LAKELAND, Fla. — Southeastern University head wrestling coach
Travis Patrick has announced the hiring of former Fire standout and three-time All-American Isaac Crowell as the program's new assistant coach.
Crowell returns to his alma mater following a highly successful competitive and early coaching career, bringing deep ties to the program and a proven track record of developing elite wrestling talent.
"Fired up to add Isaac to the coaching staff," said Patrick. "He made such a big impact on this program as an athlete, and I am excited for him to step into this new role and be able to have an even bigger impact as a coach. As an alumnus, he knows SEU well already, and his strong Christian faith, values, and passion for coaching align perfectly with our mission."
Crowell's legacy at SEU is firmly cemented. Over a stellar five-year career, he had the unique distinction of wrestling under all three head coaches in the program's history. Crowell capsized the record books during his time on the mat, finishing as a three-time All-American, a four-time national qualifier, and a four-time Academic All-American. He also leaves the mat tied with former teammate and coach, Olson Delisca, as the program's all-time career leader in victories.
Upon graduation, Crowell quickly transitioned into a rising star in the coaching ranks. He founded and directed the Warehouse Warriors club team in Pennsylvania from 2020 to 2022, successfully moving multiple athletes into the NCAA Division I, II, and III ranks. Crowell spent three years building a championship environment at Lake Gibson High School in Florida, serving as the varsity assistant from 2023 to 2026, JV head coach in 2023, and middle school head coach in 2026. During his tenure, Lake Gibson captured three state championships.
"This position means so much to me," Crowell said. "Southeastern shaped me into the man I am today. To be able to give back to this university and community is a door the Lord has opened, and I couldn't be more excited to be working alongside Coach Patrick, who has been a strong mentor, coach, and friend in my life."
Looking ahead, Crowell is focused on maintaining the Fire's standard as a national powerhouse while prioritizing holistic student-athlete development.
"SEU's wrestling program is well-established in its strive for excellence and has proven time and time again to be a perennial top-10 team in the country," Crowell added. "I am excited to continue to cultivate that as a coach here, helping mold student-athletes into strong competitors and successful men. And Lord willing, bring a National Championship banner back to SEU and the City of Lakeland."
In addition to Crowell, the Fire have bolstered their staff by welcoming back former SEU competitors
Mario De La Torre and
Kasten Grape. De La Torre joins the coaching staff as a graduate assistant after a stellar two-year career with the Fire, where he earned NAIA All-American status twice, placing fifth as a junior and fourth as a senior in the 149-pound weight class. Prior to SEU, De La Torre was a two-time California Junior College All-American at Cerritos College.
Grape joins the staff as a volunteer assistant while pursuing his graduate degree in kinesiology. A former two-time All-American at Doane University, Grape transferred to SEU for his final campaign, competing as a national qualifier and finishing just a single match away from securing another All-American honor.
