In just his second year as head coach of the Friends University men's wrestling program, Tyler Mies has already led the Falcons to new heights.

The team is sending three wrestlers to the NAIA National Championships this week in Park City, Kan. It's the most wrestlers the program has ever sent to the nationals.

"It's definitely one of the goals we had in mind when I got here," said Mies. "But we've got bigger goals. We want to be in the top 10, top five, and eventually have a national champion."

Under Mies' guidance, the Falcons finished second in the KCAC , the highest finish in the program's history, and Mies was named KCAC Coach of the Year.

The Falcons also recorded the highest GPA ever by the men's wrestling program in the fall. "I always tell the guys I want to see growth in all aspects of their lives," said Mies. "Athletically, academically, and spiritually."

Holistic Growth

Mies has been around the sport of wrestling since he was five years old. He's a three-time state finalist and state champion in high school. In college at Newman University, Mies was a two-time regional champion and two-time All-American.

He had 113 career wins and was named the MIAA Freshman of the Year.

Mies wrestled for one coach his entire collegiate career— Ryan Smith. Smith was Mies' head coach at Newman and impacted his life significantly. Smith was also the one who gave him a chance to get into coaching.

After Mies graduated, Smith brought him on as an assistant coach at Newman . Under Smith's leadership, Mies learned about the holistic growth of a student-athlete.

"He taught me a lot about life," said Mies. "I still lean on him quite a bit. We talk on the phone probably every week or two. He's just full of life advice, and that's more important than anything I've ever learned on the mat."

Mies is now able to instill the same lessons in his athletes at Friends University. "Friends is a top-notch institution," said Mies. "Recruits that come here will continue to grow in all aspects of their lives. Academically, athletically, and spiritually, the people here are just top-notch."

The Perfect Fit

Mies has built a strong rapport with his coaching staff, other coaches in the department, and most importantly, his athletes.

"The relationships are my favorite part," said Mies. "It's great to see how they grow throughout their careers. To see the difference in how they grow mentally and physically, I just love being a part of it."

Mies has found the perfect fit for him and his family at Friends University. He's been married to his wife, Danielle, for five and a half years, and they have two boys, Hudson and Creighton.

"The reason I've stayed here at Friends is because it feels like home," said Mies. "We're very close in proximity to Friends. It's been a great place to be."

The Falcons have certainly welcomed Mies with open arms, and the program is set to continue its growth under his leadership.

"It's been a good way to stay involved with the sport, and I love giving back and seeing a change in the guys' careers, both on and off the mat," said Mies.

This week, the Falcons have a chance to put a stamp on their historic season at the national tournament. But regardless of the results, Mies knows the program is on the right track.

"We're not just trying to get better at wrestling," said Mies. "We're trying to get better at everything."

With Mies at the helm, it's safe to say the Falcons are achieving just that.