HIRAM, Ohio - July 17, 2026 - Hiram Athletics announced the promotion of Ryan Kirst as the new head women's wrestling coach earlier this week; the news comes after Kirst's one season of success as an assistant coach with the Terriers men's wrestling team. Kirst is the third head coach in the history of the women's wrestling program, joining Andy Vogel (2021-22) and Christy Powell (2022-26).

"We're excited to elevate Coach Kirst to a new role with our women's wrestling program," Pohlman said. "His wealth of coaching experience, as well as his success with the Hiram men's wrestling program, both stood out during our search for the new leader of the program."

Alongside men's wrestling head coach Dustin Porter, Kirst helped spearhead the Terriers to a fourth-place finish at the PAC Championships this past February. On an individual level, Kirst worked closely with freshman Taveon Moss, who set the single-season record for pins (17), won the PAC title at 125 lbs and earned PAC Newcomer of the Year. Both Will Brodbeck and Dino Longo also earned All-PAC awards under the leadership of Kirst.

"I am incredibly honored and excited to lead the Hiram College Women's Wrestling program," Kirst said. "Our vision is to build a championship culture founded on hard work, accountability, and genuine care for one another."

Prior to Hiram College, Kirst had coaching stints with CWRU (2023-2024), Ashland University (2015-2021), Heidelberg University (2013), Lake Erie College (2011), Cleveland State University's club program (2010-2012), Bay High School (2010-2011), Lakewood St Edward High School (2007-2010) and Ashland Crestview High School (2006-2007).

As a collegiate wrestler at Division II Ashland, Kirst was a four-time NCAA Division II national qualifier and one of the winningest wrestlers in program history (116 career wins). At the 197-lb weight class, Kirst also earned D-II All-American honors.

Hiram women's wrestling has totaled seven national qualifiers in its five seasons of competition, including three student-athletes in both the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons. The team also won the inaugural AMCC Invitational in 2024-25 and will have high hopes heading into their first season in the Presidents' Athletic Conference in 2026-27.

Kirst agrees with that sentiment.

"I can't wait to get to work with our current student-athletes, welcome future Terriers, and continue building a program that the entire Hiram community can be proud of," Kirst said.