Skip To Main Content

John Carroll University Athletics

home of the Blue Streaks
Ty Daugherty and Vittorio Santillo intro graphic

Ty Daugherty '26 and Vittorio Santillo '21 Added to Wrestling Coaching Staff

| By: JCUSID

Daugherty and Santillo both wrestled for the Blue Streaks

UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS – The John Carroll Men's Wrestling program is adding a pair of friendly, familiar faces to the coaching staff in advance of the 2026-27 campaign.

Head Coach Mark Hawald '06 is welcoming aboard two alumni to help coach the Blue Streaks for the season ahead.

Vittorio Santillo '21 will serve as the new Associate Head Coach, while Ty Daugherty '26 will work as an Assistant Coach. 

"We're thrilled to welcome Vittorio and Ty to the staff," said Hawald. "It speaks highly to our culture and legacy at JCU to have a staff made up of alumni. Vittorio was the ultimate team player and now brings valuable Division I experience back to the program. Ty is a great example of what happens when you give your best effort and stay the course. 

Santillo joins the Blue Streaks after gaining coaching experience in Northeast Ohio. The St. Edward graduate spent three seasons coaching at Kent State University. Additionally, Santillo spent a year as the freestyle head coach at Marysville High School in Columbus, Ohio. 

Santillo competed for the Blue Streaks from 2017-21. In his freshman year, Santillo finished with a 19-15 record, notching a sixth-place finish at Regionals at 174 pounds (including four straight wins in the tournament). Santillo competed at 165 and 174 as a sophomore and junior before leveling up to 184 for the COVID season in spring 2021. 

Santillo graduated with a degree in Exercise Science with a minor in Entrepreneurship.

"Coming back to JCU is a dream come true," said Santillo. "I remember walking into these doors as an 18 year old excited and proud to be a Blue Streak. Now, 10 years later, I still have the same excitement to help these next wave of blue streaks and help them achieve their goals and represent JCU to the fullest. JCU Wrestling means the world to me and I am excited to rep the Blue and Gold once again!"

Daugherty joins the staff as an assistant coach fresh off a strong career in the Blue & Gold. This past spring, Daugherty qualified for the NCAA Division III Championships at 133 pounds following a fourth-place effort at the NCAA Regional Championships. The Avon native compiled a 20-15 record as a senior, finishing the year strong after dropping from 141 to 133. Following the conclusion of the season, Daugherty earned NWCA Scholar All-American honors. 

For his career, Daugherty finished with a 64-50 record. In May, Daugherty graduated Cum Laude with an Exercise Science degree from the College of Health. Daugherty will be pursuing his Master's degree in Exercise Physiology while coaching the Blue Streaks.

"I am beyond excited to have the chance to return to the University and to continue building success for the John Carroll Wrestling program," said Daugherty. "I am also excited for the opportunity to continue my academic career. The opportunity to be able to serve the university, the community, and the students will continue to be my pleasure. Go Blue Streaks!"

Having wrestled at different weights, Santillo and Daugherty will be able to help different groups of wrestlers. 

"They provide great balance to our program," said Hawald. "We intend to have Ty focus on mentoring the lighter weights and Vittorio working with the upper weights."
Print Friendly Version

Related Videos

Now Playing:

Related Stories

Sponsors