WICHITA, Kan. – Friends University VP of Athletics & Strategic Expansion Dr. Rob Ramseyer is excited to announce Austin Zaring as the school's new women's wrestling head coach.
Zaring will bring familiarity and a stable presence to the program, having been on campus as a competitor for the Friends men's wrestling team for three seasons since its inception in the 2021-22 season before serving as a Graduate Assistant Intern coach for both the men's and women's programs this past year.
"Austin has been part of our athletic community in just about every capacity—student-athlete, assistant coach, graduate assistant—and now he steps into the head coaching role," said Ramseyer. "He brings with him a deep understanding of who we are as a university and department. He leads with integrity, builds strong relationships, and knows how to do things the right way."
Zaring has been at the forefront of historic moments as a wrestler at Friends, including gaining a dominating technical fall victory in current head coach Tyler Mies' first career win in 2023 while also being part of the Falcons' first-ever home dual in 2021.
"We are thrilled to welcome Austin to the staff here at Friends," said Mies. "From the very beginning of the program, Austin has been a big piece and has demonstrated strong leadership and unwavering dedication. I am excited to be working alongside him and to have the opportunity to continue to build our relationship. There is no doubt he will accomplish great things in his new role."
This past season, Zaring helped Braden Morgan attain men's wrestling's first-ever NAIA All-American honor while also assisting the women's team in placing two more national qualifiers (Gianna Moreno, Bailee Nelson).
"It is an incredible honor to step into the role of head coach here at Friends," said Zaring. "This University has shaped me as a student-athlete, graduate assistant, and assistant coach. I am grateful for the opportunity to lead this program, which means so much to me, and to help our student-athletes grow on and off the mat.
My mission moving forward is to build a strong culture rooted in discipline, belief, and resilience. All of which are values that matter both on and off the mat. I want every athlete to feel seen, valued, and supported in becoming the best version of themselves. This team will grow together through integrity, accountability, and a shared commitment to progress and excellence.
The journey continues, and the best is yet to come."
