Reading, Pa. (September 24, 2026) - Alvernia University's Director of Athletics and Recreation Cory Beddick announced the hiring of Kenny Arentz as the next Women's Wrestling coach on Thursday.
Arentz previously spent the past six years with the Governor Mifflin girls wrestling team including the past four as the head coach. Arentz has worked with the Governor Mifflin wrestling program since 2014 and has split time between assisting the boys and girls programs.
"I am very excited to announce Coach Arentz as our next Women's Wrestling head coach" said Beddick. "Arentz's strong ties to the Reading area and Berks County will be invaluable as we continue to grow the program" added Beddick.
Arentz started his coaching career as a volunteer assistant with the Governor Mifflin boys team in 2014 and eventually began to assist with the Steel Mat wrestling club, which allowed Arentz to develop and build relationships with local wrestlers and coaches. When Governor Mifflin started its girls wrestling program, Arentz was there from the start and has been the head coach of the girls program for the last three seasons.
"Arentz has a proven track record of building successful teams and student-athletes and his passion for the sport was evident throughout the hiring process." added Beddick. Arentz's experience in developing student-athletes to compete and be successful at the collegiate level will prove to be a major asset in this role and we believe that Arentz is well prepared to lead and elevate our women's wrestling program to national relevance." said Beddick.
During his time as the head coach, Governor Mifflin has sent two wrestlers to the PIAA state tournament and has had one state medalist. Arentz also developed and coached eight state medalists before the PIAA sanctioned girls wrestling in the state.
"I am inspired and excited to become Alvernia's next women's wrestling head coach," said Arentz. "I have always had a great relationship with Alvernia Wrestling and getting the opportunity to grow the culture of Alvernia Women's Wrestling is a dream come true!"
A Reading native and graduate of Governor Mifflin High School, Arentz earned a state medal and recorded 126 wins throughout his high school career. He began his college career wrestling at York College before transferring to Penn State Berks to finish his Mechanical Engineering degree.
"As a local to the area, I have seen the University grow substantially over the years and have also seen the sports of women's wrestling explode in popularity," said Arentz. "These are exciting times to be a part of both Alvernia and the women's wrestling community and I am most excited to translate that energy into the program."
"I would like to thank the entire Governor Mifflin Wrestling family for being my home for the majority of my wrestling career and helping me grow as a coach up to this point" added Arentz. "I am grateful for my parents, brothers and sister for all of the hours they have put in over the years"
Arentz will get in the Alvernia Women's Wrestling room right away as they prepare for its first date of competition on November 1st when they travel to East Stroudsburg for the ESU Open.
