A 2001 graduate of Lexington High School, Ryan Kirst attended Ashland University where he was a four-time National Qualifier and NCAA All-American. He was awarded with Rookie of the Year honors and Outstanding Wrestler of the Year honors while serving as a team captain for the Eagles.
He served as an assistant coach at Crestview High School for the 2006-2007 season while still at Ashland.
Upon graduation from Ashland in 2007, Ryan was named an assistant coach at the storied St. Edwards High School in Lakewood, Ohio, where he coached 10 Ohio High School State Champions.
Kirst stayed at St. Edwards until 2010 when he became a volunteer assistant at Bay Village High School for a season.
Kirst took on another assistant coaching position at Cleveland State University for their club team for the 2010-2012 seasons.
Before coming to Heidelberg, Ryan accepted another assistant coaching position at Lake Erie College for the 2011-2012 season, while still helping out with the Cleveland State University club team.
Ryan and his wife Beth currently reside in Lakewood, Ohio with their two daughters Amelia, who is one year old and Coraline, who is one month old.
While in college Ryan helped out with a talent show that benefits women's caridac heart health and community food drives.
Personal: Ryan enjoys lifting weights and working out, reading and hanging out with his friends and family ... Follow Coach Kirst and the rest of the Heidelberg University wrestling team on Twitter, @BergWrestling.
