Sam Schmitz announced his resignation as the Director of Wrestling and head men’s wrestling coach at Central Methodist University. 

“Sam was most instrumental in promoting and enhancing our men’s and women’s wrestling programs,” said Director of Athletics Jeff Sherman. “The women’s program finished seventh and the men 14th in the NAIA at the end of the year. He is a talented and gifted professional that, in a very short time, elevated our programs on the national stage. We wish Sam and his wonderful family the very best and continued success in his future endeavors.”

Schmitz engineered a remarkable turnaround with the program in just one year. The 2022-23 campaign saw the team receiving votes in the national polls during the regular season, including four individuals nationally ranked.

During the postseason, Central boasted its highest finish at the conference championships, earning a fifth-place standing in one of the toughest wrestling conferences in the country. 

Altogether, Schmitz led seven wrestlers to the top four of the conference, including four podium finishes. Highlighting the tournament for CMU were Donald Griffin and Colton King, who were named the Heart Newcomer and Heart Co-Freshman of the Year, respectively. 

Schmitz helped five Eagles punch their tickets to the NAIA National Championships in Wichita in mid-March. The postseason concluded with the first two NAIA All-Americans in program history in Garland (fifth, 157 pounds) and Elijah Hynes (eighth, 197 pounds). 

“Amaziah, Maverly, Michaela, and myself are excited to move into the next chapter of our lives,” said Schmitz. “We are so thankful to the community of people who have treated us with so much love and grace over the past 13 wrestling seasons. It is a blessing to have been so involved with Men’s and Women’s college wrestling for so long.”

“Thank you to my incredible wife, Michaela; she never stops amazing me. Powerful, beautiful, graceful, and smart. She is the greatest mother, and most supportive wife a man could ask for. We are thrilled to finally be able to take our kids to the Pacific Northwest and raise them with our family.”

“Thank you to the CMU community and the town of Fayette. We felt like one of their own. We are forever grateful. Please, keep our family in your prayers as we transition into our new adventure”

There is currently a national search to find the next Head Coach of CMU Men’s Wrestling. Sherman expects a new Director of Wrestling on campus before the end of the month.