NCAA Wrestling Greats Visit Lower Burrell for Christmas Week Training

NCAA wrestling stars, Jason Nolf and Bo Nickal, made a special visit to The Mat Factory in Lower Burrell this week. Their connection to owner Isaac Greeley brought them there, but it’s the opportunity to train with top-notch partners that really drew them in. According to Greeley, the atmosphere at The Mat Factory is like a family, but when Nolf and Nickal show up, they’re there to put in the work.

Greeley gathered a group of former college wrestlers, including local talents like Isaac Lacinski and Luke Boylan, to train alongside Nolf and Nickal. Even Kiski Area standout Mario Hutcherson joined in, showing up for a workout on Christmas Eve. The dedication and enthusiasm were palpable, with everyone eager to learn and grow, no matter the holiday.

Bo Nickal, a decorated wrestler who also competes in MMA, is currently training for the Real American Freestyle 05 event happening on Jan. 10 in Sunrise, Fla. There, he’ll be vying for the light heavyweight championship against Yoel Romero in an exciting matchup. Real American Freestyle is all about providing opportunities for wrestlers to compete at a professional level, and Nickal is set to showcase his skills on the big stage.

Isaac Greeley, who coaches the Pittsburgh team in the Championships Wrestling Association, is thrilled about the evolving landscape of opportunities for wrestlers post-college. With six teams in the CWA, including names like the Central PA Whitetails and the Philadelphia Founders, there’s a growing platform for wrestlers to continue their careers.

Jason Nolf, another wrestling standout, recently competed at RAF 04 and secured a tech fall victory. With an impressive high school record of 197-1 and three state championships under his belt, Nolf has continued to shine in his wrestling career. Now 29, he also claimed three national championships during his time at Penn State, showcasing his talent and dedication to the sport.