PHILADELPHIA – Welcome to University City! Head Wrestling Coach Matt Valenti announced the addition of NCAA National Champion Lucas Byrd as an assistant coach to the program on Thursday afternoon.
 
"It's not every day you get to bring an NCAA Champion into the fold," said Valenti. "We're incredibly fortunate that Lucas will be joining our staff and he'll have an immediate impact not just on our lightweights, but on our entire team. Beyond being a highly credentialed wrestler, Lucas brings great energy, technical experience, and competitiveness to our staff and program."
 
Byrd comes to Philadelphia after a decorated collegiate career at Illinois, leaving the Land of Lincoln a four-time NCAA All-American and a 2025 national champion at 133.
 
The Cincinnati native compiled an 119-21 overall record at 133 with the Fighting Illini, led by a stout 23-1 record during the 2024-25 campaign, winning the 133 Big Ten and NCAA titles.
 
Byrd earned All-America honors off fifth-place (2020-21, 2021-22), first-place (2024-25), and eighth-place (2025-26) finishes to become the second four-time All-American in Illinois history.
 
Byrd becomes the third NCAA All-American on the Red and Blue's staff, joining fellow national champion Valenti and Lennox Wolak.