Thiel College Athletics

Donald Valesky began his wrestling career at 150-pounds with a record of 13-13. During his sophomore season, he led the Tomcats in wins with an 11-11 record, placed fourth in the conference championship and qualified for the NCAA Division III National Tournament.

Valesky had an outstanding junior year, with a 22-2 record and 12 pins going into nationals. He placed second in the PAC at 158-pounds. He won at the Lebanon Valley and Mt. Union tournaments and placed second overall at the Allegheny Invitational. The highlight of the year took place at the NCAA Division III National Wrestling Championship at Wheaton College, where he placed seventh and earned the prestigious All-American honor.

He ended his collegiate wrestling career by becoming the first grappler in Thiel history to capture back-to-back All-American honors. He placed sixth in the national championship. He finished his career with a 77-33-1 record. He was a three-year recipient of the Rich Luchette Memorial Award, an honor that is voted on by the wrestler’s peers and coaching staff and presented to each year’s top senior wrestler who demonstrates the necessary hard work and dedication of becoming a champion.