Williamsburg, KY – The University of the Cumberlands Men's Wrestling program is proud to announce the hirings of Jeff Reimel as an Assistant Coach and Nicolas Aguilar as a Graduate Assistant for the 2025-26 season.
 
Reimel joins UC with an impressive coaching résumé that spans NCAA Division II, Division III, NAIA, and most recently NCAA Division II powerhouse Menlo College, where he has served as an assistant since 2021. Throughout his career, Reimel has helped guide teams and individuals to national prominence, including coaching NCWA National Team Champions, MPSF Champions, multiple NAIA Top-15 team finishes, 20 All-Americans, 40 national qualifiers, and two Olympic qualifiers and medalists.
 
"What drew me to the University of the Cumberlands was Coach Ruff's vision, passion, and leadership," Reimel said. "He's the kind of coach who tells it like it is, but also treats people like family. His values align with mine, and together we want to build something bigger than ourselves here. Add to that the program's academic success, the competitiveness across campus, and the incredible support from our administration, and UC truly stands out as a place where student-athletes can thrive."
 
As a competitor, Reimel was a standout at Kutztown University where he was a three-time NCAA Division II national qualifier, two-time All-American, and team captain. He capped off his career as the program's Most Valuable Wrestler and led his team to a PSAC Dual Meet Championship.
 
Head Coach Corey Ruff shared his excitement, stating: "Coach Reimel has the experience and leadership we need. His presence will raise the standard in our room, and his experience as a recruiter will be invaluable to our program."
 
Aguilar brings an accomplished background as both a wrestler and coach. Most recently, he served as Co-Head Coach at Menlo College's Oaks Squad where he helped guide the program to its first-ever three NCWA All-Americans. Alongside his collegiate coaching experience, Aguilar has spent more than a decade mentoring athletes through private coaching, helping K-12 and college wrestlers develop into national-level competitors, including coaching a high school athlete to a top-five national ranking and three college athletes to All-American honors.
 
"I'm grateful for the opportunity to coach at the University of the Cumberlands," Aguilar said. "Coach Ruff's passion and vision for this program drew me in immediately, and meeting the team confirmed everything I hoped for. These young men bring respect, faith, and hard work to the table, and I can't wait to stand alongside such a dedicated group."
 
As a competitor, Aguilar's résumé is equally impressive. He was a 2020 NWCA All-American and NCAA Division I National Qualifier at Rutgers University, where he also earned the prestigious Werblin Award. Prior to that, he was an NJCAA National Champion Team member and All-American at Clackamas Community College, and he later finished as the NAIA National Runner-Up while competing at Menlo College.
 
"Coach Aguilar is a technician who loves to break down film with athletes," said Coach Ruff. "His experience competing on the biggest stages will impact our program. Both coaches bring a tremendous amount to the table. They have competed and coached at high levels, and they understand exactly what it takes to be successful in this sport. More importantly, they're the right fit for the culture we're building here at UC Wrestling."
 
Cumberlands will also have two former Patriots in volunteer roles on the staff. "We're fortunate to have Ryan Franco returning for his second season as a volunteer coach, and Sherman Dixon stepping in as a volunteer while finishing his degree. Both add depth and energy to our staff in the middle weights, and it is great to see them investing back into the program's present and future."
 
They will join the Patriots for the upcoming season looking to help build upon last year's success, which included an MSC Tournament title and a trip to the NAIA National Championships.  

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