ERIE, PA. – Frenchville, Pennsylvania is not exactly a hub for high level athletic performers, but regardless, Mercyhurst University senior Luke McGonigal could not imagine being from anywhere else.
(Photos courtesy of GANT and Mercyhurst University Athletics)
It does not take long into a conversation with the former PIAA state champion to understand his love for the sport of wrestling. It also does not take long to understand that the former Clearfield Bison star is much more than a wrestler.
For a young man in his early twenties, McGonigal is someone who has their priorities straight in life. It is not always easy for a young person to completely know their identity, the type of person they are, and the person they want to work towards being. For McGonigal, he knows exactly who he is, who he once was, and as Matthew McConaughey would say, the person he wants to chase.
“Without my faith and without Jesus Christ, I would not be where I am right now,” said the current Mercyhurst Laker. “I have been given blessings, second chances, and all the credit goes to him.”
A second chance McGonigal is referring to is a second chance at college wrestling after initially beginning his college career at Lock Haven University. He was on his way to great success at the Division I level, but he knew in his heart the sacrifices he would have to continue to make were not worth it.
After careful consideration, he entered the transfer portal. To his delight, a fellow District 9 alum was quick to contact him and welcome him to the program. This was Mercyhurst Head Wrestling Coach Mike Wehler, a native of St. Marys. In his initial recruitment, McGonigal’s top two schools were Lock Haven University and Mercyhurst. Luckily, he remained professional when he initially picked Lock Haven, because Mercyhurst has truly become his “home away from home”.
“Coach Wehler is a real guy, and he cares about you more than just as a wrestler,” he said. “I feel like if I were to never wrestle another match, he would still call me and check in on me. I really always felt at home at Mercyhurst even coming out of high school.”
High school wrestling for the Frenchville native included over 130 matches won, four District 9 titles, four appearances in states, a runner-up finish in states as a junior, and a state wrestling title as a senior in 2018. His senior year finished with a 35-1 record overall, and included avenging a loss from regionals in states to the lone opponent who defeated him that season.
“Clearfield has a board in the wrestling rooms that lists all the junior high and varsity state champions,” he explained. “Looking at those every day for years just built up motivation inside me. I can still see all the names on that board till this day.”
McGonigal is one of even fewer Clearfield wrestlers to win a junior high state title (2013) and a varsity state title (2018), something he says nobody was going to stop him from achieving.
“I wanted my name on there so bad, and to go down as one of the best to wrestle for Clearfield. We are a program with the most state individual titles of any program in the state. I just wanted it more than anyone in my bracket, and I proved that with three pins and a tech fall in the state tournament. I just got it in my mind I was going to refuse to lose.”
Since coming to college, the Clearfield High graduate has added a PSAC title, two NCAA Championship appearances, a 16-0 record in dual matches for the 2019-20 season, 13 falls for the 2019-20 season, good for top five in NCAA Division II, two Super Region I titles, a selection as a NWCA All-American, a First-Team All-PSAC selection at 197lbs, a NWCA All-Academic Team nod, a PSAC Scholar-Athlete selection, and 44 collegiate wins over three seasons.
The devastating part about McGonigal’s career is his sophomore year did not allow him to compete in NCAA’s because of COVID-19, while in the 2020-21 season, he wrestled just six total matches. Despite this, he has continued to stay consistent in other aspects of his life outside of wrestling, like studying to complete his biology degree, continuing to prepare for chiropractic school, being a great fiance, and continuing to be the best man he can be.
“It has been tough,” McGonigal said. “I have reminded myself that I was not in control of all of those different things and have remained as strong as I could through those times. I only wrestled three matches going into the NCAA’s last season, and really hope that this year, I can have a full season of preparation to accomplish my goal of being a national champion.”
Even if he falls short of a national title, McGonigal likes where he is at in his life, and appreciates the little things that make a big difference.
“I just try to stay relaxed and keep things on my mind, like how many wonderful people I have been blessed with. I would not trade that for the world. Wrestling is not my life anymore, but is something I love to do. It does not feel like a job anymore even though at one point it used to.”
Some people McGonigal credits for being by his side include his parents, Melissa and Lee, as well as his brother, Mark, and fiance, Brittany Newell.
“My parents have given me more than I could ever ask for. I can remember them being awake for over 30 hours straight in order to watch Mark and I both wrestle. They went to his match on a Thursday night, jumped in the car, and drove all the way to Kentucky to watch me wrestle in a tournament. They are just the most supportive parents I could ask for.”
As for his relationship with Brittany, it started as high school sweethearts and will be ending in marriage in 2023. “She makes me genuinely happy,” he said. “She has helped me become a better man and a better Christian. I cannot wait to marry her in two years.”
This second chance in college wrestling is also because of the Mercyhurst University coaching staff, something he made sure not to leave out during the conversation. They have been there for him to help him improve both on and off the mat, something that means more to him than only caring about his progression as an athlete.
It is strong faith, excellent work ethic, and solid people that have helped McGonigal prepare for college season number four of wrestling. Christ has proven that he is with him when he gets set for battle.
“He is real,” he said. “I know it because when I won the state championship, I pinned my opponent in 1:37. Luke 1:37 says “For with God, nothing shall be impossible,”
