EAU CLAIRE, Wis. - University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire wrestling head coach, Tim Fader, has announced the Blugolds will add former wrestlers Jared Stricker, Colton Sund, and Jackson Schichel to their staff for the 2025-26 season.

A name well known around campus, Jared Stricker returns to the Blugold Wrestling program after posting the most decorated wrestling career in Blugold history. With two NCAA national championships, three All-America honors, three NCAA regional championships, four WIAC championships, and four appearances at the NCAA tournament, Stricker brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the wrestling staff. During his senior year, Jared set the WIAC record for career wins with 169 victories to his name.

"Jared's knowledge of wrestling is through the roof and he finished up a college folkstyle career as one of the all time greats in Division III wrestling," said Fader. "He won more matches than anyone in WIAC history and did not lose to a Division III wrestler his last two years. Our upper weight class wrestlers are going to be the real winner here...as working with Jared is going to have an impact."

Colton Sund returns to the Blugolds after a four-year career with 76 wins. Sund was crowned champion at the 8-man battles twice (2021, 2023) and was a 2023 NWCA Scholar All-American.

"Colton had a very impactful career as a Blugold," Fader said. "He was a Scholar All American and Team Leader during his time competing at UW Eau Claire. Colton wrestled some very significant matches for us and finished with 76 career victories. I know he will continue to make those around him better as a coach as he brings that great attitude and work ethic every day."

Also joining the wrestling staff is Jackson Schichel. Schichel returns to the Blugolds for his second year as an assistant coach.

"Jackson was a high energy competitor from 2020-2024 at 197 and 285 for the Blugolds," said Fader. "He became a Team Leader and unanimous "hype man" after transferring into UWEC. I love that he brings that same energy as a training partner to the heavyweights in our room."

The Blugolds will begin their season on Saturday, November 1 at the Yellowjacket Open in Rochester, Minn.

Follow the Blugolds all season long at Blugolds.com or on our app, Blugold Sports, and on social media on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.