SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – In late August, Western New England University unveiled the Downes Hall of Fame Class of 2024. Messiah Wrestling head coach,
Bryan Brunk was named as an inductee following his impactful two years in the program prior to his graduation in 1998. The WNE Hall of Fame ceremony takes place on Friday, October 18 during their homecoming weekend.
Brunk began his collegiate career at Wheaton College before transferring to WNE after his sophomore year. His presence made an immediate impact on the mat, wrestling at the 150 lb. weight class. Brunk picked up an 8-1 record in duals during his junior campaign. He was quickly named the starter at the 150 lb. and picked up 40 points during the season, the third most on the team. At the New England Championships, Brunk found himself atop the podium for the 150 lb. weight class and qualified for the NCAA Championships.
As his senior year began, Brunk's leadership that was displayed during his junior campaign had him named captain for the 1997-98 season. Brunk made the shift down to the 142 lb. weight class for his senior season, where he went a perfect 12-0. He recorded 54 points for the Golden Bears, once again the third highest on the team. He also earned the 142 lb. New England Championship crown and was named the WNE Most Valuable Player. He capped off his career with the Golden Bears earning the National Wrestling Coaches Association's Scholar All-American Award.
Brunk was previously inducted into the New England Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2008. As the head coach of Messiah's wrestling program, Brunk has coached four NCAA Division III Wrestling National Champions, 35 All-Americans, five conference championships, six regional championships, and is a two-time National Coach of the Year.
