Tarleton Wrestling Continues to Test Itself on the Road to What’s Next
Tarleton State wrestling does not operate like a typical club program. From scheduling decisions to roster construction, the approach reflects a program being built with intention, one that understands where it is today and where it is trying to go.
That vision begins with head coach Grant Leeth, whose background includes high level collegiate competition and coaching experience at the NCAA level. Since taking over the program, Leeth has emphasized structure and exposure, prioritizing opportunities that challenge his athletes rather than insulating them.
How Last Season Set the Tone
The foundation for Tarleton’s current trajectory was laid at the end of last season. At the 2025 NCWA National Championships, Tarleton delivered one of the strongest combined men’s and women’s performances in the country. The women’s team captured the NCWA national title, edging the field by the slimmest of margins, while the men finished third overall and produced three individual national champions.
For a young program, that kind of postseason result signaled more than success, it signaled legitimacy. It also raised expectations internally, shaping how Tarleton approached its schedule this season.
A Willingness to Seek Out the Best
That mindset has been evident throughout the year. Tarleton has consistently placed itself in high level environments, competing in major opens, national tournaments, and Division I duals. It’s clear the goal has not been to protect records, but to accelerate development.
That philosophy was on display last weekend at the Norman Duals in Norman, Oklahoma, where Tarleton faced Oklahoma, SIU Edwardsville, and Duke in a demanding weekend of competition.
Against Oklahoma, Tarleton picked up notable wins from Aidan Medina (133) from Randall HS and Lane Snyder (157), with Snyder securing a fall. While the team fell on the scoreboard, the match provided a clear benchmark against a nationally ranked lineup and reinforced the gap that still exists at the highest level.
The dual against SIU Edwardsville presented another learning opportunity. SIUE, one of the strongest programs in the field, controlled much of the match, but Tarleton earned a highlight victory at 174 pounds, where Zeke Liescheski (Allen HS) secured a first period fall. The result underscored both the competitiveness of Tarleton’s top end talent and the areas where depth and experience are still being built.
Tarleton’s closest dual of the weekend came against Duke, where the Texans fell 30–24. Tarleton picked up a win at 133 (Medina) and received additional points through forfeits, briefly holding the team lead midway through the dual. Duke ultimately regained control with victories at 174 and heavyweight. While the result went Duke’s way, the match provided a useful measure of where Tarleton currently stands against an established D1 program.
What the Norman Weekend Showed
The Norman Duals did not provide easy wins, but they offered clarity. Tarleton’s lineup has athletes capable of winning at the Division I level, particularly in the middle weights, and the program continues to show resilience even when the margins are thin. Just as important, the staff continues to seek out these environments rather than avoid them.
That willingness to compete and to learn publicly remains a defining characteristic of Tarleton wrestling.
Building Toward the Future
For now, Tarleton remains self funded, operating through donor and sponsor support while continuing to grow its footprint. The long term vision, supported by the Texas Collegiate Wrestling Foundation, is to help establish a sustainable path toward NCAA Division I wrestling in Texas. Tarleton’s competitive approach, scheduling philosophy, and institutional engagement suggest a program preparing for what comes next rather than waiting for it.
Supporting the Program
Support for Tarleton wrestling is handled through the Texas Collegiate Wrestling Foundation.
Two ways to donate:
Mail a check to:
Texas Collegiate Wrestling Foundation
3200 W Bolt Street
Fort Worth, Texas 77433
Or donate online via Donorbox (Texas Collegiate Wrestling Foundation):
https://donorbox.org/tarleton-state-wrestling
As Dan Gable has famously said, “Let’s go Texas.”
The Bigger Picture
Tarleton wrestling is still early in its journey, but the direction is clear. By competing aggressively and embracing difficult matchups the program is establishing itself as more than a short term success story. The results at nationals last season, combined with the lessons from weekends like Norman, are shaping a program focused on growth, measured not just by wins, but by readiness for the next level.
