University of Lynchburg

Sam Hillegas joined the University of Lynchburg wrestling staff in July 2025 following a decorated Division I wrestling career and a strong foundation in student-athlete leadership.

A former NCAA D1 top-25 nationally ranked wrestler at both West Virginia University and Virginia Tech, Hillegas competed at the highest collegiate level while earning a B.A. in Communication Studies with a minor in Sport Communication. 

Coach Hillegas also saw some success in Freestyle wrestling with a 3rd place finish at the UWW JR World Team Trials.

During his time at WVU, he served on the executive board of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee as Social Media Chair and was selected to represent the university at the 2024 NIL Summit. He also gained experience in coaching, event coordination, and community engagement through internships and wrestling camps. Hillegas brings a deep understanding of athlete development, branding, and leadership to the Hornets' program.

Hillegas had an extremely decorated prep career where he was a top recruit in the country at his weight class and a top-20 Pound for Pound recruit in the Nation. He compiled a career record of 157-5 and collected two Pennsylvania State Championships. He also was a two-time Powerade Champion, three-time Super 32 All-American, Fargo All-American, four-time District 7 Champion and a three-time WPIAL Champion.