Wrestling at Arena Lake Norman

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Meet Your Coach, Santonio Thompson Jr.

Santonio Thompson Jr. is a decorated athlete and experienced coach who brings over a decade of elite wrestling experience and leadership to the mat.

A 2010 NCHSAA 4A State Champion out of Mooresville Senior High School, Santonio went on to compete at the NCAA Division I level at UNC Greensboro from 2010 to 2012. He later continued his career at the NCAA Division II level with Belmont Abbey College from 2016 to 2018.

After his collegiate career, Santonio transitioned to Greco-Roman wrestling, competing at the highest national levels. From 2012 to 2013, he trained with Y.E.S. Wrestling under Coach Jason Loukides before becoming a permanent resident athlete at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs (2012–2014). During this time, Santonio achieved:

  • 2× Senior Greco-Roman All-American
  • 3× Junior Greco-Roman All-American
  • 3× Junior World Team Qualifier
  • 3× University World Team Qualifier
  • 2013 Senior Greco-Roman World Team Qualifier
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Santonio has transitioned into coaching, where he continues to shape the next generation of wrestlers. His coaching history includes:

  • 2022–2024: Performance and Wrestling Coach, Champion Sports Performance
  • 2021–2022: Head Wrestling Coach, Level Up Wrestling Academy
  • 2018: Interim Assistant Coach, Belmont Abbey College
  • 2018: Interim Assistant Wrestling Coach, Queens University of Charlotte

With a background steeped in elite competition and athlete development, coach Tony continues to shape the next generation of wrestlers through high-level training, discipline, and dedication to the sport.

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