Biography:

Title: Head Coach

Years Coaching: 3 

Ronnie Cerjan has a long-standing history with Geneva wrestling, both as an athlete and a coach. A 1989 graduate of Geneva High School, he was a standout wrestler, earning titles as a Sectional Champion, 4th place at Districts, and a State Alternate in 1988. After wrestling for four years at Geneva, Ronnie dedicated himself to coaching, leading the Geneva Kiwanis youth wrestling program for nine years (1990-1999). He joined Geneva High School’s coaching staff as an Assistant Coach from 2013 to 2022 before stepping into the Head Coach role in 2022. Ronnie brings decades of experience and a deep commitment to the Geneva wrestling community.

Biography:

Will Distler - Assistant Coach

Will Distler, a Geneva High School alum, has been an Assistant Coach for the Geneva wrestling team since 2022. A 2014 graduate, Will has a rich wrestling background, having competed for four years in high school, two years in middle school, and two years in club wrestling, all within the Geneva program. His deep roots in Geneva wrestling and passion for the sport make him a valuable asset to the coaching staff.

Biography:

Nick Burgard - Assistant Coach  

Nick Burgard brings 5 years of coaching experience, including his work with Geneva youth wrestling, where his teams secured two sectional titles and a third-place finish. He also coached Freestyle and Greco at Edgewood and St. John, mentoring multiple state placers. A 2019 graduate of St. John, Nick was a standout wrestler, earning titles as a Folkstyle State Champion his junior year and State Runner-Up his senior year. He was also a Freestyle and Greco State Champion in his sophomore year, a Fargo Blood Rounder his junior year, an NHSCA All-American his senior year, and a two-time Blood Rounder at the World Team Trials in Greco. Nick continued his wrestling career at Lake Erie College, competing for four years.

Biography:

Bob Bennett - Assistant Coach

Bob Bennett has been a dedicated coach for Geneva wrestling since 2000, working with athletes from bitty through high school levels. A pioneer of the program, he was part of Geneva's first-ever wrestling team as a sophomore in 1969, wrestling for three years. He continued his wrestling journey at Lakeland Community College for a year. Bob pursued his college education at Lakeland CC and East Carolina University while serving in the Marine Corps for six years, with tours in Korea, Japan, and the Philippines. His decades of experience and commitment make him an invaluable part of Geneva wrestling.

Biography:

Russ Brown - Assistant Coach

Russ Brown brings several years of experience as a positive role model in the wrestling community. He has coached at various levels, including 2 years with Lakeside Bitty wrestling, 3 years as a middle school assistant coach for Geneva, and 7 years with the Geneva High School team. Russ is dedicated to mentoring young athletes and fostering their growth both on and off the mat.