FORT WASHINGTON – Germantown Academy wrestling’s thrilling season didn’t end as head coach John Staudenmayer had hoped, but the team’s performance in major competitions still earned him and assistant coach Justin Staudenmayer top coaching honors.

John Staudenmayer was named the Pennsylvania Independent Schools Wrestling Tournament (PAISWT) Coach of the Year on Tuesday, while Justin Staudenmayer was named PAISWT Assistant Coach of the Year.

The Patriots improved on their fifth-place finish in 2024 by placing third out of 19 teams at the 2025 PAISWT, trailing only Wyoming Seminary and Malvern Prep. While the Knights brought 13 wrestlers and the Friars had 14, GA had just nine competitors after two student-athletes were unable to participate—the fewest of any team to finish in the top five.

“Being named Coach of the Year is an incredible honor, but it’s truly a reflection of the hard work and dedication of our student-athletes,” John Staudenmayer said. “We hoped for better results at National Preps, but I’m proud of what we accomplished this season, especially given the challenges we faced. This is just the beginning. Our program is building something special, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds.”

That build has been underway since Staudenmayer was named head coach in October 2021. In his first season, with just five wrestlers, he led the Patriots to a 14th-place finish at PAISWT. Since then, GA has steadily climbed the ranks, finishing eighth in 2023, fifth in 2024, and third in 2025.

This season, the Patriots had eight placewinners, including two PAISWT champions—Jack Baron '26 and Nadav Nafshi '26. Baron won the 120-pound title, while Nafshi claimed the championship at 157 pounds.

At National Preps, GA finished 13th overall. Baron placed fourth at 120, and Nafshi was the national runner-up at 157.

With momentum on their side and a strong foundation in place, Germantown Academy wrestling continues its rise. As the team looks ahead to next season, Staudenmayer and his staff remain focused on building a program that competes at the highest level