Wilkes University Athletics

Ally Sleiman, Wilkes University Class of 1996, returns to the Colonels’ wrestling program again for the 2025-2026 season as an alumni mentor. Sleiman brings decades of experience and success in wrestling, leadership, and academia. As a Wilkes student-athlete, Sleiman was a standout on the mat and was among the team’s leaders in victories in both 1995 and 1996 while competing at the NCAA Division 1 level for legendary coach John Reese.
 
Sleiman's greatest success in wrestling came at the Senior National level in Greco-Roman while competing for the NYAC and U.S. Army. He is among the most successful post-collegiate wrestlers in Colonel history, being ranked nationally by USA Wrestling from 1999 to 2004. He twice competed in the U.S. Olympic Team Trials in 2000 and 2004, and his achievements include winning the U.S. North Regional Olympic Trials in 2000 and finishing 2nd at the U.S. University Nationals in 1999 earning National runner-up honors.
 
Following the culmination of his competitive wrestling career, Sleiman remained in the U.S. Army serving as a career officer, where he deployed to combat in key leadership positions on multiple occasions with U.S. Special Operations Forces to Iraq, Afghanistan, and other global contingency locations.
 
Today, he serves as a successful emergency management and homeland security professional. A Certified Emergency Manager (CEM), he holds advanced degrees and certifications in executive leadership and crisis management from institutions, including Columbia University, West Point, Harvard University, and the Naval Postgraduate School.
 
In 2023, Wilkes University established the Sleiman award, which is presented annually to the wrestler who best embodies the qualities that define Sleiman’s legacy of competitive spirit, leadership, academic excellence, and service beyond self. The award recognizes wrestlers who uphold the highest standards of the Wilkes wrestling tradition both on and off the mat.
 
Ally Sleiman continues to mentor the next generation of Wilkes wrestlers, sharing insights from his career and experiences inspiring athletes to excel on the mat, in the classroom, and in life.