Head Coach Tony Guerra at the Forefront of Regional and National Recognition in 2019

DEFIANCE, OHIO - Tony Guerra, Defiance College head wrestling coach, has been at the forefront of regional and national recognition in 2019. Guerra was inducted into the NCAA Divison II Wrestling Hall of Fame in early March. Prior to the national induction Guerra also found his name on the University of Findlay's Athletic Hall of Fame ballot in January. 

"It is an honor to be inducted into the Findlay Athletic Hall of Fame," stated Guerra. "The University of Findlay will always hold a special place in my heart and I'm extremely grateful to my coaches family and friends for helping achieve this great honor."

Guerra completed a stellar career at UF, reigning in All-American honors each of his four years as an Oiler. Tony also wrestled his way to two national championships, one national runner-up, and one national fifth place finish on the UF wrestling team. 

During his tenure as an Oiler Guerra also tallied an Academic All-American honor his freshman season. Adding to his extensive list of accolades, Tony was named the NCAA Division II Super Region Wrestler of the Year during his junior season.  

Guerra tallied a wildly impressive 123 career wins while at UF, tied for most in Findlay history. 316 career takedowns lands him third on Oiler charts while his 35 wins during his senior campaign is the sixth-highest tally in program history. 

"I am super proud of the guy, not only was he a good wrestler, good student, and good dad but he always kept his priorities in tack both with school and wrestling," praised University of Findlay head wrestling coach Shawn Nelson. "I believe these traits are what has guided him to the success he his having today."

Guerra was charged with taking the helm of a refounded Yellow Jacket wrestling program during the 2018-19 season. In the first year of Defiance College wrestling in nearly three decades, Guerra led the Yellow Jackets to two dual victories, each in convincing fashion. Under Guerra's direction, Rosendo Beltran (Toledo/Central Catholic) achieved a team-high eighth place finish at the NCAA DIII Regional.