RUTHERFORD, N.J. -  Back in Janurary 2023, Felician University Athletics announced the addition of a Men's and Women's Wrestling program to become the first New Jersey institution to house both teams at the Division II level. As the department's 21st varsity sport slowly comes together, Felician Athletics and the Director of Athletics, Andrew Toriello, is elated to announce the hiring of Dale Fava and Fred Santaite as the first coaches of the men's and women's wrestling programs. 

Fava, the men's head coach, coached at the high school (Lodi HS) and NCAA Division III level (Delaware Valley University) and with over 10 years of experience, Fava states that "it's a dream come true to start a college program from the ground up".

"New Jersey has a lot of depth with talented wrestlers, and I look to bring a culture of hard-working and excellence to our team; wrestlers who are always looking to become better in every aspect of life."

Not only does he have coaching experience, but Fava also brings forth a competitive career where he wrestled at Don Bosco Prep HS and at the NCAA Institutions of Lock Haven and Delaware Valley University.

Much like Fava, Santaite garnered his own competitive career that began at Northern Highlands Regional High School to then advance to the NCAA Division I Institution of Boston College where he became a two-time National Qualifier and top 12 finisher. In his entirety, his accomplishments range from being the only New Jersey Champion from his high school, a two-time Beast of the East National finalist, to a multiple time Farge Freestyle and Greco Roman National wrestling place winner and dual finalist.

Santaite commented on being the first head coach of the women's program as an "amazing, exciting, and an extremely grateful feeling and opportunity that doesn't come around often at all."

He has been coaching the sport of wrestling since 2013 where he started as an assistant coach at his high school alma mater to ultimately step away to open his own wrestling club for a few years.

"This year is to create a culture and fill it with dedicated and passionate wrestlers who are looking for an opportunity to pursue their wrestling careers at the collegiate level and beyond," Santaite stated. "Our first official season is in 2024-25, we want to be competitive and compete with some of the top programs in the conference and country."

Felician Women's and Men's Wrestling teams' inaugural season will be in the 2024-25 academic year.