Western New England University

Bryan Brunk, a powerhouse wrestler in the 142 and 150-pound weight classes during his time at Western New England, made an immediate impact on the wrestling program after transferring into the program during his junior season. Brunk quickly made a name for himself while donning the blue and gold, recording an 8-1 record on the mat in dual action in 1996-1997. 
 
During his junior campaign, Brunk quickly rose to the top of the starting lineup at the 150 lb. weight class. He earned the team 40 total points in his first season, which sat third highest on the team. Brunk carried his momentum of brilliance on the mat into the New England Championships, where the junior won his first New England Championship, finishing atop the 150 lb. weight class. Brunk went on to qualify for the NCAA Championships in his first season at Western New England. 
 
Brunk continued to roll on the mat as a senior. In his final season, Brunk went a perfect 12-0 at the 142 lb. weight class. The senior would record 54 team points for the Golden Bears, third most on the team for the second straight season.  Brunk repeated as a New England Champion, this time recording the 142 lb. weight class crown. Brunk served as a team captain during his senior year, while also picking up the Most Valuable Player Award. Brunk ended his career as a Golden Bear by earning the National Wrestling Coaches Association's Scholar All-American Award. 
 
Brunk is well-known today in the wrestling community, having been inducted into the New England Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2008. Currently, Brunk is the head coach of Messiah University's men's wrestling program where he has coached four NCAA Division III Wrestling National Champions, 35 All-Americans, five conference championships, six regional championships, and is a two-time Coach of the Year.