MANHEIM, PA – The National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) is proud to announce the 2025 NAIA Men's Hall of Fame Class, which includes three outstanding wrestlers whose careers have left a lasting impact on the sport. The inductees will be honored during the NWCA/NAIA Hall of Fame Banquet on Saturday, August 2, at the Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.
The 2025 inductees are Jameel Bryant (Lindsey Wilson), Matt Burns (Grand View), and Justin Schlecht (Dickinson State).
Jameel Bryant – Lindsey Wilson College (Wrestler)
A native of St. Petersburg, FL, Jameel Bryant is one of the most decorated wrestlers in Lindsey Wilson College history. After earning NJCAA All-American honors at North Iowa Area Community College, he transferred to LWC. He became the program's first two-time NAIA national champion, winning back-to-back titles at 184 pounds. Of note, his first national title was the very first tournament Jameel had ever won up to that point in his career. Since graduating, he has built a successful coaching career with stops at Brewton-Parker, Life University, Southeastern, and now serves as the head coach at his alma mater.
Matt Burns – Grand View University (Wrestler)
Matt Burns made history as Grand View University's first-ever national champion in any sport, winning NAIA titles in 2009 and 2011. His 2009 championship run included victories over both the defending national champion and the No. 1-ranked wrestler. After a medical redshirt in 2010, he returned to claim his second national title in 2011. Before his time at Grand View, Burns was a two-time NJCAA All-American, finishing 1st and 3rd. His success helped launch Grand View's now-dominant wrestling tradition. Following his wrestling career, Burns entered public service and works as a police officer and sheriff's deputy.
Justin Schlecht – Dickinson State University (Wrestler)
One of the most accomplished wrestlers in Dickinson State history, Justin Schlecht compiled a 140-22 record with 69 pins and a 17-1 record at four NAIA National Championships. A three-time national champion and one-time 3rd place finisher, he was named NAIA Outstanding Wrestler of the national tournament in 2007 and earned NWCA Wrestler of the Year honors in 2007 and 2008. After serving an 18-month deployment to Iraq with the Army National Guard, he returned to DSU to complete his exceptional career. Schlecht holds or shares six school records.
NWCA NAIA Men's Hall of Fame Info
Location: Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa (Ponte Vedra Beach, FL)
DATE: Saturday, August 2
TICKETS: https://www.nwcaconvention.com/shop/product/386558
