CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa -- At Luther College, Bryce McDonough has found a home that challenges him in every direction. The senior wrestler has built a reputation for grit on the mat and discipline in the classroom, balancing one of Division III’s premier wrestling schedules with a demanding academic load. For Bryce, being a student-athlete in the American Rivers Conference (A-R-C) has been a defining experience that has shaped not just his college career, but his outlook on life.
“Being a student-athlete in the A-R-C has honestly been the most challenging but most rewarding experience I have ever had,” Bryce said. “Knowing that I am succeeding and doing great things in one of the best Division III conferences in the country has not only made me more confident with what I do outside of wrestling but has also made me develop a very consistent and good work ethic that will be useful not only for my last year of college but also for life.”
That work ethic has carried him through early mornings in the wrestling room, late nights with textbooks, and long bus rides that end with both wins and lessons. It’s the kind of foundation that turns goals into milestones—and teammates into lifelong friends.
Overcoming Early Tests
Bryce’s journey at Luther took a decisive turn during his freshman year, when he faced one of his toughest balancing acts yet. The wrestling team traveled to Louisville, Kentucky, for the 2023 NWCA National Duals just as his January Term class, EDUC-185, was beginning. The course required daily observations in a high school business classroom—something he couldn’t do while competing six duals states away.
“I was only a freshman at the time and I was enrolled in a January Term class called EDUC-185 where I was to go into a high school and observe a high school business teacher teaching,” Bryce said. “This class was clearly put on hold for a little bit because of the NWCA National Duals being right when the class started. Therefore, I missed the whole first week of classes and I was extremely worried about falling behind in the class.”
When he returned from Louisville—where Luther finished ninth as a team with a 4-2 record—Bryce had nearly a dozen papers to write to catch up. “It was one page for every class period we missed and there was two periods every day for the whole week I missed,” he said. “So, as soon as I got back to Luther I wrote 1-page papers with two of my teammates who had coincidentally been in the same position as me.”
The all-nighter became a turning point. “After I got all the papers done in one night, I had not only realized that if I put my mind towards something I can get it done but I also realized that I was able to compete really well on the mat and also excel in my classes as well,” Bryce said. “These traits and skills that this challenge taught me carried into the next years to come and now I am a 3x Scholar All American!”
Support That Goes Beyond the Mat
Bryce credits much of his growth to the people around him—coaches who push him to be his best, professors who understand the demands of competition, and teammates who stand beside him through every high and low.
“When it comes to my coaches here on the wrestling team at Luther, they are always trying to help me succeed,” he said. “My relationships with them have grown so much over the past three years and they are gonna be in my corner for the rest of my life.”
Faculty have been just as instrumental. “Professors here at Luther College are always trying to help students succeed as well,” Bryce said. “They usually always accommodate to my wrestling events that I go to which is very helpful.” One moment in particular stood out: “One example that really stood out to me was when I was going to regionals my sophomore year and my management teacher Professor Yu allowed me to push an exam back until after regionals. This was extremely helpful because I didn’t have to worry about anything but wrestling going into the regional.”
His teammates have become his second family. “The Luther College wrestling team has truly made me feel included and supported by always being encouraging even when times are tough,” Bryce said. “I am going to owe my teammates a lot for all of the constant support and motivation they have lended me over the years. I feel like this team has made me a better person and by them always supporting me, I have come to realize that I like to help people as well which is a big reason I want to teach someday!”
Building a Legacy in the A-R-C
Sacrifice has defined much of Bryce’s success, both in the classroom and on the mat. “I think my biggest accomplishment in the A-R-C so far is being a 3x Scholar All American and 3x regional place winner,” he said. “To do this it honestly took a lot of sacrifice. I had to sacrifice some relationships, friendships, and even fun events/hobbies. I don’t regret sacrificing a lot of these things looking back now because I feel like it was all worth it in the end.”
With one year remaining, his goals are clear and ambitious. “I have one more year left and the main goal is to be an All American at nationals,” Bryce said. He also hopes to leave a legacy that future Luther athletes can aspire to. “I hope to leave behind a legacy that is looked upon by many,” he said. “One that not a lot of student-athletes accomplish. I want to be a 4x scholar all American and be an All American at nationals in wrestling. Not many have accomplished this feat, therefore I feel that by leaving this legacy behind for the A-R-C to reflect on would be honestly a really cool thing to do.”
Looking Ahead
Beyond wrestling, Bryce’s path is already taking shape. He’s majoring in Management with a minor in Secondary Education, preparing to become a high school business teacher and coach. The same qualities that have defined his time at Luther—discipline, empathy, and a drive to help others—are guiding his next steps.
He also has a message for anyone considering the same path he chose. “To any other student-athletes that are out there thinking of going Division III and joining the A-R-C, please do it,” Bryce said. “This conference will allow you to grow in so many ways and will truly bring out the best version of yourself. It may take lots of hard work and sacrifice, but I promise you it will pay dividends in the long run.”
About the American Rivers Conference
Nationally respected for excellence in NCAA Division III athletics, the American Rivers Conference (A-R-C) has a tradition dating back to its founding in 1922 as the Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Association and adopted its current name in 2018 to reflect its strong Iowa roots and growing regional footprint. The A-R-C is a collaborative community that champions the holistic development of student-athletes, uniting member institutions in a shared commitment to academic achievement, athletic distinction, and leadership.
The A-R-C is home to nine full-time member institutions: Buena Vista University, Central College, Coe College, University of Dubuque, Loras College, Luther College, Nebraska Wesleyan University, Simpson College, and Wartburg College. Luther College has announced its departure from the conference, effective at the conclusion of the 2025–26 academic year.
