Frank Molinaro

Frank Molinaro (born December 27, 1988) is a nationally recognized American wrestler and coach. He captured an NCAA Championship in 2012 with an undefeated season record of 33-0 helping him become a four time NCAA Division I All-American.

High school

A native of Barnegat Township, New Jersey, Molinaro was a three-time New Jersey State Champion at Manahawkin's Southern Regional High School and placed second at High School Nationals.

College

After a redshirt season in his freshman year at Penn State, Molinaro claimed All-American honors four times—becoming the fifth Penn State wrestler to be a four time All-American.

While at Penn State University, Cael Sanderson was hired as head coach of the program developing a national championship winning program with Molinaro claiming an individual title in 2012 at 149 lbs.

Professional

Molinaro is a Competing Member of the Association of Career Wrestlers. He is also currently pursuing an international wrestling career training with the Nittany Lion Wrestling Club.

2016 Summer Olympics

In 2016, Molinaro won the U.S. Olympic Trials, earning the ability to qualify and represent the United States at the 2016 Summer Olympics at 65 kg. Molinaro originally failed to qualify in Istanbul after losing to Borislav Novachkov. Molinaro eventually gained entry to the Olympics due to other wrestlers being disqualified for doping offenses and the transfer of licenses from other qualifying tournaments. In his case, it was Novachkov's license transferred to the earlier Mongolia qualifier that opened a spot for Molinaro. After his loss in the quarterfinals to Toghrul Asgarov, Molinaro was pulled into the repechage to wrestle Andriy Kvyatkovskyy. Molinaro defeated Kvyatkovskyy with a score of 8–5. In a moment of controversy, a frustrated Kvyatkovskyy bit the arm of Molinaro. Molinaro would finish the Rio Olympics in 5th place, after losing to Italy's Frank Chamizo Marquez in the bronze medal match 5-3.

History

Molinaro lives in central Pennsylvania with his wife, Kera and two sons.