About
Built By Brunson Wrestling
Founded by Zachary Brunson in 2022, Built By Brunson Wrestling brings Elite level wrestling training for all ages and skill levels to Lake County.
Built By Brunson's mission is to help every wrestler reach their full potential both on the mat and off the mat.
To accomplish this we take a long-term training approach for every athlete who walks through the door.
Even those starting in our Tiny Builders class will be instructed on quality, fundamental wrestling techniques.
We believe that what wrestling provides goes beyond the mat. We push our athletes every day to become more disciplined, focused, hard working, and confident in themselves.
We regularly discuss the importance of nutrition, fitness, academics, and giving back to the community.
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Coaching Staff
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Zachary Brunson
Head Coach
A four time High School State Champion in Oregon, Coach Brunson wrestled for the University of Illinois where he was a four year starter, NCAA All-American, and is ranked 17th on the list of winningest Illini wrestlers. Coach Brunson also excelled in the international styles of wrestling where he was both a Junior National and University National Champion in Freestyle wrestling.
Nikita Nepomnyashchiy
Head Assistant
Nikita was born in Voronezh, Russia and immigrated to Lake County at the age of 11. Nikita started wrestling in 8th grade and eventually went on to become a state place winner for Stevenson High School and a National Team Member for the state of Illinois. Nikita graduated from University of Illinois in 2022, where he wrestled for the Fighting Illini and got an opportunity to start at 197lbs.
Ted Strychalski
Light Weight Specialist
Currently the Assistant Coach at Libertyville High School, Coach Ted has coached over a dozen state place winning wrestlers. Coach Ted wrestled for Libertyville himself where he was also a state place winner and a state finalist in both Freestyle and Greco Wrestling.
Roman Vodoviz
Freestle/Greco Specialist
Coach Roman excelled at the sport of wrestling from a young age. He represented the country of Ukraine in the Junior World tournament. Continuing his career after moving to the United States, Coach Roman went on to become a multiple time Freestyle National Champion in the Masters Division.