Coaching Staff
Chance Marsteller
A dominant force in senior-level wrestling, is currently ranked No. 1 at 79 kg/174 lbs. on Team USA. Hailing from New Park, Pennsylvania, Chance represents the Titan Mercury Wrestling Club and currently trains at the NJRTC under the guidance of personal coach Reece Humphrey.
Early Career and Education: Chance Marsteller's wrestling journey began at Kennard-Dale High School in Fawn Grove, PA, where he achieved unparalleled success as a four-time Pennsylvania AAA state champion, compiling an impressive undefeated record of 166-0. His outstanding high school career culminated in multiple national championships and recognition as a standout athlete.
Moving on to collegiate wrestling, Chance initially started at Oklahoma State University for his redshirt year before transferring to Lock Haven University, where he became a two-time NCAA All-American, placing fourth in 2018 and third in 2019. He earned a bachelor's degree in sports administration from Lock Haven University.
Senior-Level Achievements: As a senior-level wrestler, Chance Marsteller has made significant strides on the international stage. His accolades include:
- 2023 Final X champion
- 2023 U.S. Open champion
- 2024 Pan Am champion
- Winner of the 2022 World Team Trials Challenge Tournament
- Champion at the 2022 Bill Farrell Memorial International
- Second place at the 2022 Yasar Dogu in Turkey
- 6x uww world ranking event medalist
- 2x Olympic trials qualifier
He has also achieved success in various national competitions, such as the U.S. Open and other prestigious tournaments, consistently demonstrating his prowess and dedication to the sport.
Chance Marsteller's commitment to wrestling, combined with his leadership and mentorship qualities as a coach at Steller Trained, continues to inspire and shape the next generation of wrestlers, emphasizing technical proficiency, discipline, and sportsmanship both on and off the mat.
Certifications and Recognition:
- Chance holds certifications as a USA Wrestling Bronze Certified coach, demonstrating his commitment to professional development and coaching excellence.
Clif Bakhsh
A highly experienced wrestler and coach with a passion for developing young athletes and achieving excellence in high school wrestling. With over 27 years of experience in youth coaching and club direction, as well as 25 years as a high school coach, including 17 years as Head Coach, Clif has made a profound impact on the wrestling community.
Coaching Career Highlights:
- Youth Coaching and Club Director: Clif Bakhsh has dedicated over 27 years to coaching youth wrestlers, nurturing talent and fostering a love for the sport. As a club director, he has provided leadership and guidance in developing aspiring wrestlers.
- High School Coaching: With 25 years of high school coaching experience, including 17 years as Head Coach, Clif Bakhsh has mentored numerous athletes to success. His coaching efforts have resulted in 119 State Qualifiers and 38 State Placers, showcasing his ability to develop competitive wrestlers.
- Achievements: Under Clif's leadership, his teams have secured two Conference Championships, highlighting his strategic coaching and ability to lead teams to victory.
Certifications and Recognition:
- Clif Bakhsh holds certifications as a USA Wrestling Bronze and Copper Certified coach, demonstrating his commitment to professional development and coaching excellence.
Clif Bakhsh's dedication to the sport of wrestling, coupled with his extensive coaching experience and track record of success, continues to positively impact the lives of young athletes and the wrestling community as a whole.
Matt Lackman
A distinguished wrestler and coach with a strong background in collegiate wrestling and a commitment to developing young athletes.
Wrestling Career Highlights:
- High School Success: A graduate of Bethlehem Catholic High School in Wernersville, PA, Matt Lackman achieved notable success as a high school wrestler. He was ranked in the top 10 nationally and earned a third-place finish at the PIAA state championships, demonstrating his skill and competitive drive.
- Collegiate Achievements: Matt continued his wrestling career at Alvernia University, where he graduated and became a D3 National Finalist. He achieved the prestigious status of 3-time Division III All-American, showcasing his consistency and excellence at the collegiate level.
Coaching Career:
- Passion for Coaching: With a passion for coaching and a desire to give back to the sport, Matt Lackman has dedicated himself to mentoring young wrestlers. His coaching philosophy emphasizes technical proficiency, mental toughness, and sportsmanship, instilling these values in his athletes.
- Impact: Through his coaching efforts, Matt aims to inspire the next generation of wrestlers to achieve their full potential both on and off the mat, preparing them for success in wrestling and in life.
Certifications and Recognition:
- Matt holds certifications as a USA Wrestling Bronze Certified coach, demonstrating his commitment to professional development and coaching excellence.
Matt Lackman's journey from standout high school wrestler to accomplished collegiate athlete and dedicated coach reflects his deep-rooted love for wrestling and his commitment to shaping the future of the sport.
Isaac Kassis
- A dedicated wrestler and coach with a passion for the sport and a commitment to developing young athletes.
Wrestling Career Highlights:
- High School Achievements: Isaac Kassis graduated from Dieruff High School in Allentown, PA, in 2020. He was a standout wrestler and qualified once for the PIAA AAA state championships, showcasing his talent and dedication to the sport during his high school career.
- National Recognition: As a high school wrestler, Isaac also qualified for Fargo, a prestigious national wrestling tournament that highlights top-tier talent from across the country. His achievements included being ranked as high as number 2 in the nation, underlining his exceptional skill and competitive drive.
- Collegiate Success: Isaac continued his wrestling career at Alvernia University, where he excelled both academically and athletically. He qualified twice for the NCAA Championships and earned the title of Regional Champion, solidifying his place among the top collegiate wrestlers in his weight class.
Coaching Career:
- Steller Trained Coach: With a passion for coaching and a desire to give back to the wrestling community, Isaac Kassis has served as a coach at Steller Trained for three years. In this role, he mentors young wrestlers, sharing his expertise and experiences to help them develop their skills and achieve their goals in the sport.
Certifications and Recognition:
- Isaac holds certifications as a USA Wrestling Bronze Certified coach, demonstrating his commitment to professional development and coaching excellence.
Isaac Kassis's journey from a decorated high school wrestler to a successful collegiate athlete and dedicated coach at Steller Trained reflects his commitment to wrestling excellence and his impact on the next generation of wrestlers.
Nate Lackman
A highly accomplished wrestler and coach dedicated to advancing the sport and nurturing young talent.
Wrestling Career Highlights:
- High School Success: Nate Lackman, a native of Wernersville, PA, graduated from Bethlehem Catholic High School, where he began his wrestling journey. His early successes laid the foundation for an exceptional career in the sport.
- Collegiate Achievements: Nate continued his wrestling career at Rhode Island College, where he excelled both academically and athletically. Serving as Team Captain for three years, Nate achieved remarkable feats, including two NCAA Division III National Championships. He earned recognition as a 3-time Scholar All-American and was twice honored as the New England Conference Wrestler of the Year. Nate also distinguished himself with notable placements at prestigious tournaments like Midlands.
Coaching Career:
- Coaching Experience: Nate Lackman has made significant contributions to the wrestling community through coaching. He served as a coach at the Blackstone Wrestling Club from 2021 to 2023, where he mentored and developed young wrestlers. Continuing his coaching journey, Nate joined Iron Faith Wrestling from 2023 to 2024, further enriching his experience and impact in the sport. Additionally, Nate has dedicated 5 years to coaching private lessons, where he has imparted his expertise and passion for wrestling to aspiring athletes.
Personal Background:
- Hometown: Wernersville, PA
- Education: Nate Lackman pursued his collegiate education at Rhode Island College and is currently furthering his studies at Alvernia University from 2024 to 2025.
Certifications and Recognition:
- Nate holds certifications as a USA Wrestling Bronze Certified coach, demonstrating his commitment to professional development and coaching excellence.
Nate Lackman's commitment to excellence, both as an athlete and a coach, continues to inspire and shape the wrestling community. His leadership, dedication, and passion for the sport reflect his ongoing impact on the development and success of wrestlers at all levels.