Marshall, Mo. (August 15, 2024)- The Missouri Valley College athletic department announces the coaching staff for the 2024-25 men’s wrestling season. The staff features a new head coach, two full-time assistant coaches and four former All-Americans and individual National champions.
The men’s wrestling staff is led by new Head Coach Beau Vest, who is committed to empowering the program’s student-athletes, and is poised to guide the next generation of wrestling champions.
“As the Athletic Director, I feel we could not have found a more suitable candidate to lead our men’s wrestling program,” said Athletic Director Mike Machholz. “Who better than a former National champion, three-time National finalist and four-time All-American who helped his program to the first two National titles in Missouri Valley history to lead the charge. Coach Vest is a student of the sport with significant skills on the mat, but more importantly, he is adept in the day-to-day processes of running a program and the continued development of his assistant coaches. As the founder of this program, and longtime coach, I personally could not be more pleased to pass the torch over the Beau Vest. He is a leader of men, a person of very high integrity, a mainstay in the continued development of collegiate wrestling and has the passion for winning that will drive our team members to their highest levels possible. Those attributes are exactly why he is the perfect fit to lead MVC wrestling into the new era.”
Beau Vest – Head Men’s Wrestling Coach (1st Year)
Welcome back to Missouri Valley College, Coach Beau Vest! Returning to his roots, Vest was a standout member of the men’s wrestling program in the late ’90s, earning remarkable accolades, including being a four-time NAIA All-American, a three-time National finalist, and the 1996 National Champion at 118 pounds. He was also pivotal in leading both the 1996 and 1997 National Championship teams. Vest graduated from MVC in 2001 with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and secondary education. He launched the men’s and women’s wrestling programs at Midland (Neb.) in 2010 and 2011, respectively, where he earned accolades as Conference Coach of the Year twice and Region Coach of the Year in 2012, coaching numerous All-Americans and National Champions. He also started the program at NJCAA Cowley (Kan.), achieving four top-15 finishes, coaching six All-Americans, and a National Champion. Vest passionately shared, “I chose to come back to Missouri Valley because of the impact it had on my life. I want to bring those experiences and opportunities to others. Missouri Valley College is not just a place where you can win, Missouri Valley College is a place where you are expected to win and I am ecstatic to be back here.”
Aaron Negrette – Assistant Men’s Wrestling Coach (3rd Year)
A proud alumnus of Calvary Chapel (Calif.) High School, Negrette is a phenomenal athlete, having earned recognition as a two-time California High School State placer, Doc B Finalist, Reno Finalist, Battle for the Belt Finalist, Fargo All-American, and a three-time High School All-American. He continued his success as a College All-American and Junior College National Champion. Negrette holds both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from MVC. Aaron remarked, “I chose MVC because this institution has everything a coach, athlete, and student could ask for. I witnessed a genuine passion for people and orange and purple. MVC is not just a school but a family, and I am beyond excited for the opportunity to give back to this school and program!”
Terrel Wilbourn – Assistant Men’s Wrestling Coach (1st Year)
Terrel is a force to be reckoned with, boasting an impressive resume as a three-time Missouri State Champion, USA National Champion, NJCAA National Champion, NCAA DII National Champion, and three-time NCAA DII National Champion. He was also honored as the 2018 Kentucky High School Coach of the Year. Terrel expressed, “I chose Missouri Valley College because I believe it’s a college where I can grow as a coach and be the best man I can be. Moving to a smaller town to raise my newborn daughter Swayze was ideal. I am very grateful to join and add value to this historic program and institution.”
Cody Carson – Assistant Men’s Wrestling Coach (3rd Year)
Carson is an accomplished wrestler and military veteran, recognized as a two-time Kansas State High School Placer, NJCAA All-American, NCAA DII All-American, and NAIA National Qualifier. “I chose Missouri Valley College originally because I was told about the brotherhood here and wanted to be a part of that. After wrestling ended, I joined the military and later was welcomed back here to finish my degree and pursue my graduate degree. I’ve always felt valued and welcomed here and I am elated to carry on the tradition of winning,” Carson shared.
Steve Weathers – Assistant Men’s Wrestling Coach (2nd Year)
Weathers brings a wealth of experience as an Illinois High School State placer, four-time NAIA National Qualifier, and NAIA All-American. He noted, “I chose Missouri Valley because of the rich history of success within the wrestling program. I felt welcome and at home on day one here. I cannot wait to see what this program does moving forward.”
Chase Zollman – Assistant Men’s Wrestling Coach (1st Year)
A remarkable talent, Zollmann is a four-time California State placer, three-time Fargo All-American, and two-time High School All-American, including a runner-up finish. He was a three-year starter for the University of Wyoming, securing a fifth place finish at the BIG 12 Tournament and earning a spot as an NCAA DI National Qualifier. In addition, he won the NAIA National Champion at 149 lbs in 2024 while wrestling for Missouri Valley College. Zollmann stated, “I chose Missouri Valley because the coaches and staff genuinely care about the students. The support was tremendous. I consider choosing Missouri Valley College the best decision I have ever made and I cannot wait to help these athletes reach their goals just like I did.”
Joshua Isaac – Assistant Men’s Wrestling Coach (1st Year)
Isaac is a talented competitor, highlighted by his achievements as a three-time Virginia State placer, five-time NAIA National Qualifier, and three-time NAIA All-American. He expressed, “I chose Missouri Valley College because of the incredibly accepting and welcoming atmosphere. The historical success of the heavyweight program, having more than thirty years with a big man All-American, could not be overlooked. I am eager to carry on the tradition and pass the torch.”
The men’s wrestling program finished No. 7 overall at the 2024 NAIA Men’s Wrestling National Championship, producing the 149 pound National champion, Chase Zollmann, and three total All-Americans. The program is third all-time in the NAIA with 171 total All-Americans. In addition, there have been 36 National finalists, and Missouri Valley is fourth all-time in the NAIA.
The 2024-25 season begins on Nov. 3 with the Dan Harris Open in Baldwin City, Kan.