Kriss Bellanca concluded his 11th season as an assistant coach with the Golden Bear wrestling program 2018-19.
Before his return to Kutztown University, Bellanca coached at Wyomissing Area High School for seven years, mentoring 23 state qualifiers and nine state medalists, including a state runner-up in 2008.
Bellanca also created and directed a nationally-recognized wrestling school, the STEEL Mat Club, which is run out of Brute Training Facility in Sinking Spring, Pa. During his time as a club director and coach, Bellanca coached numerous high school All–Americans and nationally-ranked high school wrestlers. Throughout his tenure with STEEL Mat several PA state champions trained with the club.The club was nationally-recognized by placing its wrestlers in national level tournaments.
Bellanca was a member of the KU wrestling team from 1997-2001, transferring to the Golden Bears from Bucknell University. He is tied for 15th on KU's all-time win list with 57. He won a career-best 22 bouts and had five pins at 150 pounds as a freshman. Bellanca bumped up to 165 pounds and recorded 16 wins as a sophomore. In total, he finished with 14 pins at KU.
Bellanca placed third at the NCAA Division II East Regionals during the 1997-98, 1998-99 and 1999-2000 seasons.
A native of Reading, Pa., Bellanca wrestled scholastically for Reading High School.
Updated 7/8/19
