EVANSTON, Ill. — Northwestern wrestling has added transfer Sean Spidle ahead of the 2025-26 season, head coach Matt Storniolo announced Friday. Spidle joins the 'Cats from Central Michigan, where he qualified at 133 pounds for the NCAA Championships in 2025.
"Sean comes to Evanston as a seasoned veteran," said Storniolo on the move. "He has proven he can compete with the best of the best, and we're excited to further develop him both on and off the mat. Sean is a natural leader who will be instrumental in mentoring our young team. He has the tools to make a big impact on Northwestern Wrestling and we are determined to help him accomplish his goals this winter and beyond."
A native of Lapeer, Mich., Spidle brings a wealth of experience and success to Evanston. Over four seasons with the Chippewas, Spidle compiled a career record of 65-42, including a breakout 2024 campaign that saw him qualify for the NCAA Championships after finishing second at the Mid-American Conference (MAC) Championships. At the national tournament, 23rd-seeded Spidle made an immediate impact by upsetting No. 10 seed Dylan Shawver (Rutgers) in a 4-1 decision.
Ahead of the Championships, Spidle thrived in dual competition during the 2024-25 season, posting an impressive 11-3 dual record and going undefeated in MAC dual matches. His standout performances also include a third-place finish at the 2024 Michigan State Open (11/9), a first-place finish at the Kent State Open (12/20), and a fifth-place showing at the prestigious Ken Kraft Midlands Championships (12/29-30).
Wrestling primarily at 125 pounds his first two seasons at CMU, Spidle moved up to 133 pounds for his junior and senior years, where he continued to excel. In 2024, he closed the season with a 29-11 overall record, highlighted by five bonus-point victories, including four technical falls.
Off the mat, Spidle has been equally impressive. He is a two-time Scholar All-American recognized by the National Wrestling Coaches Association and earned multiple Academic All-MAC and Academic All-District honors throughout his career. He graduated from Powers Catholic High School in Flint, Mich., where he was a three-time Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) State Champion, compiling a remarkable 151-7 career prep record.
Spidle will bolster Northwestern's lineup at 133 pounds as he looks to build on his success and make an immediate impact in Big Ten competition.
"Sean comes to Evanston as a seasoned veteran," said Storniolo on the move. "He has proven he can compete with the best of the best, and we're excited to further develop him both on and off the mat. Sean is a natural leader who will be instrumental in mentoring our young team. He has the tools to make a big impact on Northwestern Wrestling and we are determined to help him accomplish his goals this winter and beyond."
Welcome to Evanston, Sean!
— Northwestern Wrestling (@NUWrestle) June 6, 2025
The 2025 MAC Runner-Up and NCAA Qualifier is officially a Wildcat ????#GoCats | @B1GWrestling pic.twitter.com/MfLlC8R6wZ
A native of Lapeer, Mich., Spidle brings a wealth of experience and success to Evanston. Over four seasons with the Chippewas, Spidle compiled a career record of 65-42, including a breakout 2024 campaign that saw him qualify for the NCAA Championships after finishing second at the Mid-American Conference (MAC) Championships. At the national tournament, 23rd-seeded Spidle made an immediate impact by upsetting No. 10 seed Dylan Shawver (Rutgers) in a 4-1 decision.
Ahead of the Championships, Spidle thrived in dual competition during the 2024-25 season, posting an impressive 11-3 dual record and going undefeated in MAC dual matches. His standout performances also include a third-place finish at the 2024 Michigan State Open (11/9), a first-place finish at the Kent State Open (12/20), and a fifth-place showing at the prestigious Ken Kraft Midlands Championships (12/29-30).
Wrestling primarily at 125 pounds his first two seasons at CMU, Spidle moved up to 133 pounds for his junior and senior years, where he continued to excel. In 2024, he closed the season with a 29-11 overall record, highlighted by five bonus-point victories, including four technical falls.
Off the mat, Spidle has been equally impressive. He is a two-time Scholar All-American recognized by the National Wrestling Coaches Association and earned multiple Academic All-MAC and Academic All-District honors throughout his career. He graduated from Powers Catholic High School in Flint, Mich., where he was a three-time Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) State Champion, compiling a remarkable 151-7 career prep record.
Spidle will bolster Northwestern's lineup at 133 pounds as he looks to build on his success and make an immediate impact in Big Ten competition.