Mason Wagner Reflects on Growth, Injury, and Transition to Lehigh Wrestling

“Chance taught me mental toughness and how important it is to surround yourself with positive influences.”

Quakertown, PA— Mason Wagner, a standout wrestler from Faith Christian Academy in Quakertown, Pennsylvania, recently switched his college commitment from the University of Arkansas Little Rock to Lehigh University. Mason cited the strong campus and team culture, positive impressions of the coaching staff and teammates, and Lehigh’s proximity to home as key reasons for his decision. He also highlighted the long-term academic and athletic opportunities Lehigh offers.

At Faith Christian, Wagner developed significantly, training alongside elite wrestlers like Adam Waters, Freddy and Joey Bachmann, who are all nationally ranked. He described the team culture as family-like and similar to what he expects at Lehigh. Coach Ben Clymer helped him grow in faith and as an athlete. His wrestling style is elusive and defense-oriented, favoring quick re-attacks and singles, while he continues to work on improving his offense and pressure. He believes this style fits well within Lehigh’s diverse team.

Wagner is proud to have been part of multiple state title-winning teams and values the sacrifices made for team success. He explained how balancing academics and athletics was manageable thanks to supportive teachers who offer grace periods during tough training or weight cut phases. Wagner emphasized the importance of wrestling fundamentals such as hand fighting, foot movement, and strong top and bottom wrestling.

He noted that small things like escaping and the ability to ride an opponent out could often decide matches. His tournament results reflect steady improvement: fifth in the PIAA state tournament as a freshman, unplaced sophomore year, then third as a junior. Learning from setbacks fueled his motivation, and he credits teammate Cael Weidemoyer who also committed to Lehigh for helping him with mental strategies like breathing techniques to control performance anxiety.

At home, Mason competes and trains intensely with his twin brother Shane Wagner. “Everything is a competition, from wrestling to video games,” Mason said, crediting this rivalry for pushing both brothers to improve. Looking ahead, Mason aims to be an All-American every year in college wrestling and eventually become a national champion. He wants to serve as a role model for younger wrestlers, sharing his father’s advice: “There are wins and lessons, not wins and losses.”

Mason’s club wrestling experience included training at Lions Den before moving to Stellar Trained, where Coach Chance Marsteller has had a significant impact. Mason said, “Chance taught me mental toughness and how important it is to surround yourself with positive influences.” Marsteller’s focus on resilience and positive environment matches Mason’s approach to the sport.

Despite a recent shoulder injury, Wagner is focused on strength, cardio, and mental readiness, targeting upcoming tournaments like Ironman and Doc B.

A turning point came during a dual meet against Wyoming Seminary (SEM ) in Kingston, Pennsylvania. That dual marked a shift in his wrestling approach. Mason said, “That loss made me tougher and more physical. It pushed me to change how I wrestle.”

Mason is poised for continued success as he transitions to collegiate wrestling.