St. Mary’s Ryken (SMR) has announced the appointment of Austin Kraisser as the new Head Wrestling Coach, effective immediately. Alongside his coaching responsibilities, Kraisser will serve as a full-time resource specialist dedicated to SMR students.
Austin Kraisser brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having recently worked as a Regional Training Center (RTC) Athlete at the United States Naval Academy (USNA). His tenure at USNA included mentoring Midshipmen on the wrestling team and designing training schedules for the Navy Wrestling Club Regional Training Center.
“My immediate goal as head wrestling coach at SMR is to create an environment where my wrestlers can be successful both on the mat and in the classroom,” Kraisser stated. He emphasized his commitment to fostering relationships with his athletes and competing for a conference championship, with aspirations of leading as many wrestlers as possible to the National Prep championships.
Kraisser’s academic and athletic credentials are notable. He holds a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Arts in Homeland Security from Campbell University, where he was a wrestling team captain and received the Pinnacle Award for the highest team GPA. His accolades include being a 3x Academic All-American and achieving top finishes at USA Wrestling World Team Trials.
Before joining SMR, Kraisser utilized his final year of NCAA eligibility at Iowa State University, where he earned a spot on the Big 12 Commissioner’s Honor Roll. His collegiate career featured significant achievements and recognition for both his athletic and academic efforts.
Reflecting on his experiences, Kraisser shared, “I had the honor of wrestling under some fantastic coaches in high school and college, and I plan to bring my favorite parts of each of those coaching staff members to this program.”
Jon Lombardo, Athletic Director at SMR, expressed enthusiasm for Kraisser’s appointment: “We are extremely excited to welcome Austin to St. Mary’s Ryken. Austin comes highly recommended from some of the best coaches in the state and from a wrestling family well-known in Maryland.”
Lombardo also highlighted Kraisser’s transformative vision for SMR’s wrestling program, aligning with the school’s mission to educate the whole child in the spirit of Xaverian values of compassion, humility, simplicity, trust, and zeal.
As Austin Kraisser assumes his new role at SMR, the community looks forward to a new chapter of leadership and success in the school’s wrestling program.
