Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. – Dickinson State University head wrestling coach and Blue Hawk legend Justin Schlecht has been named to the 2025 NAIA Men's Wrestling Hall of Fame, as announced by the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA). Schlecht, a three-time NAIA national champion and one of the most decorated student-athletes in DSU history, will be formally inducted during the NWCA/NAIA Hall of Fame Banquet on Saturday, August 2, at the Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.

Joining Schlecht in this year's class are Jameel Bryant (Lindsey Wilson College) and Matt Burns (Grand View University), both former national champions.

Schlecht compiled a career record of 140-22 for the Blue Hawks, including 69 pins. He posted a dominant 17-1 record across four NAIA National Championship appearances, earning three national titles and a third-place finish. In 2007, he was named the NAIA Outstanding Wrestler of the national tournament and went on to receive NWCA Wrestler of the Year honors in both 2007 and 2008.

In addition to his athletic accomplishments, Schlecht's story includes 18 months of military service in Iraq with the Army National Guard, after which he returned to DSU to complete his wrestling career. He currently holds or shares six school records and remains a key figure in the legacy and future of Blue Hawk wrestling.

"Justin's athletic career is unequaled by any wrestler in Dickinson State history," said longtime DSU head coach Thadd O'Donnell. "His accomplishments were so remarkable—it was an honor to witness them firsthand. Being inducted into the NAIA and NWCA Hall of Fame is truly deserved."

Now at the helm of the Blue Hawk wrestling program, Schlecht continues to lead with the same tenacity and humility that defined his time on the mat.

"This award is minimal in comparison to the honor of being a Blue Hawk," Schlecht said. "I'm very grateful for the opportunities I've had—thanks to my family, Coach O'Donnell, and my teammates. I've been blessed with an incredibly supportive wife and family. My parents, brother, and sister were always there for me, and my teammates constantly pushed and supported me. I'm honored and humbled to be a Blue Hawk."

The NWCA/NAIA Hall of Fame Banquet celebrates the legacy and contributions of these standout individuals, highlighting their impact on NAIA wrestling and their continued influence in the sport.