Mission Coaching Staff Board Members

Navy Wrestling Club · Est. 2014

About the Club

A nonprofit founded and run by former Naval Academy wrestlers, dedicated to mentoring and coaching the next generation of Midshipmen athletes.

Our Mission

Elevating Athletes. Developing Leaders.

The Navy Wrestling Club is dedicated to elevating the sport by providing elite amateur athletes in our region with the resources required to train and excel at the highest levels of competition. We prioritize engagement with our dedicated alumni and supporters to foster a lifelong brotherhood built on shared values and resilience. In partnership with our supporters, we build the foundation for these young men to succeed on the mat, in their academic pursuits, and ultimately as future officers and leaders in our nation.

Our History

From the Blue and Gold Club to Today

The Navy Wrestling Club began as the Blue and Gold Club, formed by Naval Academy wrestling alumni who wanted to give back to the program that shaped them. Over time it grew into a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, with a clear focus: fund the gap between what the Naval Academy provides and what it takes to compete at a national championship level.

Today the Club funds coaching positions, travel and competition costs, training equipment, and alumni programming that keeps generations of Navy wrestlers connected. Every dollar donated goes directly back into the program — there is no overhead layer between donors and Midshipmen.

Founded2014
Structure501(c)(3) Nonprofit
Donors (2024)192
Donor Growth Since 2020+150%
National Titles on Staff5
All-American Honors on Staff14

Through the Years

Four head coaches who built the Navy Wrestling Club. Tap an era for the details.

Current Era2020 – Present▸

To date, the club has raised over $680,000 toward our annual operational budget and launched a long-term initiative with a $5 million goal to ensure the enduring sustainability of our elite training environment. Strategically, our priorities have evolved to focus on recruiting elite, weight-class-specific training partners. This targeted investment directly elevates the competitive standard of the room, with the ultimate goal of developing athletes capable of reaching the podium at the highest tiers of national competition.

Joel Sharratt2014 – 2020▸

Raised over $800,000 in his six years as head coach toward the Navy Wrestling Club.

Brian Antonelli2013 – 2014▸

The Navy Wrestling Club's first year raised $152,000 to get the Club established. Shortly thereafter, the Club hired All-Americans Josh Asper and Josh Manu.

Coach Burnett2000 – 2013▸

Laid the groundwork for the Navy Wrestling Club by seeking approval from the Athletic Director and speaking with donors as Regional Training Centers were becoming established across the country.

Leadership

Board of Directors

Navy Wrestling Club alumni who volunteer their time to guide the Club's mission and fundraising.

Chairman

Greg Gingeleskie

Leads the Club's board and sets strategic direction for fundraising and donor engagement on behalf of the wrestling program.

Former President

John Sattler

A driving force in growing the Club from its earliest days, John continues to support the board with institutional knowledge and alumni connections.

Treasurer

Jay Antonelli

Oversees the Club's finances, ensuring donor contributions are managed responsibly and directed to where they have the greatest impact.

Secretary

Ben Robertson

Manages board communications and records, keeping the Club's operations organized and donors informed.

Vice Chairman

Josh Jabin

Class of 2001. USMC veteran and former Wrestling ORep at USNA, Josh now serves as COO of the Travis Manion Foundation, one of the country's largest veteran-serving organizations.

Board Member

Mike Barikian

Class of 2004. A vocal advocate for the brotherhood the Club builds among wrestlers across generations, on and off the mat.

Board Member

Dustin Haislip

Supports the board's outreach efforts, helping connect alumni and supporters back to the current team.

Board Member

Jimi Letchford

Class of 2003. Naval Academy wrestler and USMC infantry officer who deployed to Baghdad and Fallujah, Jimi now serves as Chief Growth Officer at GORUCK Inc.

Board Member

Steve Comiskey

Class of 1969. USMC veteran, attorney, and private wealth advisor at Morgan Stanley, Steve has championed USNA alumni leadership for decades as longtime Class of '69 president.

Coaching Staff

Meet the Coaches

Donor support funds elite-level coaching, helping Navy compete at the highest levels of collegiate wrestling.

Coach Quinn Kinner

RTC Head Coach

Quinn Kinner

A two-time New Jersey state champion who wrestled at Ohio State and Rider, Kinner earned 2024 NCAA All-American honors by finishing 8th at the national tournament. He now leads the Club's Regional Training Center as head coach.

Coach Mack Lewnes

Assistant Coach

Mack Lewnes

Cornell's all-time winningest wrestler at 150–12, a 3x All-American, and a 4-year EIWA champion — one of only 9 wrestlers in over 100 years to do so. Brings elite competitive pedigree to the Navy staff.

Coach Matthew Hicks

Assistant Coach

Matthew Hicks

Son of former Navy NCAA runner-up Wayne Hicks, Matt grew up around the program through Navy Juniors before returning as a coach, having wrestled at Bloomsburg University.

Zac Braunagel

Athlete · Coach

Zac Braunagel

A 2025 Illinois graduate, 5-time NCAA qualifier, and 2x Big Ten bronze medalist, Braunagel competed for Team USA on the 2023 World Team and 2024–25 National Team, finishing 3rd at the 2024 Olympic Team Trials.

Elijah Oliver

Athlete · Coach

Elijah Oliver

A 4x state champion and Fargo National Champion in freestyle, Coach Eli was a 4x Big Ten placer and 4x NCAA D1 qualifier. He placed 4th at the Bill Farrell International (FS 57kg) and reached the WTT quarterfinals. Former assistant coach at UMD; current Head Coach & Director of Capital Wrestling.

Be Part of the Story

Your gift funds the coaching, travel, and brotherhood that define the Navy Wrestling Club.

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