Donor Profile Spring 2021

Wrestling, Excellence, Giving Back

The Wyman Family Supports the DeFalco Endowment for Wrestling

For the Wymans—including Paul ’85, Todd ’89, and Toby ’91—hard work and generosity, qualities ingrained early on at the family dairy farm, constitute a family tradition. At WPI the brothers began a lifelong relationship with the wrestling community, which embodies those same values. Today the Wymans’ philanthropy is driven by what makes the wrestling program—and this family—so special: rewarding relationships, shared success, and a dedication to giving back.

The Wymans’ wrestling ties are lasting and deep, something that is evident at each WPI Homecoming Weekend. During the pandemic that connection has shone through in Zoom catchups that run hours beyond their allotted times. During the decade that saw at least one brother wrestling for WPI, and over the nearly three decades since, the brothers have remained connected to the wrestling community, which includes two former teammates who later served terms as head coach. Matt Oney ’90, the current head coach, had a seat at the Wyman dinner table each Thanksgiving break; Steve Hall ’87 brought the brothers closer to the program as alumni.

“Your success was never just your own. None of us would have succeeded without the support we received.”

These relationships were forged through a shared experience of excellence. During the Wyman family’s tenure, the WPI wrestling team reached new heights, recording an 89 percent average win record, placing in the top four each year at the New England regional championships (including two wins), and achieving two nationally ranked seasons. In addition, the brothers each earned national recognition, either as a qualifier for national championships or by being named a Scholar All American—or both.

This success was the product of a team culture and work ethic thoughtfully and intentionally instilled by Coach Phil Grebinar. While wrestling is largely an individual sport, accountability to the team was central. “Every person who stepped onto that mat had a specific job to do so the team could win,” says Toby.

Whether it was the wrestlers winning their matches (or at least minimizing point losses) or the supporters behind the scenes, each role was equally important. “Your success was never just your own,” says Paul. “None of us would have succeeded without the support we received.”

Teamwork was central to the WPI Plan and, of course, to life after WPI. “People working on teams, whether on the mat or in class, was how things really got done in the real world,” says Todd.

After graduating, Paul got the chance to experience it from another angle by volunteering as assistant coach. “Phil was the master of understanding what motivates different people,” he says. “Learning to be a coach and get the most out of an athlete translated directly to leading a team in a company.”

“The success that we experienced at WPI allowed us to create success in our lives, as student-athletes, in our careers, and with our families.”

Even further, the wrestling program introduced student-athletes to successful alumni, who shared tips and tricks on the mat, contributed financially to the program, and even connected seniors with their first jobs. All of it amounted to so much more than a sports program.

“Phil, Steve, and now Matt give kids a chance to know what life’s about and how to succeed in life,” says Todd. “The success that we experienced at WPI allowed us to create success in our lives, as student-athletes, in our careers, and with our families.”

“People like Phil and Frank were instrumental in their development,” adds Arthur Wyman, the brothers’ dad, who, with the boys’ mom, Diane, traveled to all of the meets and supported the team at every turn. “We have an allegiance to WPI.”

The Wymans return to campus frequently to meet with today’s student-athletes, giving wrestling pointers, holding mock interviews, and sharing news of openings in their companies for internships or entry-level roles.

Through their family philanthropy, the Wymans are helping ensure continuity of the program for generations to come. For years, the brothers and their parents supported the endowment named for Coach Grebinar, providing lasting capital support for the team.

“When the call to action came out for this endowment, there was no doubt what the response would be.”

Now they are coming together to provide a family gift to the newly established Dr. Frank D. DeFalco Endowment for Wrestling, a meaningful and lasting tribute to DeFalco, who passed away in fall 2020. The endowment will fund a much-needed full-time assistant coach who will support immediate day-to-day needs and provide a talent pipeline for the head coach position, enabling a junior coach to learn the values that set the team apart.

“Alumni have so much pride in the program’s success over the last 40 years,” says Toby. “When the call to action came out for this endowment, there was no doubt what the response would be. There’s nothing better than getting your hand raised; you want the next kid to feel the same thing.”