At Apex Wrestling Academy, our mission is to elevate the sport of wrestling in Southwest Michigan by providing high-quality, character-driven training for athletes of all ages and experience levels.
We are committed to helping each wrestler—from Pre-K beginners to high school competitors—unlock their potential, develop mental and physical toughness, and grow both on and off the mat.
Through expert coaching, a supportive team environment, and a focus on long-term athlete development, we strive to empower every individual to reach their personal Apex—in wrestling and in life.
At Apex Wrestling Academy, we're dedicated to building strong, confident, and skilled wrestlers from Pre-K through 12th grade.
Girls
6:30-7:30pm
November 16th - March 1st
Youth & MS
6:30-8:00pm
November 12th - March 18th
MS/HS Sunday Grinds
3:00-4:30pm
November 16th - March 1st
At Apex Wrestling Academy, we offer age-appropriate, skill-based programs designed to meet each athlete where they are—and help them grow. Whether your child is brand new to the sport or gearing up for state-level competition, there's a place for them here.
1 day / week
Monday, 6:30-7:30pm
November 16th - March 1st
Come train with the girls of Southwest Michigan! Strong. Focused. Ready to compete.
1 day / week
Wednesday, 6:30-8:00pm
November 12th - March 18th
Competitive training group. Must be an experienced wrestler focused on placing at MyWay State. Approved wrestlers only.
1 day / week
Sunday, 3:00-4:30pm
November 16th - March 1st
Come train with the best of the best in Southwest Michigan! Focused. Competitive. Elite.
Meet our experienced coaching staff dedicated to developing wrestlers of all skill levels through expert instruction and mentorship.
J.D. Greathouse is a 2017 graduate of Mason High School where he earned all-state honors twice throughout his career. He also garnered over 130 career wins.
Greathouse wrestled at Indiana University, a Division I institution in the Big 10, which is widely considered the toughest wrestling conference in the country. He was coached by Duane Goldman, a 4x National Finalist for the Iowa Hawkeyes and Pan Am Games Gold Medalist.
Greathouse has been active on the high school coaching scene and has already helped send 5 individuals to D1, D2, NAIA, or NJCAA schools to continue their wrestling careers.
Co-founder of Apex Wrestling Academy
Coach Nico Lopez has been immersed in the sport of wrestling for his entire life and has spent the past 25 years coaching in the Kalamazoo area. His wrestling journey began at a young age and spanned multiple states, eventually leading to a standout high school career at Kalamazoo Central, where he was a four-year varsity letterman, amassed over 100 wins, and was a state qualifier.
Following high school, Coach Lopez competed collegiately for two years at Muskegon Community College. After concluding his competitive career, he transitioned directly into coaching, spending the next two decades assisting at Kalamazoo Central.
Coach Lopez has also been deeply involved with USA Wrestling, particularly in freestyle and Greco-Roman disciplines. He was a multiple-time Team Michigan member, a national qualifier, and competed on the national stage at the Junior Nationals in Fargo, North Dakota.
In 2021, Coach Lopez and his family relocated to Mattawan, Michigan. He became the head coach of the Mattawan Wrestling program in 2023. Under his leadership, the program has thrived, and in 2025, he was honored as the MWA Regional Coach of the Year.
Coach Lopez is known for his coaching philosophy centered around respect, discipline, and the belief that wrestling provides life lessons that extend far beyond the mat. He and his wife Andrea—his high school sweetheart from Kalamazoo—have been married for 20 years. Together, they have three children: MaKenna (23), Cohen (19), and Kendall (12), all of who or whom have wrestled.
Co-founder and Coach
James, a lifelong wrestling advocate and co-founder of Apex Wrestling Academy in Kalamazoo, brings over 30 years of experience as a wrestler and coach. A 2002 State Champion for Portage Northern High School, he has a proven track record of mentoring athletes to excel both on and off the mat. At Apex, James emphasizes technical skills, discipline, and resilience for wrestlers of all ages. As a proud father, he coaches his sons Breckin, Logan, and Maverick, fostering a tight-knit community. Also leading Apex Outdoor Solutions and Bippus Construction, James infuses his academy with a strong work ethic and dedication to creating a supportive environment where wrestlers thrive.
