blue-collar guys like himself that created something special both on and off the mat. During my time at Mercyhurst I gained numerous relationships with the guys on the team that continue today and will for a lifetime. I will forever be thankful for my time at Mercyhurst under Coach Wehler."
Wehler's commitment to his wrestlers is evident both on the mat and in the classroom given the 109 Academic All-Americans he has coached. The Lakers have had the highest GPA in the PSAC eight times under Wehler and, in 2013, the Lakers had the highest team GPA in the country.
"Mike Wehler's impact on Mercyhurst Wrestling goes beyond wins and accolades," said Vice President for Student Life Dr. Laura Zirkle. "He has built a culture of excellence, integrity, and commitment—both on and off the mat. His influence will be felt for years to come, and we are incredibly grateful for his contributions to our athletics program."
Wehler's dedication to wrestling and player development is unmatched. In 2023, during the NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships, when the Shippensburg head coach had to be rushed to the hospital before one of his wrestler's matches, Wehler immediately stepped in. He guided the wrestler through his matches as the wrestler earned All-American honors. This act of selflessness highlights Wehler's character and unwavering commitment to the sport. For his efforts, he was honored with Mercyhurst's Commitment to Mission Award.
"My family and I would like to thank the entire Mercyhurst community for all the wonderful experiences we have had over the past 18 years. I will be forever grateful for the people and the relationships that were formed while I lived out my dream job as a college head coach. I would also like to acknowledge all the "Men in the Arena" who went through this journey alongside me. My wrestlers and their families, assistant coaches, and athletic trainers are what made this job so special. I will be forever appreciative of the investments you put into our program and the coaching staff. The relationships I've built with our current and past wrestlers and their families are ones that I'll continue to cherish forever. Lastly, I'd like to thank the administration both past and present, my sport supervisor Andy Simon-Wambach, and the boss of the MAC Carrie Johnson for all their dedication to the wrestling program and the people in it over the years." - Mike Wehler
To view Wehler's complete biography, please visit here.
