LEXINGTON, Va. - Washington and Lee University Head Wrestling Coach Nathan Shearer has been appointed to the NCAA Divisions II and III Men's Wrestling Rules Committee, beginning a four-year term from October 14, 2025, through August 31, 2029.
Now entering his 14th season leading the Generals, Shearer joins the national body charged with reviewing and recommending rule changes to enhance safety, fairness, and competitiveness across collegiate wrestling. The committee studies data, evaluates proposals, and submits recommendations to the NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Panel. Recent initiatives have included updates to takedown scoring, refinements to video review, and the mandatory use of mouthguards.
"It's an honor to represent Washington and Lee and contribute to the continued growth of our sport," Shearer said. "The committee's work plays a key role in balancing tradition, safety, and innovation."
Since taking over the program in 2011, Shearer has guided W&L to three conference championships, including two ODAC postseason team titles, while producing 18 NCAA qualifiers and six All-Americans. Off the mat, his teams have earned 11 NWCA Team Academic Awards, highlighted by the fourth-best team GPA in Division III last season, along with four CSC Academic All-America At-Large selections, including Third Team Academic All-American John Santowski in 2024–25.
Over the past five full seasons not impacted by COVID-19, the Generals have won 11 or more duals each year, compiling a 66–19 record and earning the program's first national NWCA tournament and dual rankings. Shearer was named both ODAC Coach of the Year and NCAA Regional Coach of the Year in 2022–23, when W&L shared the ODAC crown and added another All-American in Ryan Luth '23.
A respected voice within the wrestling community, Shearer has previously served on the NCAA Championships Committee (2014-18), serving as Chair in 2018. He is also a member of the NCAA Championships Seeding Committee (2023 - Present), and served on the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) Board of Directors. Shearer was also named the NWCA Rookie Coach of the Year in 2011.
The Generals' 2025–26 season preview will be released Thursday afternoon, and W&L opens competition on Saturday, November 1, at the Messiah Invitational.
Nestled in the mountains of Virginia, Washington and Lee University is a proud member of NCAA Division III and the Old Dominion Athletic Conference. Founded in 1749, W&L is the ninth-oldest college in the United States and a top-ranked liberal arts university. With over 500 student-athletes in 24 varsity sports, the Generals have celebrated over 265 conference championships. Learn more about the Blue and White by visiting www.generalssports.com or on social media at @WLUGenerals.
