Missouri

MidWest REGION

Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois

Mark Ellis, Area Director

WHY FCA WRESTLING?

“I have a deep passion for Jesus and the sport of wrestling. I couldn’t shake the call of ministry. I then found out that I could put ministry and wrestling together. FCA Wrestling has been the perfect fit.”

ABOUT MARK

Joined the FCA Wrestling staff in 2017
Former college wrestling coach at the University of Missouri, University of Tennessee-Chattanooga, Grand Canyon University, and the University of Virginia
Two-time All-American and National Champion at the University of Missouri
Married in 2014 to wife Nicole, they have three daughters—Eleanor, Eeva and Eila Rose

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CARL PERRY

FCA Wrestling Director

WHY FCA WRESTLING?

“God used the sport of wrestling to change the trajectory of my life, both on and off the mat. It was in college that I was first introduced to the ministry of Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). The impact it had on my life was the forerunner to God leading me to being involved with FCA Wrestling. This ministry is in the relationship business—relationship with others and with God. To see relationships develop and grow through the sport of wrestling has been a huge blessing. For me, there is nothing quite like the opportunities I have to challenge and encourage fellow coaches who are some of the greatest influencers in our culture today. FCA Wrestling allows me to ‘coach the coach’ as together we grow in our walk with the Lord.”

ABOUT CARL

Became the FCA Wrestling Director in May of 2011
2009-2011 Associate Head Wrestling Coach at the University of Illinois; 2004-2008 Assistant Coach at University of Illinois
2003-2004 High School Wrestling Coach at Yorkville High School (Yorkville, Illinois)
Graduated from the University of Illinois in 2001 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Sports Management; received a Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership from Lincoln Christian University in 2008
2000 NCAA Division 1 Champion, two-time All-American, and ranked in the top 20 for career wins while at the University of Illinois
Originally from Chesapeake, Virginia; finished his high school wrestling career in Virginia (1996) with the title of the “all-time winningest wrestler in the state of Virginia”
Married in 2001 to Jamie; have two children—daughter Breanna and son Bryce

STAN ZEAMER

FCA Wrestling Board Member (since 2010)

Founder of Utility Keystone Trailer Sales

WHY FCA WRESTLING?

“Staff members provide coaching conversations of being free with God—an infinite possibility and sharing Christ’s heaven promise available on earth. FCA Wrestling’s 3D Coaching teaches purpose, commitment, and responsibility in following Christ’s values and principles.”

ABOUT STAN

Founder of Utility Keystone Trailer Sales in Manheim, Pennsylvania in 1978; named National Trailer Dealer of the Year in 2000
Received the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Order of Merit award in 2005 for his impact on the sport of wrestling
Attended Northwest Missouri State University where he was NCAA Division II Champion in 1970, two-time All American, Outstanding Wrestler in 1969, and completed his career never having been pinned
Had a number of coaching positions on the junior high, high school, and college levels (including Manheim Central Middle School, Franklin and Marshall College, Clarion University, Elizabethtown College, and Wheatland Middle School)
Married to Gina and have three children, nine grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren

BRANDON SLAY

FCA Wrestling Board Member (since 2009; helped start FCA Wrestling)

Executive Director and Head Wrestling Coach of the Pennsylvania RTC

WHY FCA WRESTLING?

“I was drawn to be on the FCA Wrestling Leadership Board because I believed the FCA organization should and would have an eternal impact on the sport of wrestling. I had heard of FCA since I was in high school back in Amarillo, Texas, and had spoken at some FCA events. However, in 2009, there had yet to be a focus by FCA specifically on the sport of wrestling, and that needed to change. So, in 2009, I joined the FCA Wrestling Leadership Board to help establish a vision, mission, and action plan for sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the sport of wrestling. Since joining the board, it has been a tremendous honor to see how FCA Wrestling has influenced a myriad of coaches for Christ, has been a bright light to Olympians, has shared resources of truth all around the globe, and has planned many events where wrestlers received Jesus as their Lord and Savior. I always say, ‘If you love Jesus and sport of wrestling, there is no better organization to support than FCA Wrestling.’ ”

ABOUT BRANDON

Executive Director and Head Wrestling Coach of the Pennsylvania Regional Training Center since 2016
Assistant National Team Coach for USA Wrestling from 2009-2016
2000 Olympic Champion, 2000 US Open Champion and named tournament Outstanding Wrestler, two-time University National Champion, and two-time NCAA Finalist
Graduated from Warton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania
Graduate Degree in Theology from Dallas Theological Seminary
Married to Tina since 2009; have three girls (Sydney, Charlotte, Savannah) and one boy (Sawyer)

DAN RUSSELL

FCA Wrestling Board Member (since 2009)

Ambassador for USA Wrestling for Peace

WHY FCA WRESTLING?

“My commitment to FCA Wrestling Leadership Board was not a difficult decision. I am passionate about the purpose and plan of FCA Wrestling. It is a tremendous tool in God’s hand. I am honored to be a part of such an amazing movement to reach our wrestling world with God’s Good News."

ABOUT DAN

Ambassador for USA Wrestling for Peace—a program that promotes wrestling as a positive force in local, national, and global communities—based on the belief that the sport of wrestling can cultivate stronger international ties which in turn can enhance the future of wrestling as an Olympic sport
Speaker; author of Finish Strong: The Dan Russell Story
USA Wrestling National Coaching staff; 2004 Olympic Coach for the USA at the Athens Olympics
In 1995, received the prestigious title of “Unofficial Champion of the World” at the Padudny Championships in Perm, Russia
Attended Portland State University: was a four-time NCAA ll Champion, four-time NCAA ll All American, and the first NCAA ll wrestler to be named the “Most Outstanding Wrestler” at the National Championships for three consecutive years
Attended Gresham High School (Gresham, Oregon); won four state championships and was undefeated all four years
Married to Joy; have one son (Ryan) and three daughters (Sarah, Danielle, and Hannah)

JOHN PETERSON

FCA Wrestling Board Member (since _____)

Whatever

WHY FCA WRESTLING?

“____________________________________________________________________________”

ABOUT JOHN

Athletes in Action since 1973
Inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 1986
In 1977, along with his brother Ben Peterson, John founded “Camp of Champs”—a Wisconsin-based camp that combines intense competition and training along with character training from a biblical perspective
1976 Olympic Champion in Montreal, Canada; Silver medalist in 1972 Olympics in Munich, Germany; three-time World Cup Champion in 1973, 1975 and 1980
Collegiate wrestler at Wisconsin-Stout where he earned three conference titles
John and his wife _____ have

TIM JOHNSON

Founder of FCA Wrestling (2008); FCA Wrestling Board Member

Vice President of FCA Field Ministries in the Midwest Region

WHY FCA WRESTLING?

“In 2008, I championed the idea and spearheaded the official beginning of FCA Wrestling which is a sport-specific ministry of global FCA. In overseeing FCA Wrestling as Vice President of FCA Field Ministries in the Midwest Region, I have found it rewarding to see the growth and impact this ministry has had over the years.”

ABOUT TIM

Began broadcasting in 1985 and became the “voice” of college wrestling for ESPN, Big Ten Network (BTN), and Iowa Public TV, broadcasting over 400 college wrestling meets and 15 NCAA Championships to date
Member of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame; received the prestigious Order of Merit Award in 2014
Former USA Wrestling administrator and Director of Wrestling for the Los Angeles Olympic Games in 1984
A native of Morning Sun, Iowa; graduated from Coe College (BA) in Cedar Rapids, Iowa in 1976, and the University of Northern Iowa (MA) in 1977
Successful wrestling coach at Mount Vernon High School (Iowa); coached several state champions including four-time state champion and National Junior Freestyle Champion Greg Randall
Lives in Champaign, Illinois, with his wife Lisa, where they have served together on FCA staff since 1993; have two adult children—Timmie and Allie

GARY HUHNERKOCH

FCA Wrestling Board Member (on board since 2011)

Sales Professional for Lifetouch NSS, Inc.

WHY FCA WRESTLING?

“FCA Wrestling’s ministry allows me to serve Christ in a sport I truly love. It allows me to be a part of a ministry that helps develop young men and women and coaches in their faith walks. Being a part of this ministry in this sport shows God’s goodness in allowing me to see His hand at work—not only in the U.S.—but now throughout the world.”

ABOUT GARY

Retired in 2020 as Sales Professional for Lifetouch NSS, Inc. celebrating a 36+ year career in the school photography industry
Inducted into the Herff Jones, Inc. Sales Hall of Fame in 2007
Graduated from Winona State University in 1978 with a degree in Elementary Education
Coached wrestling in Southwest Minnesota for five years before moving to the Twin Cities, where he officiated for 15 years at the high school level
Helped start the University of Minnesota Wrestling Booster Club and was president of its first 11 years
Met his wife Debra at Winona State and married in 1978; have three amazing daughters—Annie, Lauren, and Gretchen—and two adorable granddaughters, Emily and Isabelle

JIM GRUENWALD

FCA Wrestling Board Member (since 2009)

Head Wrestling Coach at Wheaton College

WHY FCA WRESTLING?

“Tim Johnson invited me to an FCA Leadership Board meeting in 2009 and somehow that translated into me being on the board since that time. I have watched the impact of FCA Wrestling firsthand at camps and clinics. I have seen coaches and athletes come to Christ and have witnessed the subsequent discipleship. FCA uses wrestling as a platform to draw the wrestling community to God through Christ and that has eternal value.”

ABOUT JIM

Head Wrestling Coach of Wheaton College (Wheaton, Illinois) since 2009; also serves as the Head Strength Coach for Wheaton Athletics
Two-time member of the U.S. Olympic Greco Roman wrestling team finishing sixth at 60 kg in the Greco Roman competition at the 2000 Olympics in Sydney and tenth at the 2004 Olympics in Athens
1994 graduate of Maranatha Baptist Bible College, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Math Education
As a wrestler at Maranatha: a four-year record of 154-19, a three-time National Christian College Athletic Association National Champion, and received MVP honors in 1989 and 1991
Jim and his wife Rachel have seven children: one son (Adin) and six daughters (Arwyn, Ava, Autumn, Aleyse, Ashley, and Amber)

STEVE COCHLAN

FCA Wrestling Board Member (since 2011)

Founder and former President and CEO of The Cochlan Group, Inc.

WHY FCA WRESTLING?

“Being a wrestler for many years, I continue to have a passion for the sport of wrestling. I love the sport and love Christ. The combination of these two loves is what drew me to FCA Wrestling. Now that I have been on the Board for several years, I am more enthused than ever since FCA Wrestling has grown considerably and is continuing to change the world for Christ.”

ABOUT STEVE

Founder of The Cochlan Group, inc. in 1998 (and its wholly-owned subsidiary Bank Consulting Group, inc.) where he served as President and Chief Executive Officer; then sold his company in late 2019 to National Financial Partners where he continues to work
Pioneered the design, implementation, and financing of nonqualified executive benefit plans; has served the Corporate Owned Life Insurance ("COLI"), Bank Owned Life Insurance ("BOLI") and executive benefit plan needs of all size organizations including Fortune 500 companies, small to mid-size corporations, banks, hospitals and not-for-profit organizations since 1983
Began his professional career as a certified public accountant with Price Waterhouse; joined Clark/Bardes (subsequently Clark Consulting) and quickly emerged as a major owner and one of its top producers and a driving force in the development of innovative approaches to use COLI and BOLI to recruit, retain, and reward key employees, directors, and other highly compensated employees
Earned his BSBA degree in Accounting at Bowling Green State University and is currently a member of the Bowling Green President’s Club; also a lifetime member of the International Forum and the Top of the Table, member of the National Association of Life Underwriters, the Chicago Association of Life Underwriters and the Association for Advanced Life Underwriting
Has served on the Boards of several organizations including Cornerstone University, Fellowship of Christian Athletes Wrestling, Andesa Services, and is a significant contributor to numerous not-for-profit organizations/ministries
Lives in the Chicago area where he and his wife, Susan, are the proud parents of three precious children—Cullen, Stephanie, and Cassidy

NATE CARR

FCA Wrestling Board Member (since 2008)

Associate Director of Cyclone Regional Training Center

WHY FCA WRESTLING?

“I was drawn to FCA Wrestling because of the vision to impact coaches. Coaches have the potential to have the greatest influence and impact on the student-athletes. The following scripture describes the leadership relationship and their impact on each other: ‘Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.’ (Proverbs 27:17)”

ABOUT NATE

Associate Director of Cyclone Regional Training Center and an Ordained Minister of the Gospel and Evangelist
Olympic Medalists; three-time NCAA Champion; three-time National Freestyle Champion; Junior National Champion; Pennsylvania State High School Champion
Serves on the National Wrestling Hall of Fame; is a Distinguished Member of National Wrestling Hall of Fame and four other Hall of Fames
Bachelor’s of Science and Humanities degree at Iowa State University; Master's Degree in Guidance and Counseling at West Virginia University
Married Linda in 1984; father of seven children—Nate Jr., Isaac, Tiffany, Mary, Jonathan, Rebekah, and David; grandfather to Isaac Jr., Dallas, and Malia

RICH BENDER

FCA Wrestling Board Member (since 2011)

Executive Director of USA Wrestling

WHY FCA WRESTLING?

“I have been very inspired by the work that FCA Wrestling continues to do in the sport of wrestling. It is truly Kingdom work. I feel very humbled and fortunate to be able to interact with so many Christ-following wrestlers. I firmly believe that combining the character-building opportunities that the sport of wrestling provides with the true story of Jesus Christ’s life, death and resurrection, and his promise of our salvation is an experience that every single person should have the right to experience. Our country and the world needs this more than ever.”

ABOUT RICH

Executive Director of USA Wrestling since 2000; has been with the organization since July of 1988
Attended the University of Wisconsin–Lacrosse; graduated with a major in Sports Management and a minor in Business Administration
A three-sport varsity athlete—football, wrestling, and baseball—in high school
Married his best friend Michelle (whom he has known most of his entire life) in 1990; parents to three beautiful girls—Madeline, Chloe, and Gabriella

HAYDN HIRSTINE

FCA Wrestling Board Chairman (on Board since 2011)

Founder and CEO of Precision IT, Inc.

WHY FCA WRESTLING?

“I was introduced to FCA Wrestling via Steve Garland, Head Wrestling Coach at the University of Virginia. Steve coached my oldest son Tanner. When Carl Perry first started as FCA Wrestling Director, he contacted Steve and asked him to introduce him to people that loved God and wrestling. Carl cold-called me and that ultimately led to me getting involved with the ministry. I am grateful to be a part of the ministry. I believe it is a great platform for investing in the lives of coaches to reach athletes for the Kingdom.”

ABOUT HAYDN

Founder and CEO of Precision IT, Inc.—a SaaS firm focused on helping customers simplify the process of determining the optimal IT infrastructure for their workloads and applications
Over 30 years in the IT technology field, including prior professional experience as founder and CEO of Paragon Solutions Group, Inc. and sales and management positions at IBM
Lives in Greenwood Village, Colorado, with his wife Erin; have three boys—Tanner, Cooper, and Cade

MARK MESTEMACHER

FCA Wrestling Board Treasurer (on Board since 2009)

Partner in Ceres Consulting LLC

WHY FCA WRESTLING?

“Serving on the FCA Wrestling Leadership Board has been a huge blessing for me and has truly helped me in my walk with Christ. Being surrounded by great leaders has been instrumental in my own personal journey and has really helped me as I try to be an influential leader to those wrestlers and coaches I encounter on a daily basis. The knowledge and Godly wisdom that I get to be a part of through our FCA Wrestling board meetings and the interactions with the board and staff has helped me be a better person. I am amazed at the growth of FCA Wrestling over the last ten years and know that this is just the beginning of what God has planned for this ministry.”

ABOUT MARK

Partner in Ceres Consulting LLC—a barge transportation company that operates throughout the inland river system, providing barge freight management services, logistics services and many other consulting services related to the Inland River Industry; has been in this industry since 1979, and with Ceres since 1994
Serves as Board Treasurer on the FCA Wrestling Leadership Board under Carl Perry; is also a member of the FCA Board in the Metro East area of the Greater St. Louis Region, the Midwest Region Leadership Board under FCA Vice President Tim Johnson, and the Midwest Region FCA Wrestling board under Mark Ellis
Serves on the board of the Edwardsville Wrestling Club, the East St. Louis Wrestling Club, and the board of the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation in East St. Louis, Illinois
1979 graduate of the University of Illinois with a degree in Agricultural Economics
Married his wife Carol in 1983; have one son Adam (and his wife Heather), and a daughter Amanda (and her husband Justin); also have four grandchildren

RON DOMANICO

FCA Wrestling Board Member (since 2014)

EVP and CFO for Brinks

WHY FCA WRESTLING?

“FCA Wrestling intersects my passion for the Lord and my passion for the sport of wrestling. The Gospel is nourishment for all who wrestle in life. I am amazed at how God is using FCA Wrestling for His purposes, in our sport, in our nation and beyond. I am blessed to be a part of it!”

ABOUT RON

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for Brinks—the world’s largest cash management company
National Wrestling Hall of Fame; Lifetime Service to Wrestling
Attended University of Illinois where he received an MBA in Finance
Married to Melody since 1980 and have four children—Michelle, Adam, Daniel, and Amy—and four grandchildren

MidWest REGION

Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois

Mark Ellis, Area Director

Upcoming Events in Midwest Region

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CARL PERRY

FCA Wrestling Director

STAN ZEAMER

FCA Wrestling Board Member (since 2010)

BRANDON SLAY

FCA Wrestling Board Member (since 2009; helped start FCA Wrestling)

DAN RUSSELL

FCA Wrestling Board Member (since 2009)

JOHN PETERSON

FCA Wrestling Board Member (since _____)

TIM JOHNSON

Founder of FCA Wrestling (2008); FCA Wrestling Board Member

GARY HUHNERKOCH

FCA Wrestling Board Member (on board since 2011)

JIM GRUENWALD

FCA Wrestling Board Member (since 2009)

STEVE COCHLAN

FCA Wrestling Board Member (since 2011)

NATE CARR

FCA Wrestling Board Member (since 2008)

RICH BENDER

FCA Wrestling Board Member (since 2011)

HAYDN HIRSTINE

FCA Wrestling Board Chairman (on Board since 2011)

MARK MESTEMACHER

FCA Wrestling Board Treasurer (on Board since 2009)

RON DOMANICO

FCA Wrestling Board Member (since 2014)