“I felt like the coolest kid,” Bianchi recalled.

That experience shaped what he wanted next: to be the one asking questions, telling athletes’ stories, and helping others feel recognized. Years later, as a mass communication major preparing to graduate, Bianchi said that passion still guides the future he envisions beyond the mat.

Wrestling was already part of his life growing up, with a family of four older brothers who all competed — it was their way of life. One brother, Paul, especially influenced his path and first introduced him to the possibility of college wrestling.

“My four older brothers wrestled, and I wanted to do whatever they were doing,” Bianchi said. “Then my brother, Paul, began competing at a high level, and I wanted to follow the same path he was on.”

Watching his brother navigate the recruiting process opened his eyes to the possibility of competing at the collegiate level himself. But when he arrived at ����Vlog��ý Little Rock, the transition to Division I wrestling proved far more difficult than he expected.

“I was very naive,” Bianchi said. “I thought that because I had success in high school, it would instantly translate to college. But that was not the case for me.”

Adjusting to college life while competing tested both his confidence and resilience. After going 1-3 in a competition his freshman season, Bianchi began questioning whether he belonged.

“At one point my freshman year, I almost quit, thinking, ‘Maybe this isn’t for me anymore,’” he said.

During that difficult transition, his coaches became important mentors. He also credits the support of his family and teammates for helping him persevere through the demands of college athletics. Their support helped him work through the challenges of adjusting to college athletics and life away from home.

“If you are only wrestling for yourself, it can become lonely and meaningless,” Bianchi said. “When you are wrestling for others who have supported you through ups and downs, you fight a lot harder.”

Over time, Bianchi learned how to balance the demands of being both an athlete and a student. His schedule often stretched from early morning lifts, to classes during the day, and extra workouts in the wrestling room late into the evening — but balancing both roles became a source of pride.

“When one area of your life is focused, it can make the others fall in line,” he said. “Wrestling was a huge focus. But I can’t wrestle with bad grades. So I worked to improve physically, mentally, and spiritually daily.”

Bianchi’s interest in storytelling continued to grow through his coursework, especially during a live audio course where he learned how to edit and produce audio content. The class introduced him to podcasting, inspiring his senior capstone project, Mindset With Matty — an eight-episode podcast focused on wrestling and the mindset athletes carry during and after a competition. Through the project, Bianchi interviewed wrestlers, coaches, and close friends, exploring how lessons learned on the mat continue shaping their lives long after the match has ended. The conversations not only strengthened his storytelling skills, but also deepened many of his personal relationships.

The guidance Bianchi received from his instructors and coaches shaped the kind of teammate, mentor, and person he wanted to become. As his confidence grew and his success followed, he focused on helping younger wrestlers navigate the same struggles he had faced.

“I have tried to be an open-door person,” Bianchi said. “If a teammate is struggling, I will hear what they have to say without making them feel bad, because whatever they might be going through, I have as well.”

That growth transformed the uncertainty of Bianchi’s freshman season into some of the biggest accomplishments of his career. During the 2025 season, he captured a PAC-12 championship and earned NCAA All-American honors after enduring the demanding three-day NCAA Championships tournament. For Bianchi, though, the season’s most meaningful moments had less to do with medals and more to do with the people beside him.

“That year was very special to me,” Bianchi said. “Everything I did was with guys on the team who I have been around forever and my brother, Joey.”

Joey became Bianchi’s primary training partner throughout the season, pushing him through practices, workouts, and the physical toll of competition. Together, the brothers won back-to-back PAC-12 titles and qualified for the NCAA Championship, sharing hotel rooms, training sessions, and the highs and lows that come with competing on college wrestling’s biggest stage.

“The best moments were not the matches,” he said. “It was the workouts in the middle of the night and us guys trying to laugh, make jokes, and somehow make something that is so intense, fun.”

While wrestling shaped much of his college experience, Bianchi said the future he envisions still traces back to that brief interview after a high school wrestling match years ago. His work in mass communication allowed him to explore storytelling, broadcasting, editing, and media production, giving him a different way to engage with the sport he has always been part of. Now preparing to graduate, Bianchi said the moments he values most are not tied to championships or grades, but to the people and experiences that came with them — teammates pushing through late-night workouts, coaches who challenged him, and the relationships built throughout his four years on and off the mat.

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Keck is a six-time dean’s and chancellor’s list honoree, a 2023-24 NCAA Division I Scholar All-American, and a 2024 Pac-12 Conference placer.

A native of Kansas City, Missouri, Keck said he chose ����Vlog��ý Little Rock for both its wrestling program and strong academic opportunities.

“What really swayed my decision was the coaches,” he said. “I trusted them from the jump, not just in their ability to coach, but in the type of people they are. It was also only the program’s second year, so I was excited about the chance to help build it from the start.”

Over his time at ����Vlog��ý Little Rock, Keck said being a student-athlete shaped his daily life and helped him develop discipline and structure.

“You have to have discipline and time management, especially when things get bumpy,” he said. “I think the most important thing to being a successful student-athlete is finding a routine that prioritizes balancing school and athletics.”

Keck also grew as a leader off the mat, organizing Little Rock wrestling’s volunteer efforts at the Arkansas School for the Deaf and Blind. The team worked twice a week with the school’s elementary wrestling program, assisting students with gear and leading them through drills to build confidence and skills.

He said wrestling taught him how to handle adversity and adapt in difficult situations.

“It’s also taught me to appreciate hard work and staying disciplined,” he said. “Those are things I’ll carry into my career and life after college.”

Keck credits his coaches and teammates with having a lasting impact on his experience at ����Vlog��ý Little Rock.

“We are like a family, and they’ve helped me grow as a wrestler and as a person,” he said. “Being in that kind of environment has played a major role in who I am today.”

After graduation, Keck plans to return to Kansas City to coach youth wrestling at the same club where he competed growing up.

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The team volunteers twice a week with the school’s elementary wrestling program, an effort led by senior Cael Keck that has grown into a full-team commitment focused on mentorship, inclusion, and community impact.

Keck was inspired to get involved after head coach Neil Erisman mentioned the school’s practices were held just 10 minutes from campus. At the time, Keck was injured and looking for a way to stay involved while he was off the mat.

He organized the team by creating a schedule that ensured four Little Rock wrestlers attended each practice. Every team member participated at least once, he said.

“It was a full team effort,” Keck said.

“I also plan on coaching youth wrestling after college, so I figured I could get some experience,” he added.

Keck, a senior business management major from Kansas City, Missouri, said the Arkansas School for the Deaf and Blind’s elementary practices are structured similarly to most wrestling sessions. Athletes begin with jogging and warm-up exercises before moving into drills focused on specific techniques and positions.

“What stood out to me the most was how eager the kids were to learn,” Keck said. “They were very grateful that we helped them out.”

One interaction that stayed with him involved a deaf student using the “6-7” trend in sign language.

“It stood out because at the end of the day, they are just kids being kids,” Keck said. “They have the same humor, trends, and personalities as anyone else.”

Keck said the experience taught him patience and challenged him to think about communication and teaching in different ways.

“This helped me get a better understanding of the sport,” he said. “It also brought me and my teammates closer together because we were doing something different and stepping out of our comfort zone.”

He said the experience carried meaning beyond wrestling.

“It shows that our program isn’t just about wrestling,” Keck said. “Helping out the community is something Coach Erisman has always talked about, and he leads by example.”

When asked how the nationally ranked team balances volunteering, academics, and competition, Keck pointed to discipline and time management.

“A lot of us live together, so we are on the same schedule and hold each other accountable. Personally, finding a routine that works for my class, practice, and lift schedule is very important to stay on track,” Keck said.

His message to other student-athletes is simple:

“I’d say just do it,” Keck said. “It might be out of the average person’s comfort zone, but it’s fulfilling to know that you’re making a difference and having an impact in someone’s life.”

Coach Erisman said the experience was just as meaningful for the program.

“What an incredible honor and experience to be able to help out with the Arkansas School for the Deaf and Blind,” he said. “It was humbling and fulfilling all in one. We didn’t just enjoy serving — we enjoyed getting to know the athletes and watching their progress over a short period of time. It was a great experience.”

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The rigors of training for international competition are only part of Miley’s journey. While preparing for the sports world’s biggest stage, he is also completing his business management degree online through ����Vlog��ý Little Rock and plans to graduate in May. It’s a commitment he believes has strengthened him as an athlete by sharpening his time management skills and mental approach to competition.

The Olympics have always represented the pinnacle of the sport.

“From a young age competing in wrestling, I always looked at the Olympics as the prime-time show,” Miley said. “There are world championships every year, but nothing compares to the Olympics. College wrestling always felt like the next step for me, and I was fortunate to find a great home at Little Rock. They sharpened my skills and made me a more competitive athlete.”

Miley’s development continued on the international stage, where he captured two U23 Pan American titles. Those accomplishments confirmed his potential, but it was competing at the 2024 U23 World Championships that helped clarify his path forward.

“I may not have placed, but experiencing that level of competition showed me exactly where I stood,” he said. “It showed me how much I needed to change and challenge myself. Collegiate wrestling shaped the way I trained and competed — it definitely raised my level as an athlete.”

Beyond competition, wrestling has shaped Miley’s approach to life.

“It’s made me a better student, employee, son, partner — just a better person overall,” he said. “The discipline it takes to be a high-level wrestler is something you don’t get from another sport.”

Miley said the discipline he’s learned through wrestling has taught him a simple but lasting lesson.

“You get what you earn,” he said. “If you don’t put in the right effort at the right time, you won’t get the results you’re seeking.”

That mindset now guides Miley as he balances training, international travel, and academics. Time management, he said, has been his biggest challenge.

“Staying on top of classes while traveling out of the country for weeks at a time can be tough,” he said. “The biggest thing I’ve learned is to complete my work ahead of time.”

Miley is completing a business management degree, a decision he views as essential to his future beyond competition.

“Finishing my degree is really important to me,” he said. “It’s not exactly part of my wrestling plan, but I have future goals in the wrestling world that will be much easier to pursue with a degree. That’s been a major motivation.”

Continuing his education through ����Vlog��ý Little Rock allowed him to stay focused on both goals. Miley said the university’s fully online option made it possible to keep his credits intact while training at an elite level.

“The option to stay with the same school and complete everything online made ����Vlog��ý Little Rock the right fit,” he said. “It kept me from having to deal with transferring credits and allowed me to focus on finishing my degree.”

He also credited faculty support for helping him stay on track academically.

“Most professors are extremely understanding and willing to work with students who have real-life situations going on,” he said. “The online setup is simple, and that makes a big difference when you’re balancing school with travel and training.”

Miley believes his education has strengthened him in competition as well.

“Being educated has helped me in every part of life,” he said. “Earning my degree has sharpened my time management skills, and I use that on the mat too. I think it gives me an edge, mentally as much as physically.”

While Miley now competes for the New York Athletic Club and represents the United States internationally, he remains closely connected to ����Vlog��ý Little Rock. Rather than pointing to a single mentor, he credits the collective impact of the Trojans wrestling staff.

“The coaching staff at ����Vlog��ý Little Rock helped me through so many things on and off the mat,” he said. “They made me a better person overall. Every coach played a role in different areas of my life.”

As he continues training toward the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, Miley carries those lessons with him — from the mat, the classroom, and his time as a Trojan.

“I’ll always credit ����Vlog��ý Little Rock for the role it played in my development,” he said. “Those experiences helped shape who I am today.”

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A senior psychology major and standout , Little is entering his fourth season on the mat with an impressive 60-12 record and two All-American honors. But beyond his athletic accolades, he’s equally proud of what he’s accomplished in the classroom.

“I chose to major in psychology because I want to go to physical therapy school after I graduate,” Little said. “I spend a lot of time in the training room keeping my body healthy for wrestling, so learning more about how people think, feel, and stay motivated connects really well with understanding recovery and performance.”

For Little, psychology and wrestling go hand in hand. He’s learned to apply lessons from his coursework directly to his performance on the mat — from understanding how the brain processes stress to staying composed during high-pressure matches.

“Studying psychology has taught me a lot about how people handle pressure and emotion,” he said. “Everyone gets butterflies or nerves because we’re all human. What matters is finding your own way to deal with them. For me, I just focus on preparation and trust the work I’ve put in.”

Being a Division I athlete while maintaining academic excellence isn’t easy, but Little credits consistency and discipline for keeping him on track. 

“After long practices or lifts, it can be tough to find motivation to study or do assignments,” he said. “But I’ve learned that discipline matters more than motivation. I have goals I want to achieve, so I remind myself that staying consistent in both wrestling and school is what will get me there.”

That steady mindset has paid off. Over four years, he’s not only earned national recognition but also become a leader for younger teammates — someone who models what it means to compete and excel with integrity. Reflecting on his time at ����Vlog��ý Little Rock, Little said the experience has changed him profoundly. 

“I’ve had a big mindset change since my freshman year,” he said. “I’ve grown in my discipline, leadership, and time management. Balancing everything has made me more mature and helped me develop habits that I’ll carry with me long after wrestling.”

After graduation, Little plans to attend physical therapy school while continuing to pursue his dream of making the Olympic or World Team. 

“Psychology will definitely help me in both areas,” he said. “Whether it’s understanding athletes I work with as a PT or staying mentally strong through my own training and goals.”

When asked about his most meaningful experience as a Trojan, Little points to a single match that defined his career. 

“One of the most meaningful moments for me was the first time I earned All-American honors,” he said. “It was a close match that went into overtime, and I got the takedown to win. Seeing my coaches, parents, and teammates after that match was amazing — it made all the hard work and sacrifices feel worth it.”

As commencement approaches, Little said earning his degree is more than just crossing a finish line — it’s proof of how far he’s come. 

“Earning my degree means that all the hard work paid off and I’m one step closer to my goals,” he said. “It represents years of commitment and growth, both on and off the mat, and it’s something I’ll always be proud of.”

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For the second year in a row, Rainwater, owner of r in the Promenade at Chenal, is donating his time and skills to provide custom business outfits for a team of ����Vlog��ý Little Rock students competing in the Harold E. Eisenberg Foundation’s Annual Real Estate Challenge in April.

The competition, held in Chicago, challenges students to develop a real estate proposal for a designated site. ����Vlog��ý Little Rock’s team has a strong track record, winning the competition two years ago and securing second place last year. This year’s project focuses on a 10-acre site in the Bronzeville area of Chicago, previously home to a hospital.

Rainwater, who has been in the clothing business for more than 50 years, is outfitting the team with custom black suits and white shirts.

“A crisp black suit and white shirt is so clean and classic, and they can use it for other events in the future,” Rainwater said. “If you look good, you play good. I truly believe that.”

Senior construction management major Jacob Ivy is excited about both the competition and his new suit.

“I’ve always had trouble with clothes fitting, so it’s nice to get a measured suit,” Ivy said. “I’m about to graduate and start a new job at Baldwin & Shell, so I’m sure I’ll be using the suit for many years to come.”

Warren Hoyt, a senior finance major, Donaghey Scholar, and member of the Little Rock Wrestling team, echoed the excitement.

“It’s pretty cool to get a new suit. It will be great to have for my career and work,” Hoyt said. “Reid and I are roommates, and we are both excited to get custom suits because we’re on the job market this year. I am especially excited about attending a job fair before the competition”

Hoyt’s roommate and fellow team member Reid Nelson, also a senior finance major, said the competition has been a learning experience.

“I’ve never done anything like it before,” Nelson said. “I have no experience in real estate previously, and I am meeting a lot of new people and gaining a lot of new experience. Getting a new suit is awesome. I only have one other suit from my senior year of high school, so this is great.”

Adison Cummings, a senior double major in architectural and civil engineering, is the only returning team member from previous competitions.

“It’s weird being the only person on the team who’s done it before, but it’s exciting to experience it with a brand-new team and fresh sets of eyes,” Cummings said. “I really made good use of the suit I got last year, and I think the all-black outfit will be nice for job interviews, weddings, and any type of outings where a nice outfit is required.”

Rainwater said he is honored to support the students in this way.

“It makes me feel like I’m a part of community efforts, and it’s a skill that I can help others with,” he said. “I am just appreciative of being a part of the team and the school.”

The ����Vlog��ý Little Rock team will compete in Chicago on April 5-6, bringing fresh ideas and strong preparation to the challenge along with a sharp new look to match.

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Arkansas 250 is a publication by Publishing Group that recognizes the state’s most influential leaders in banking and finance, construction and real estate, economic development, education and health care, government and policy, industry leaders, legal, poultry and agriculture, quality of life, and contemporary legends.

“I’m floored by the honor of being selected to Arkansas 250,” Erisman said. “Seeing the individuals on this list and that I would even be considered is such a blessing. Thank you to whoever considered me and the people that chose to honor me with this. I am very humbled and grateful.”

This is Coach Erisman’s debut in Arkansas 250. The publication describes how Erisman began his coaching career in 2011 at his alma mater, Oklahoma State University, and worked as an assistant coach at Stillwater High School and assistant coach at the University of North Carolina before joining ����Vlog��ý Little Rock as its inaugural head wrestling coach in 2018. He has a passion for helping student-athletes graduate and accomplish their goals.

Erisman was named the 2023-24 Coach of the Year by the National Wrestling Coaches Association and in the Pac-12 Conference. The Trojans are coming off a this year. The Trojans captured the Pac-12 regular season, coming away as the conference Dual Meet Champions, and were crowned Tournament Runners-Up at the Pac-12 Championships. At the national tournament, Little Rock finished within the top 20 as a team, coming in 19th overall out of 68 teams represented at the NCAA Championships.

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As part of their annual holiday fundraiser, the team donated about 250 hams to the nonprofit organization, , who will use the hams to feed Central Arkansans in need.

“We’ll be giving the hams out to our families in nine communities,” said Zack Grimes, a mobile team lead with Every Arkansan. “We believe everyone should have the opportunity to gather for a Christmas family meal. We’ll provide the families with these hams and boxes of Christmas vegetables. We are trying to provide for those who can’t provide for themselves, and we are grateful to do it. We are grateful for these guys and all the support from the wrestling team.”

“In addition to the 250 hams for Every Arkansan, another 25 hams were donated for teachers and 15 for first responders as well as New Life Church who bought 15 hams to provide for families in need at their church,” Head Wrestling Coach Neil Erisman said. “We ended up donating more than 300 hams for people in need this year.”

The student-athletes and their coaches were on hand for six hours Dec. 19 to deliver hams for those who ordered them as part of the sixth annual fundraiser, but the best part of the day for the wrestlers was loading the 250 donated hams into Every Arkansan’s van.

“This is a fun tradition for the wrestling team,” said Cody Wagner, a freshman business major from Harleysville, Penn. “We are giving back to the community while also fundraising. I think it’s a cool experience to be a part of.”

The ham sale serves as a dual fundraiser for the Little Rock Wrestling team and Every Arkansan. The wrestling team met this year’s goal of delivering at least 200 hams to those in need. Overall, the wrestling team sold about 640 hams during the fundraiser.

“I am a supporter of the university as a whole and am an old wrestler from Iowa,” said Mike McClellan, who donated seven hams for charity. “The university is an important part of Central Arkansas, and we want them to succeed in all facets. This is a great cause that these guys are supporting.”

Little Rock Wrestling will be back in action Dec. 22 battling against Penn State University, Missouri State, and Binghamton University at the Collegiate Wrestling Duals in Nashville, Tennessee.

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Greg Hatcher is a nominee for the 67th class in the regular (under 65) voting category for wrestling. Inductees are selected based on the lasting impact and contributions they’ve made to their respective sports. Voting will continue until Oct. 31. Those who would like to vote may join the .

“It’s nice to be nominated for my work with wrestling, but it’s never seemed like work,” Hatcher said. “It’s just been fun helping grow wrestling in the state and across the country. Of all the things I have been involved in, nothing has been more satisfying than watching kids turn into confident, strong men through wrestling competition. Once you’ve wrestled, everything else is easy.”

When Hatcher graduated from Michigan’s Alma College in 1983, he was captain of the wrestling team and named All-Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association in wrestling. He was also a member of three hall-of-fame wrestling teams, two hall-of-fame baseball teams, and six MIAA championship teams.

Following graduation, he coached baseball at Notre Dame University for one year. Hatcher was named the Distinguished Alumnus by Alma College and was inducted into the Alma College Sports Hall of Fame in soccer, wrestling, and baseball. In 2008, he became a member of the Alma College Board of Trustees.

Hatcher’s greatest work has come from his efforts in getting wrestling started in Arkansas. Hatcher founded The Arkansas Wrestling Association and has purchased the mats for 65 high schools and 13 colleges to help get new programs started at these schools. For his efforts, he has been honored with the Dan Gable America Needs Wrestling Award, named WIN Magazine’s Man of the Year, and awarded the Certificate of Merit by the Arkansas Activities Association. Hatcher has been inducted into the Arkansas Wrestling Hall of Fame as well as the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.

In February 2009, the Jack Stephens Center at ����Vlog��ý Little Rock hosted the first sanctioned high school state wrestling tournament, featuring 460 athletes from 40 teams. This early connection between ����Vlog��ý Little Rock and the high school wrestling community helped pave the way for the university to establish the first NCAA Division I wrestling program in Arkansas.

In 2018, Hatcher donated $1.4 million for Division I wrestling to be added to Little Rock Athletics. The Greg Hatcher Wrestling Center is named in his honor. In 2019, ����Vlog��ý Little Rock honored Greg and Lee Hatcher as the honorees of SpectacuaLR, Little Rock Athletics’ biggest annual fundraising event in support of student-athletes.

Neil Erisman, a Kansas high-school state champion and Big 12 champion at Oklahoma State, came to ����Vlog��ý Little Rock to serve as head coach. The Trojans are coming off a this year. The Trojans captured the Pac-12 regular season, coming away as the conference Dual Meet Champions, and were crowned Tournament Runners-Up at the Pac-12 Championships. At the National Tournament, Little Rock finished within the top 20 as a team, coming in 19th overall out of 68 teams represented at the NCAA Championships.

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Every Arkansan picked up the hams Dec. 19, and they were distributed to families at mobile sites across Central Arkansas during the week of Christmas, according to Zack Grimes, a mobile team member with .

“We’re taking the hams out to communities starting today where families can pick them up,” Grimes said. “Hopefully, it will be a blessing for as many families as possible. We are very honored and grateful to work with the wrestlers on this project.”

Members of the Little Rock Wrestling Team were on hand for eight hours on Dec. 19 to hand out hams, but the best part of the day for the wrestlers was loading the 250 donated hams into Every Arkansan’s van.

“It’s a big fundraiser, and it gives us a big opportunity to give back to the community, to volunteer, and to help the Arkansas Dream Center and Every Arkansan,” said Jake Adams, a junior wrestling student-athlete from Bentonville. “We’ve developed a great moral character as a team, and this event brings everyone together under a common goal to help the people of Arkansas.”

This is the fifth year that the wrestling team has held their annual ham sale fundraiser and the fourth year of partnering with Every Arkansas to provide hams for Central Arkansas families. All proceeds support both the Little Rock wrestling program and Every Arkansan.

When purchasing hams, there was an option to directly donate a ham to Every Arkansan to give to local families. Hams weigh from 8-10 pounds and feed up to 16 people.

The wrestling team met this year’s goal of delivering at least 200 hams to those in need. Overall, the wrestling team sold about 615 hams during the annual fundraiser.

The wrestling team is thankful to the many community partners who helped with the fundraiser. Count Porkula BBQ, Slappin’Butt BBQ, and Lee Tuxhorn of State Farm all donated smokers to cook the hams. The crew of Marco’s Pizza and Mike Rushin of Rushin Home were all on hand to help cook the hams.

“Being able to feed 250 families in Arkansas is the best part of this event,” Head Wrestling Coach Neil Erisman said. “We have some excellent volunteers helping with the event. We created some good community partnerships to support our program and give back to the community.”

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