Gardner Named Inaugural Head Coach for VU Men’s & Women’s Wrestling

VINCENNES, Ind. — Vincennes University Director of Athletics John Meeks announced today that Gunnar Gardner has been named the first Head Men's and Women's Wrestling Coach in program history, leading the launch of the Trailblazers' newest intercollegiate sport set to begin competition in the 2026–27 academic year.

The hiring of Gardner marks a significant step in bringing VU's wrestling programs to life following the University's October announcement to add the sport—an initiative aimed at expanding opportunities for student-athletes while aligning with the rapid regional and national growth of wrestling. The addition of men's and women's programs reflects a forward-looking investment to strengthen recruiting pipelines, meet increasing participation across Indiana and surrounding states, and create new pathways for student success in support of VU's athletic and academic mission.

"This is a pivotal moment for VU Athletics as we move from vision to reality with the launch of our wrestling programs," said Meeks. "After a comprehensive search, we are thrilled to welcome Gunnar Gardner as the first head coach in program history. Gunnar brings a relentless work ethic, a strong recruiting background, and a clear vision for building a championship-caliber culture from day one. What stood out most is his ability to connect development on the mat with growth off the mat—developing disciplined, accountable, and high-character student-athletes."

Gardner arrives at Vincennes with experience across the NAIA, NJCAA, and NCAA Division II levels. He most recently served as an assistant coach at Emmanuel University (NCAA Division II) from 2023–2026, where he was the lead recruiter for the men's program, coordinated men's and women's campus visits, and played a key role in student-athlete development for men and women both academically and athletically. During his tenure, Emmanuel produced two NCAA Division II National Qualifiers and nine NWCA Scholar All-Americans.

Prior to Emmanuel, Gardner spent three seasons at Ellsworth Community College (NJCAA), including two as an assistant coach and one as associate head coach. During that time, he helped guide the program to multiple top-15 finishes at the NJCAA National Tournament, including a 10th-place finish in 2022, while developing 22 national qualifiers, five All-Americans, and a national finalist.

A former collegiate wrestler, Gardner competed at Hastings College (NAIA) in the heavyweight (285) division from 2016–2020. His experience as a student-athlete has directly shaped his coaching philosophy, emphasizing accountability, attitude, character, commitment, and leadership as the foundation for success.

"I am extremely excited to be the first Head Men's and Women's Wrestling Coach for Vincennes University," Gardner said. "From the moment I began conversations with Director of Athletics John Meeks, as well as VU faculty and staff, it was clear there is strong support and excitement around building this program. This is a place where we can build something really special."

"Starting a program from scratch is fundamentally different than inheriting one—you're establishing the identity, the expectations, and the standard that everything moving forward will be built upon," Meeks added. "Gunnar understands what it takes to build something from the ground up, and we are confident he is the right leader to establish the standard for Vincennes wrestling."

Gardner emphasized that building the program will be rooted in setting a standard from day one across all areas. "As a first-year program, we have the opportunity to define what being a Vincennes wrestler looks like," Gardner said. "We want to be first in everything we do—first to compete at a high level, first to prepare the right way, first in the classroom, and first to serve others. That mindset will drive our culture and help us build something that lasts."

His vision balances immediate competitiveness with long-term development. "On the mat, our goal is to compete nationally and consistently produce qualifiers and All-Americans," Gardner added. "Off the mat, it's about developing men and women who graduate, grow, and leave here better than when they arrived."

Beyond his coaching experience, Gardner has also made a significant impact in the wrestling community through his creation of Wrestler Report, a widely followed Instagram social media platform dedicated to covering levels of the sport that often go underrepresented. The platform has grown to more than 30,000 followers and provides daily coverage across NCAA Division II, Division III, NAIA, NJCAA, NCWA, and Greco disciplines—embracing the mantra of "Reporting the Unreported."

Gardner earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Recreation and Sport Management from Hastings College in 2020 and went on to complete his Master of Sport Management at Colorado State University in 2021.

What They're Saying

"I am incredibly excited to see one of my former wrestlers and colleagues get his first opportunity as a Head Coach. Gunnar is going to do an outstanding job leading these young men and women as he builds this program from the ground up. His passion for the sport of wrestling is second to none and I can't wait to see the impact he makes as he leads the charge. Congrats big man, now get to work!" - Tyson Springer, Head Women's Wrestling Coach, Dickinson State University

"We appreciate all the hard work Gunnar has put into our program and are confident he will succeed in his new role as a head coach. While we are sad to see him go, we are proud to see him continue to grow and build his career." - Bryce Killian, Head Men's & Women's Wrestling Coach, Emmanuel University