February 28, 2025/Midnight
Erie, PA.– While fans cheer from the stands, the real grind happens on and off the mat. Gannon University men’s wrestling team wants to build the strength and strategy to dominate. This behind-the-scenes look reveals the relentless work ethic, camaraderie, and ambition driving the Golden Knights forward.
Since 1968, Gannon wrestling has competed at a high level, challenging some of the best teams in the region. Today, under the leadership of Coach Tom Boyd, the team continues to improve and push for bigger goals in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC).
Gannon’s wrestling program has a long history of success. Over the years, they have won championships and sent wrestlers to national competitions. Their reputation for hard work and discipline has made them one of the top teams in their division. Last season, multiple Golden Knights earned All-American honors, showcasing their skill on the national stage.
Balancing academics and an intense training schedule are not easy. Wrestlers wake before dawn for conditioning, attend classes, and return to the mat for grueling evening practices. The team also promotes strong academic performance. With access to tutoring services and study halls, athletes maintain high academic standards. In the past years, Gannon wrestlers have consistently ranked among the top student athletes in the PSAC for academic achievement.
Their dedication extends beyond the mat. The team is actively involved in community service, volunteering at local events. The team has supported other university sports teams, such as football, by volunteering to work at concession stands during their games.
For many athletes, this experience is an important part of their future careers, both in and outside of wrestling. Many former Golden Knights have pursued coaching, athletic training, and sports management roles, continuing to influence sport in various areas.
The Gannon Knight’s success is due to the unbreakable team bond. Whether in the weight room, study hall, or road trips to tournaments, the Golden Knights rely on each other for support. This unity helps give them determination to bring home the PSAC crown, a goal within reach this season. (Read about Gannon’s latest match).
Coach Boyd credits much of their success with the thorough training regimen and competitive spirit the team supports year-round. Off-season preparation includes a mix of weightlifting, agility drills, and technical wrestling sessions, ensuring that each athlete is in peak condition before the first match of the season.
Wrestling team at Gannon speaks about improvements, 2024. [Video/ Gannon Athletics]
With an impressive roster and relentless grit, Gannon wrestling is ready to continue their success.
This season, the Golden Knights are focused on securing a spot in the NCAA Division II National Championship.
Caleb Chaves, a senior, is sharpening his technique in preparation for nationals. As a redshirt freshman, he held a record of 8–6 at 141 lbs. Now, entering his final postseason, he has improved to a 3-3 record. Chaves aims not only to place at nationals but to win a championship, a goal he has worked tirelessly toward since his first day on the team. His aggressive style and ability to adapt to mid-match have made him a dangerous competitor.
Chaves attributes his accomplishments and success to both his dedication and the support of his coaches and teammates. He explained that since Coach Tom Boyd took over as head coach, the team’s practices have contributed significantly to his development. In addition to refining his technique through adjusted workouts, Chaves notes that his mental health has benefited from Boyd’s emphasis on team mental health meetings. Chaves states, “the sessions have helped me stay more focused, especially during tough matches, where I’d usually lose confidence before even stepping on the mat.”
Also showing improvement this year is senior Eli Reese, who believes the team has the potential for going the distance at nationals. Reese began his freshman year as a redshirt heavyweight and has made significant progress throughout his collegiate career. His record has improved from 1–2 as a freshman to 9-7 before regionals this year. Competing at 197 lbs., Reese hopes to claim a national championship. His relentless work ethic has made him a powerhouse, he is able to overpower opponents with his combination of strength and agility making him stand out.
In previous years, Reese competed in the heavyweight division, showing steady improvement. However, after discussions with his coaches, he decided to move down to 197 lbs. This transition has proven successful, as he has demonstrated increased speed and agility compared to past seasons. His conditioning has also improved, allowing him to maintain a high pace throughout matches and outlast opponents in crucial matches.
Reese credits much of his progress to his coaches and teammates. He explained, “They [coaches] helped me set up workouts to follow and a meal plan so I could shed weight while feeling good for practice.” He also emphasized the role of his teammates, noting that they have held him accountable and provided motivation during challenging moments. The team’s support has been instrumental in keeping his confidence high, pushing him to improve his performance with every match.
With both Chaves and Reese at their peak, Gannon’s chances at nationals look stronger than ever. Their leadership and determination have set the tone for the entire team, inspiring younger wrestlers to embrace the grind and continue pushing themselves.
As the Golden Knights prepare for the championship, fans and alumni eagerly anticipate how far they will go this season. Their journey is a demonstration of their commitment and the high standard of excellence that Gannon wrestling represents.
Due to continuous investments in training facilities, recruitment, and coaching development, Gannon’s success will continue. The university’s athletic department has expressed its full support in helping the team achieve its long-term goals. With the expansion of training programs, partnerships with wrestling academies, and the rise of a new generation of athletes, Gannon will remain a dominant force in collegiate wrestling. For more updates, visit the team’s social media and stay tuned for match schedules and highlights.
With a solid foundation, strong leadership, and growing reputation, the Golden Knights have and will continue to leave a lasting legacy in collegiate wrestling. Whether through their victories, commitment to their community, or their efforts in academics, Gannon wrestlers will continue until excellence. Coach Boyd summed up the team by saying “Our guys have put in the work all season; I have no doubt they’ll leave it all on the mat.”
