Army West Point Athletics
Bleise Joins Ward's Coaching Staff
August 23, 2023 | Wrestling
WEST POINT, N.Y. – Army West Point wrestling Head Coach Kevin Ward has announced the addition of Steve Bleise as an assistant coach.
"I'm excited to work with the most well-rounded young men this country has to offer," Bleise said. "The discipline and work ethic that the Academy instills in these guys will help them become champions on and off the mat. I look forward to helping them make the most out of their experience at West Point."
Bleise comes to the banks of the Hudson after spending two seasons at Cal State Bakersfield as an assistant coach. In the 2022-23 season, the Roadrunners had a student-athlete at the NCAA Tournament. While at Bakersfield, Bleise coached three national qualifiers, including PAC-12 Champion Dom Ducharme at 184 lbs. as well as PAC-12 finalist and three-time national qualifier Chane Rich at 133 lbs.
Prior to being at Cal State Bakersfield, Bleise was a volunteer assistant coach at Old Dominion University until the program was cut prior to the 2020-21 season. While at Old Dominion, he helped the Monarchs to a 10-9 overall record and a 6-2 record in the MAC. Bleise also coached four national qualifiers, working closely with conference finalist and eventual two-time All-American Killian Cardinale. In the 2019-20 season, he was named the National Collegiate Open Coach of the Year.
"This was an important search and an important hire for us." said Ward. "I knew starting out that we wanted someone who was passionate, who brings intensity, and who knows how to work. Steve checks all those boxes and more. He is a high-energy guy who brings a wealth of experience as both a competitor and a coach. I can't wait to see his impact on our athletes!"
Bleise wrestled at Northern Illinois for three seasons. He also spent two collegiate seasons at Minnesota. In his undergraduate career, he was a four-time NCAA Championship Qualifier at three different weight classes (141, 149, and 157 lbs.). He was also the 2016 Midlands finalist at 141 pounds. While at Minnesota, he earned Academic All-Big Ten Accolades and served as team captain.
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