Wittenberg University is set to make a major expansion to its athletic programs with the new addition of men’s and women’s wrestling along with men’s and women’s ice hockey. All four teams are expected to begin competition in the 2026–2027 academic year.
The announcement marks a historic step for Wittenberg athletics, which has steadily grown in recent years. These new teams give student-athletes more opportunities to compete at the collegiate level. The expansion not only broadens the university’s offerings but also strengthens its presence in the North Coast Athletic Conference and beyond.
Leading the new wrestling programs will be Head Coach Wendel Donathan who brings years of experience in developing athletes and building competitive teams. On the ice, the Tigers will look to Head Coach Tyler Prater who has been tapped to establish both the men’s and women’s hockey programs. The appointments of qualified coaches, Donathan and Prater, showcases Wittenberg’s commitment to providing quality leadership from day one for their athletes.
“This is an exciting time for Wittenberg athletics,” said Grant Martin, assistant for athletic communications. “Adding wrestling and hockey shows our dedication to growing opportunities for student-athletes and engaging the campus and community with new traditions.”
The introduction of these programs reflects the university’s focus on expanding opportunities in both traditional and emerging sports. With strong leadership and enthusiastic support, Wittenberg is poised to build successful programs that will give student-athletes a chance to thrive and compete at a high level.
The Tigers’ newest teams are set to take the mat and the ice in Fall 2026.
