After years of hard work and dedication, state champion Wyatt Hepner ’25 has committed to Harvard University. Supported by family and mentors, Wyatt Hepner’s decision celebrates both his athletic accomplishments and the academic potential he will have attending Harvard University. He began wrestling in the fifth grade when friends from the Dakota Mustangs football team, where his father, current varsity football coach, Chad Hepner, introduced him to wrestling.
“He has always had an interest,” Chad Hepner said. “But having friends on the wrestling team made it easier for him to dive in.”
Although Wyatt Hepner’s career began in fifth grade, his skill took a strong development after he moved to Grosse Pointe, joined Wrestling University, and began training under Coach Tony Cimmarrusti.
“He (Wyatt Hepner) had more ‘want to’ (determination) than any kid I have coached in years,” Cimmarrusti said. “That ‘want to’ really pushed him. He was willing to do the work, and I cannot think of anyone who worked harder in our club over the past 20-something years than him.”
Throughout middle and high school, Wyatt Hepner’s training was demanding and vigorous. He would be practicing with both club and high school while still being a scholarly student.
“During the off-season, he trained about three times a week, and even in the high school season, he’d fit in extra practices,” Chad Hepner said. “He’s put in the hard work every step of the way.”
Towards the end of last season, Wyatt Hepner dealt with a significant setback: a meniscus tear that required surgery and four to six months of recovery.
“It’s been tough for him, he was a returning starter on the football team, and missing out on that was disappointing,” Chad Hepner said. “Despite the challenges, Wyatt Hepner’s dedication to recovery has kept him on track and he is expected to be cleared in time for the wrestling season.”
When Wyatt Hepner visited Harvard for his official recruiting trip, he said he felt a powerful connection with both the team and coaching staff.
“The team culture and connections were stronger than any other college I’d seen,” Wyatt Hepner said. “The coaches and wrestlers made me feel like they really wanted me there.”
Cimmarrusti, who also wrestled and played football at Harvard, feels a sense of pride as Wyatt Hepner takes this next step.
“I’ve pointed a number of kids toward the (Harvard) coach over the years, but Wyatt Hepner is the first one who had it all,” Cimmarrusti said. “He’s humble, smart, tough, quick, a continuous learner, and an incremental leader.”
While Michigan State was also a very strong option, Harvard’s mix of academic status and athletic opportunity made it impossible to pass up.
“I’m looking forward to being the best wrestler I can while also earning a very sought-out degree,” Wyatt Hepner said. “I’m excited to keep wrestling at the NCAA Division 1 level and also figure out what I want to do outside of wrestling.”
As Wyatt looks to his future at Harvard, he already feels the weight and excitement of the opportunity ahead.
“It’s going to be a big challenge,” Wyatt Hepner said. “But that’s what makes it worth it.”
