Austin DeSanto hired at Iowa City Wrestling Club
Former Iowa wrestling All-American Austin DeSanto was hired at the Iowa City Wrestling Club, according to its head coach Alex Marinelli.
Marinelli, who runs the club coaching youth to high school level athletes, brought in DeSanto and Hawkeye Wrestling Club member Kyle Summers. The HWC is the senior-level training center located at the University of Iowa.
DeSanto broke through to All-American status when he transferred to Iowa after spending his freshman year at Drexel.
Marinell is a former four-time All-American and four-time Big Ten Champion for Iowa. He finished up his college career last season alongside DeSanto.
DeSanto made the All-American podium three-times and was named an NWCA All-American when the 2020 tournament was canceled.
He finished his career with a 103-24 record over five seasons with Drexel and Iowa. While with Drexel as a freshman, DeSanto lost in the Blood Round at 133 pounds but eventually battled back to make the podium in subsequent years at Iowa.
In his first year with Iowa, DeSanto finished in 5th place but had back-to-back 3rd place in 2021 and ‘22.
The Hawkeye never made the finals in his career as he fell short to Oklahoma State’s Daton Fix in the semifinals in 2021 and Penn State’s Roman Bravo-Young in ‘22. However, he ended his career on top with a 3rd place finish last year in Detroit.
“The philosophy that champions are made no matter win or lose is what shapes this club,” the Iowa City Wrestling Club’s about statement reads. “Iowa Hawkeye 4x All American, 4x Big Ten Champion Alex Marinelli will be coaching alongside some of Iowa Wrestling’s greats to give one-on-one coaching to youth, middle school, and high school wrestlers. Applying what they have learned from their mentors Tom and Terry Brands to build up champions on and off the mat.
“The Iowa City Wrestling Club will not only grow you as a wrestler, but it will grow you as a member of society. This club ensures that every wrestler has our full support, guidance, and care that we all received at the University of Iowa. This club gives wrestlers a unique opportunity to train in the legendary Carver Hawkeye Arena, Dan Gable Wrestling Complex. Giving them everything they need to enhance their training and accomplish their goals.”