BLACKSBURG – Virginia Tech wrestling added an All-American to its lineup Tuesday with the arrival of former Stanford wrestler Nathan Traxler.
Traxler was named a National Wrestling Coaches Association All-American following the cancellation of the 2020 NCAA Championships and was a three-year team american.
The graduate transfer is a four-year qualifier for the NCAA Championships, wrestling at 197 pounds for three years before moving up to heavyweight this past year. The Illinois native won the Pac-12 championship at 197 pounds in 2019.
“We are very excited to have Nathan joining our program and look forward to helping him accomplish his goals on the mat,” Virginia Tech wrestling head coach Tony Robie said. “He will be joining a great room of big guys to learn and train alongside. Ultimately, I think that is what attracted him to Virginia Tech. I can’t wait for Nathan to get to Blacksburg and get to work.”
After qualifying for the 2021 NCAA Championships as a heavyweight, Traxler will stay at that weight for the Hokies. Robie added that the team plans to partner Traxler with freshman and 2021 NCAA Qualifier Hunter Catka for the upcoming season.
“I’m excited about all the opportunities Virginia Tech has to offer me in training partners, coaches, and passion for the sport,” Traxler said. “I have loved my time at Stanford and will be forever grateful for the opportunities they have given me, but I’m looking forward to the new perspectives and high achieving atmosphere of the Hokie Team. Can’t wait to get to work.”
