The Hawkeye Wrestling Academy is a nonprofit organization founded by University of Iowas 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. 

an enviroment 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.

where you will train

At the Hawkeye Wrestling Academy you will be utilizing two of the best facilities in the world. The Dan Gable Wrestling Complex located in Carver Arena and the brand new state of the art $31 million Goshke Family Wrestling Training Center.

With some of the latest technology, sports equipment and recovery rooms your athlete will have everything they need and more to succeed. 

COACHING STAFF

  • HEAD COACH

    ALEX MARINELLI

    University of Iowa (2016-2022)

    4x All-American

    4x Big Ten Champion

    2021 NCAA Team National Champions

    Graham High School (2012-2016)

    4x Ohio High School State Champion 

    4x Ohio High School Team State Champions

    2015 High School National Champions

    2x Iron Man Champion (4x Finalist)

    Youth Club: Team Jordan (Jeff Jordan)

  • AUSTIN DESANTO

    University of Iowa (2018-2022)

    4x All-American

    2021 NCAA Team National Champions

    Drexel University (2017-2018)

    NCAA Qualifier

    2017 Pennsylvania High School State Champion

  • KALEB YOUNG

    University of Iowa (2016-2022)

    3x All-American

    2021 NCAA Team National Champions

    2016 Pennsylvania High School State Champion

    Super 32 Champion

    Youth Club: Young Guns (Jody Strittmatter)

  • KOLBY FRANKLIN

    University of Iowa (2022-23)

    Pennsylvania Prep State Champion

    PIAA State Runner Up

    Prep National Runner Up

    2X Fargo Champion (Two-time 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 IN THE BOYS DIVISION

SCHEDULE

Sept. 15th - march 8th folkstyle season

march 24th - july 9th freestyle/greco season

SUN. MON. WED. THURS.

No sunday practices starting March 24th through july 9th

Sunday: 

Elite Youth/Elite High School

5:00 PM - 7:00 PM 

Location: Goschke Family Wrestling Training Center

Monday: 

Elite Youth/Elite High School

6:30 PM - 8:00 PM

Location: Carver Hawkeye Arena

Wednesday:

Elite Youth/Elite High School

6:30 PM - 8:00 PM

Location: Carver Hawkeye Arena

Thursday:

Mini Hawks

5:30 PM - 6:30 PM

Elite Youth/Elite High School

6:30 PM - 8:00 PM

Location: Carver Hawkeye Arena

free practice trial available

(email to inquire about our free trial)