Oklahoma State standouts Dean Heil and Anthony Collica to join OKRTC in Norman as resident athletes

NORMAN, Okla. – OKRTC Board President TJ Sewell and Vice President Chance Leonard announced today the signing of two new Olympic hopefuls for the OKRTC in Dean Heil and Anthony Collica.

“I am excited to announce the addition of two new Olympic Hopefuls to our Olympic program,” Sewell said. “The OKRTC is moving forward, building a dynamic future for our international athletes.  We believe Dean and Anthony have the pedigree to be amongst the world’s best.”

Both Heil and Collica stem from the state of Ohio (Brunswick and Solon, respectively) and wrestled collegiately at Oklahoma State University under Eric Guerrero, where he was the associate head coach. Guerrero now heads the OKRTC.

While at OSU, Heil was a two-time NCAA champion and four-time All-American at 141 pounds. Collica was a 2016 All-American ta 149 pounds.

They join fellow Ohioans Hunter Stieber and Nick Heflin at the OKRTC. 

“When the board sat down to discuss athletes, these were the two names that kept coming up,” Leonard said. “With their strong relationship to Coach Guerrero, their pedigree and accomplishments, even their connections to the state of Oklahoma and Ohio, this was the perfect fit.”

“I made a promise to Dean and Anthony to provide them every opportunity to be successful in wrestling when I brought them from Ohio to Oklahoma six years ago,” Guerrero said. “I see this as fulfilling that promise.  They are winners, and we will give them everything they need to fulfill their Olympic dreams.”

“Dean will split time with Cary Kolat at Campbell’s RTC,” added Guerrero. “I’ve known Cary (Kolat) a long time, and he has a lot to offer. This gives Dean an opportunity to be around his brother and us and the opportunity to work closely with Cary and his RTC, as both our RTCs emerge.”

The Oklahoma RTC provides the leadership, training and coaching necessary for wrestlers to fulfill their Olympic dreams.