Upcoming Event: Wrestling versus Cyclone Invitational on November 8, 2025 at 10:00 AM
10:00 AM
Wrestling
Cyclone Invitational
Iowa State University Athletics
Wrestling
Villaescusa, Fernando
Fernando Villaescusa
- Title:
- Development Coordinator
- Email:
- fv1972@iastate.edu
- Phone:
- 515-294-6532
Fernando Villaescusa enters his sixth season with the Iowa State wrestling program and his first in his current role as Development Coordinator. He previously served as a volunteer assistant.
Villaescusa has been instrumental in Dresser’s rebuilding of the Cyclone wrestling program. Their efforts have seen Iowa State climb on the national stage, highlighted by a 2024 Big 12 title and fourth-place finish at the NCAA Championships, ISU’s best since 2010.
Villaescusa has played a vital role in recruiting and development, both within ISU wrestling and the Cyclone Regional Training Center. Namely, Villaescusa was crucial in the development of Yonger Bastida and Anthony Echemendia, now both NCAA All-Americans and Big 12 Champions, as they transitioned from Freestyle to Folkstyle wrestling early in their collegiate careers.
Villaescusa came to Ames from Tucson, Ariz., where he coached at the high school level. Well-versed in freestyle wrestling, he spent most of his coaching time at Sunnyside HS in Tucson, which is one of the top high school programs in the U.S.
Villaescusa and his wife, Donna, have three children - Areana, Kiara and Nando. Their youngest, Nando, is a junior on the Iowa State wrestling team. Their daughter, Areana, is one of the top female wrestlers in the United States and placed fifth at the 2024 World Championships. Their other daughter, Kiara, was a manager for the Iowa State wrestling team.
Kevin Dresser Interview (NCAA Championships Session 5)
Saturday, March 22
Jacob Frost Interview (NCAA Championships - 7th Place)
Saturday, March 22
Kevin Dresser Interview (NCAA Championships Session 4)
Friday, March 21
Kevin Dresser Interview (NCAA Championships Session 3)
Friday, March 21
