Misericordia University plans to introduce women’s wrestling for the 2024-2025 season.

Misericordia is currently home to 27 athletic teams in the Middle Atlantic Conference. The athletic program is constantly looking for ways to expand and offer opportunities for all athletes. Women’s wrestling is a new addition seeking students to participate.

Misericordia Athletic Director Chuck Edkins said, “The addition of new sports on campus is a huge enrollment driver. We look to maximize our university through athletics and adding wrestling will do just that.”

The Middle Atlantic Conference’s 4th women’s team will be led by Coach Ken Chertow. Chertow, a former Division I wrestler at Penn State carries multiple athletic accolades into his coaching career.

Chertow, being one of four wrestlers from Penn State to make the United States Olympic team, represented the United States in the 1988 Seoul Olympics. Formerly, he was an assistant coach at Ohio State and Penn State. The Misericordia University athletics program is excited to welcome a Coach with as much success as Chertow to the community.

“I enjoy coaching serious students and am excited for the opportunity to start the women’s wrestling program at Misericordia,” said Chertow on the Misericordia University Athletics Page.

Chuck Edkins, Director of Athletics, expressed his enthusiasm on the Misericordia University Athletics Page saying, “I am thrilled to welcome Ken Chertow to Misericordia University as our first head coach of women’s wrestling. His resume speaks for itself, and we believe he is the perfect choice to build this program.”

Recruitment for the team has already begun. On February 4, Chertow hosted a prospect clinic and welcomed an impressive 40 recruits to campus. The clinic included a campus tour, an introduction to assistant coach Rocky Bonomo, and a workout. The success of this prospect clinic was just a sneak peek into the success Chertow will bring Misericordia.

With the 2028 Olympics being set to take place, Chertow is looking for females who want to train to compete in Los Angeles.

However, recruitment is not limited to experienced contenders outside of Misericordia. He invites all students who have an interest in learning how to wrestle and join the team.

The addition of women’s wrestling will also provide the Middle Atlantic Conference with more competition. The Misericordia’s women’s team will be the fourth team in the MAC.

“It is important we advocate for women’s athletics in the conference,” said Edkins.

Current sophomore, Mia Yohey, has been training with Coach Chertow to learn how to wrestle and join him during his campaign.

In April there will be workouts offered for beginners to express their interest in being involved with the team.

Misericordia University is excited to welcome Coach Chertow and support him in his future success with the women’s wrestling team.