Westminster College is excited to announce that Jalen Laughlin has been named the interim head coach of the men's wrestling program while the Athletic Department searches for a new head coach to lead the Blue Jays. Laughlin brings a high level of experience and passion for the sport of wrestling, grounded in years of competing and coaching at both elite and grassroots levels.

A former NCAA Division I athlete, Laughlin wrestled for the University of Pennsylvania, where he was also affiliated with the prestigious Pennsylvania Regional Training Center (PRTC). The PRTC is a nationally recognized, Olympic-level training organization committed to cultivating excellence both on the mat and in life. Its values — Faith Over Fear, Full Effort, Struggle Well, and Serve Others — align closely with Laughlin's coaching philosophy.

While in Philadelphia, Laughlin also worked with Beat the Streets Philadelphia (BTSP), a nonprofit that uses wrestling, academic support and mentorship to positively alter the life trajectories of youth from underserved communities. Mentorship with BTSP deepened Laughlin's commitment to using wrestling as a developmental tool beyond competition.

A native of Jefferson City, Missouri, Laughlin had a decorated high school wrestling career at Jefferson City High School. A four-year varsity starter, he amassed more than 150 career wins and medaled three times at the Missouri State High School Activities Association, placing second, third and fourth. He captained the 2016 Missouri Class 4 state runner-up team and earned Missouri Academic All-State honors three times. Additionally, he was a three-year letterman in football and team captain on the Jefferson City Jays' 9–2 team in 2016.

Laughlin graduated cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania in 2020 with a Bachelor of Arts in political science and classical studies. After college, he returned home and began teaching history at Lewis and Clark Middle School, serving as the head wrestling coach. Over the past five years, he has coached multiple boys' state medalists and guided the program's first-ever Missouri Girls State champion, a four-time medalist. Laughlin also coached varsity football for four seasons, with the team reaching the Final Four in his final year.

Dr. Jessica Brown, Westminster's Director of Intercollegiate Athletics, said, "We are thrilled to have such a talented and knowledgeable coach in our backyard to help us through this transition period. Coach Laughlin will be tasked with supporting our athletes through the search for new head coaches and laying a strong foundation as we prepare for the upcoming season." 

As interim head coach, Laughlin will lead the Westminster wrestling teams during a transitional period ahead of the 2025-2026 season, focusing on recruiting, athlete development and building a culture of excellence.

Coach Laughlin said, "I am incredibly excited for the opportunity to step in and guide these athletes through this difficult time in their career. I went through a coaching change during my own career as an athlete, and I know firsthand the struggles that come with this unique situation. I look forward to continuing the positive trajectory the team has been on and preparing the athletes to succeed both on and off the mat this season."