Wheaton College Athletics

Paul Elsen won two National Championships and earned six total All-American selections in his time as a wrestler and track athlete at Wheaton College.
 
Elsen was a three-time All-American in wrestling with a career record of 109-19. He won the NCAA Division III National Championship at 177 pounds in 1996 and 1997. He was also named CCIW Outstanding Wrestler in 1995 and 1997. On the track, Elsen was a three-time All-American in the decathlon from 1995-97, including CCIW champion in 1995 and 1997.
 
One of Paul’s favorite athletic memories was winning the 1996 National Championship while being coached by his grandfather, longtime head wrestling coach Pete Willson. Elsen saw how the coaches in both sports were intentional with their development of the athletes spiritually. “I had several different coaches and on each team, we started practices with devotions, prayer, and sometimes scripture memorization,” Elsen said. “Through my coaches, I learned that God cares about the smallest details of our lives, but is more concerned about our spiritual growth and sanctification than our comfort or happiness.”