DECATUR, Ill. – When Ryan Birt first launched Millikin University’s Wrestling program more than a decade ago, he remembers the rush of it all — the challenge, the chaos, and the deep sense of purpose that came with building something from nothing.
“It was like being in a convertible hot rod with the hammer down,” Birt said. “We were flying by the seat of our pants, but it was amazing to watch it grow.”
Now, 11 seasons later, Birt is stepping into that role again — this time to lead the launch of Millikin’s first-ever Women’s Wrestling program. He will lead both Big Blue programs as Millikin’s new Director of Wrestling.
The timing couldn’t be better. Across the country, women’s wrestling is booming. Illinois held its first official girls’ state tournament just four years ago, and the number of participants has since exploded from fewer than 100 to nearly 2,000 statewide. Nationally, the growth is even more striking, with new programs emerging each year at the collegiate level.
Birt, who serves on the leadership team for the National Wrestling Coaches Association and is set to become president of NCAA DIII coaches next year, said the expansion of women’s wrestling represents one of the sport’s most exciting eras.
“We’ve reached a point where there’s enough talent and interest to do this right,” Birt said. “It’s time, and Millikin is ready.”
“Doing it right” is something Birt emphasizes often. Plans are already in motion to expand Millikin’s wrestling facility by more than 13,000 square feet, adding locker rooms and dedicated space for the Women’s team.
“We had talked of starting the program for several years, but we weren’t going to start until we could give our women the same opportunities as the men,” he said. “We owe them that.”
Since the Men’s Wrestling program returned to action in 2015, the team has become one of the most successful and respected in NCAA Division III. Under Birt’s leadership, the program has produced 21 All-Americans, four national finalists, and two national champions. The program has achieved three Top 10 team finishes and consistently ranks among the nation’s academic leaders, finishing 19th nationally in team GPA last season. Beyond the mat, Millikin wrestlers have earned 24 Scholar All-American honors, 38 CCIW Academic All-Conference selections, and 62 All-Conference awards, reflecting a commitment to excellence both athletically and academically.
The Women’s team will compete in freestyle — the Olympic style of wrestling — while the Men’s team continues in folkstyle. Though the techniques differ, Birt said the culture of hard work, academic accountability, and personal growth will remain the same.
“Our culture is built on living the championship lifestyle,” he said. “That means being excellent in every area of your life – not just wrestling. We want our women to be great students, great athletes, and great people.”
Recruiting for the inaugural team is already underway, with Birt making home visits across Central Illinois and beyond. His plan is simple: start locally and grow outward.
“We want to own Central Illinois,” Birt said. “I’m a ‘217’ kid myself. We’ll start here — Mount Zion, Decatur, Champaign — then reach into our existing pipelines in Texas and California, two of the biggest states for women’s wrestling.”
For Birt, the most rewarding part of coaching isn’t just about wins or titles. It’s about seeing lives changed through our sport — former athletes who go on to become doctors, teachers, soldiers, and parents.
“That’s the amazing part,” he said. “You stay in touch with them, see what they’ve become, and realize you had a small part in that journey. That’s why we do it.”
As the Women’s program prepares to take shape, Birt sees it as both a new beginning and a continuation of Millikin’s mission.
“It’s not just about wrestling,” he said. “It’s about giving young women a place to grow, compete, and lead. We’re building something that’s going to last.”
