Bio

Owen Braungardt enters his first season as an assistant coach for the Graceland University men’s wrestling program in 2025–2026, bringing national championship pedigree, a strong foundation in kinesiology, and a sharp focus on athlete development, both physically and mentally.

A 2024 graduate of Grand View University, Braungardt competed as part of one of the NAIA’s most dominant wrestling programs. He was a four-time national team member and helped lead Grand View to the 2023 NAIA National Championship, contributing to the program’s continued dynasty in collegiate wrestling. His experience as a high-level athlete provides instant credibility and relatability to Graceland’s current student-athletes.

While at Grand View, Braungardt earned a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology and completed a Master’s in Organizational Leadership, preparing him for both the technical and relational demands of collegiate coaching. His academic work included performance-based research in sports nutrition and the psychological effects of exercise, with practical studies focused on how diet influences endurance performance in wrestlers and how activity type affects mood and physical output.

Prior to joining Graceland, Braungardt served as an assistant wrestling coach at Douglass High School in Kansas, where he led practices, provided nutritional and performance resources, and worked closely with student-athletes on and off the mat. He also has professional experience in the fitness and wellness industry, working as a Legionnaire for 1st Phorm, where he designed individualized training and nutrition plans.

At Graceland, Braungardt will assist Head Coach Evan Hansen as the Yellowjackets look to build upon a tradition of grit and competitiveness in the Heart of America Athletic Conference. His personal experience, research-backed approach to performance, and servant-leader mindset make him a valuable asset to the Graceland wrestling program.