A well-respected alumnus of the team with deep roots in the state of Wisconsin, former Badger wrestler Garrett Model joined the Wisconsin staff as a coach in 2023.
Model coaches the Wisconsin Regional Training Center (WRTC), the region’s USA Wrestling sanctioned organization, and also works with the Badgers’ middleweights. As a member of the UW coaching staff, Model helped qualify five Badgers to the 2024 NCAA Championships and saw former teammate Eric Barnett earn his third NCAA All-America honor.
Model wrestled for the Badgers for the past six seasons (2017-2023) and was a favorite of Wisconsin wrestling fans for his gritty and tough style. A dedicated starter at 157 pounds, Model ended his career on the mat as a two-time NCAA automatic qualifier and earned 70 career victories, including a 17-11 record in his final season.
The multi-year team captain also earned 2023 Academic All-Big Ten honors and was a 2023 Big Ten Distinguished Scholar after earning a 4.0 GPA while working to complete his master’s degree in Sports Leadership. Model previously graduated from UW with a bachelor’s degree in rehabilitative psychology in 2022.
Model is a native of the nearby community of Stoughton, Wisconsin and was a state champion for Stoughton’s powerhouse wrestling program, while also competing in cross country and track and field prior to wrestling collegiately for the Badgers.
