GUNNISON, Colo. Nathan Higgins has already settled into life as a Western Colorado University freshman, balancing his engineering coursework as an honors student with training in the Mountaineers' wrestling room for the past month. But this promising start to his college career will soon take an exciting detour — representing Team USA at the upcoming U20 Beach Wrestling World Championships in Greece.

The former Salpointe Catholic High School standout, who dominated Arizona's Division 3 competition at 144 pounds with an impressive 63-2 record and captured the state championship as a senior, is preparing for a unique challenge that will test his adaptability as a wrestler.

Nathan's high school career was defined by consistency and excellence. He claimed Arizona state titles at 144 pounds in both his junior (66-2 record) and senior seasons, establishing himself as one of Arizona's most dominant wrestlers. Now, after a month of training with his new teammates at WCU, he's preparing to represent his country in a discipline that's rapidly gaining popularity worldwide.

Nathan will compete in the 70kg division, having transitioned from his high school weight of 144 pounds to this new format. The move to beach wrestling presents unique challenges—shifting sand beneath his feet, coastal conditions, and the need to adapt his traditional wrestling skills to this dynamic outdoor format.

Beach wrestling represents an exciting growth area in the sport, attracting athletes from traditional wrestling backgrounds who are eager to test their skills in this evolving discipline. The United States has fielded competitive teams in recent years, including a women's team that captured the U17 World Championship title last year, demonstrating America's commitment to this emerging format.

For Nathan, balancing his academic pursuits in engineering with his athletic commitments showcases the time management skills that will serve him well both in the classroom and on the international stage. His coaches at Western Colorado University are excited to see how this international experience will contribute to his development as he continues his collegiate wrestling career.

Event Details:

• What: U17 & U20 Beach Wrestling World Championships
• When: September 25-26, 2025
• Where: Katerini Beach, Greece
• Nathan's Weight Class: 70kg (154 lbs)
• How to Watch: Live streaming on United World Wrestling's Beach Wrestling YouTube channel

The opportunity to compete for Team USA while beginning his college journey represents the kind of well-rounded experience that defines student-athletes at their best. As Nathan prepares to trade the familiar training environment of the WCU wrestling room for the sandy shores of Greece, he carries with him not only his own aspirations but also the support of his new university family who will be cheering him on from Colorado.