Clay Wenger Named Kent State’s First Women’s Wrestling Head Coach
9/29/2026 6:00:00 PM | Women's Wrestling
KENT, Ohio — Kent State University Vice President & Director of Athletics Randale L. Richmond announced today the hiring of Clay Wenger as the school's first head women's wrestling coach.
"Today marks the beginning of something truly special for Kent State, and we could not be more excited to have Clay Wenger lead the way," said Richmond. "Clay has already demonstrated that he knows how to take a program from an idea to a nationally competitive operation, and he brings the same vision and energy to Kent State. His experience, combined with his history as a Golden Flash and his deep roots throughout Northeast Ohio wrestling, gives him a unique understanding of what this program can become."
Wenger arrives at Kent State after two seasons as the inaugural head coach at the University of Mount Union, where he orchestrated the successful launch of a new NCAA program. He grew the roster from zero to 30 student-athletes within one calendar year, leading the Purple Raiders into a national competitor.
Wenger comes in to launch a program at a school he knows well, as he was a member of the men's wrestling team at Kent State from 2011-2015, where he wrestled under the current director of wrestling and men's head coach, Josh Moore, who was a Kent State assistant coach at the time.
"I would like to thank President Diacon, Vice President Randale Richmond, Coach Moore, and the search committee for giving me this amazing opportunity to return to my alma mater and start the women's wrestling program," said Wenger. "I am looking forward to building a strong program and following the rich tradition Kent State athletics sets! This is a dream come true for me, and I am very grateful for this opportunity."
In Wenger's most recent coaching stint, he coached two national qualifiers and eight regional placers. As a team, Mount Union finished in the top 10 at regionals and in the top 25 nationally with teams from all Divisions.
Another highlight of his coaching career came last year at the inaugural NCAA Women's Wrestling Championships in Coralville, Iowa. Abigail Mozden became the first All-American at Mount Union as she finished fifth at nationals.
"Clay brings the exact blueprint, vision, and work ethic needed to launch our women's wrestling program from the ground up," said Moore. "Having already successfully built a program from scratch in Ohio, he understands how to establish high-level standards, a winning culture, and a Division I environment from day one. I couldn't be more excited to partner with him as we build a championship foundation for Kent State."
Prior to launching the Mount Union women's wrestling program, Wenger oversaw all levels of the storied Wadsworth wrestling program as head coach in Northeast Ohio. He maintained a 71-12 dual meet record while balancing rigorous academic expectations and character development.
Top achievements as a team included five sectional championships, two district championships, and five regional dual titles. As for individual success, Wenger produced 24 state-placers, 17 All-Americans, and four state champions, which includes current Kent State men's wrestling standout Chris Earnest, who was a Mid-American Conference Champion in 2026. In 2021, he was named the Greater Cleveland Coaches Association Coach of the Year.
Wenger also served as the head coach of USA Wrestling's freestyle program, where he specialized in developing Olympic-style wrestling for elite prospects. He coached one freestyle Cadet National Champion, one FILA national champion, and five freestyle All-Americans.
He also built one of the premier clubs in the area, the BattleZone Wrestling club, 15 years ago, and continues to run day-to-day operations. They have trained over 30 state champions and were named a top-three club nationally in 2016 and 2017.
"Clay operates with a true CEO mindset, combining strong operational expertise with deep, authentic roots in the Northeast Ohio wrestling community," Moore added. "His ability to build relationships with recruits, alumni, donors, and local programs will be instrumental as we rally the community around this historic next chapter for our program."
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