St. Paul's School is proud to announce the appointment of Dr. Nathan Canniff as the new head coach of the Big Red wrestling program. Dr. Canniff brings with him a unique blend of competitive experience, coaching background, and academic excellence that will strengthen the future of wrestling at SPS.

Canniff first stepped onto the mat as a student-athlete at Middlesex School in Concord, MA, where he quickly embraced the sport's intensity and discipline. His senior year culminated with a berth at Prep Nationals. 

Following his undergraduate studies, Canniff returned to Middlesex, this time as a teacher and coach, where he reconnected with the sport from the other side of the whistle. His coaching experience built on his foundation as a competitor and introduced him to the mentorship side of wrestling—helping young athletes develop resilience, confidence, and technique.

While pursuing his doctoral degree, Canniff remained committed to grappling, immersing himself in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). The training kept him close to the sport's physical and mental challenges and provided fresh perspective on movement, strategy, and the lifelong benefits of combat sports.

Dr. Canniff, who is a science teacher and assistant coach for the Football team, is eager to guide Big Red wrestlers both on and off the mat. "Wrestling has always been about more than just the matches," he notes. "It teaches perseverance, problem-solving, and the ability to respond to adversity—lessons that carry into every aspect of life. I'm excited to bring that spirit to SPS and to build a culture of toughness, growth, and camaraderie."

Director of Athletics Chris Smith expressed his enthusiasm for the hire: "Dr. Canniff is the perfect fit for Big Red wrestling. His personal journey reflects the resilience we want to instill in our student-athletes. He understands the demands of competition, the importance of mentorship, and the values of the SPS community."

With Dr. Canniff at the helm, along side long time coach Scott Heitmiler and assistant Coach Drew Inzer, the SPS wrestling program looks ahead to a new chapter filled with opportunity, development, and pride in representing the Big Red.