Lehigh University Welcomes Guesseppe Rea as Women’s Wrestling Assistant Coach
In a significant development for Lehigh University’s women’s wrestling team, head coach Brazel Marquez has officially named Guesseppe Rea as the new assistant coach. This announcement comes as the program prepares for its inaugural season as a varsity team.
Experience and Background
Guesseppe Rea is highly regarded in the wrestling community, boasting an impressive history as a NCAA Division II All-American during his time at Wilkes University. His competitive experience extends beyond collegiate wrestling; he represents Ecuador on the international stage, having competed in freestyle wrestling at three Senior World Championships.
Rea’s coaching career spans seven seasons with Muhlenberg College, where he primarily worked with the lightweight wrestlers. Under his guidance, the program saw the emergence of three All-Americans, 20 NCAA qualifiers, and 12 Centennial Conference champions.
Wrestling Credentials
Born in Guayaquil, Ecuador, Rea represents his home country in the 57 kg category. His recent accomplishments include securing a spot on Ecuador’s Senior World Team in 2021, 2024, and 2025. In addition, he competed at the World Championships in Zagreb, Croatia, a testament to his ongoing commitment to the sport.
Rea’s accolades include:
- Three-time Ecuadorian national champion
- Medaled at Ecuador’s World Team Trials on seven occasions
- Bronze medalist at the 2024 Pan-American Championships
- Medals at the Bill Farrell International tournament and the Grand Prix of France
- South American champion
Collegiate Achievements
Before embarking on his coaching career, Rea had a successful wrestling tenure at Wilkes University, where he started for four years, achieving a formidable 121-29 record. His accolades include winning the 2015 East Regional championship and earning All-America honors at 125 pounds. Throughout his collegiate career, he was consistently ranked, peaking at No. 2 in the NWCA rankings.
Education and Future Plans
Rea graduated from Wilkes University in 2017, earning dual degrees in Sociology and Spanish, which complement his extensive wrestling background. His addition to the Lehigh coaching staff not only strengthens the program but also reflects the university’s commitment to cultivating a competitive women’s wrestling team.
As the Mountain Hawks gear up for their first season in women’s wrestling, Guesseppe Rea’s expertise and international experience promise to be invaluable assets for the team’s development and growth.
