During his time at Mount Pleasant Area, Noah Gnibus was a standout wrestler, racking up nearly 100 wins and reaching the state tournament twice. For the past few years, Gnibus has been a crucial member of a juggernaut program at the University of Pitt-Johnstown. Gnibus is under the microscope in this edition of the Westmoreland Alum Q&A.

As a freshman with the Vikings in the 2018-19 campaign, Gnibus competed at 113 pounds, compiling a mark of 21-11. In the Class 2A Section 3 Tournament, Gnibus captured a win in his first match, but fell in the semifinals and in the consolation bracket, failing to qualify for the WPIAL Class 2A Tournament. Collectively, the Vikings went 4-6 on the season, including 2-3 in the section, missing out on the team tournament.

The next season, Gnibus amassed a record of 29-14. Wrestling at 138 pounds, he took first place in the sectional, advancing to the WPIAL Class 2A Tournament. From there, he won his quarterfinals match, but came up short in the semifinals, and lost the third-place consolation. He moved on to the regional, but failed to place, ending his campaign. Mount Pleasant went 6-7 overall, including 3-2 in the section, qualifying for the WPIAL Class 2A Tournament. However, the Vikings fell to Burgettstown in the first round.

In 2020-21, Gnibus went 29-13, once again winning the section, but this time at 172 pounds. In the WPIAL Class 2A Tournament, he lost in the semifinals, but rebounded to win the third-place match. He again advanced to the regional, but secured fourth place, thus qualifying for the PIAA Class 2A Tournament, where he failed to place. The Vikings returned to the WPIAL Class 2A Tournament, but were ousted by Quaker Valley in the quarterfinals.

As a senior, Gnibus compiled a record of 17-5. Wrestling in the WPIAL Class 2A Tournament at 189, he won three matches before falling in the title bout. He also settled for runner-up in the regional, and failed to place in the PIAA Class 2A Tournament. The Vikings again qualified for the WPIAL Class 2A Tournament, defeating Jefferson-Morgan and Beth-Center. However, Mount Pleasant came up short against Burrell in the semifinals, and then lost to Burgettstown in the consolation.

Gnibus, who finished his Vikings career with a mark of 96-43, opted to matriculate to the University of Pitt-Johnstown to continue his career on the mat.

He redshirted with the Mountain Cats in 2022-23, as the team went 15-0 overall, including 7-0 in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC). Competing in the Division II Super Regional I Tournament, the Mountain Cats took first place, and then tied for 17th at the NCAA National Championships.

The following season, Gnibus cracked the UPJ lineup at 184 pounds, registering a record of 18-7 overall, including 12-4 in dual meets. He placed fourth at the NCAA Super Regional I Tournament. Pitt-Johnstown went 15-2 on the campaign, including 7-0 in the PSAC. The Mountain Cats took second at the Super Regional, and placed sixth at the NCAA National Championships.

Last campaign, Gnibus went 17-12 overall, including 10-5 in dual meets. He took second at the NCAA Super Regional I, earning a spot at the NCAA National Championships, where he failed to place. For his efforts, Gnibus was honored as a Second-Team All-PSAC performer. Pitt-Johnstown achieved a mark of 13-2 overall, including 6-0 in the PSAC. The Mountain Cats reigned supreme at the Super Regional, and finished in 13th at the NCAA National Championships.

This season, Gnibus missed time due to injury, but compiled a record of 12-10. Competing at the NCAA Super Regional I, he placed fifth, failing to qualify for the NCAA National Championships. UPJ went 13-1, including 5-1 in the PSAC. The Mountain Cats came in third at the Super Regional, and they will compete at the National Championships later this month.

Prior to wrapping up his career last weekend, Noah set aside time from his schedule to respond to questions about his legendary former coach Pat Pecora, his ideal future profession, and what he’d do first if he woke up tomorrow with $1 million.

Q: How have you evaluated your performance this season?

A: This season has definitely tested me. I’ve dealt with multiple injuries that limited what I could do physically, and that’s been frustrating, at times. But honestly, it’s also reminded me why I’m grateful for the sport and for the strength God gives me every day. Even with the setbacks, I’ve tried to stay focused on showing up with the UPJ mentality — work hard, stay humble, and control what you can control. My goal now is to finish my senior year above expectations, push past the physical limitations, and compete with the toughness and faith that have carried me this far.

Q: What has been the biggest area of improvement during your time at UPJ?

A: The biggest area of growth for me at UPJ has honestly been my faith. Being part of Bible studies and FCA with like minded athletes and individuals has strengthened my relationship with Christ and given me a foundation that carries me through every challenge — on the mat, in the classroom, and in life. Along with that, I’ve grown tremendously in time management and preparation. Wrestling here demands a different level of discipline, especially while taking 18 credits a semester as a dual major. Learning how to study at an accelerated pace while maintaining a 3.25 GPA and staying on the Dean’s List has pushed me to mature academically. UPJ wrestling has taught me the mental resilience it takes to compete at this level, and that same toughness has helped me excel in the classroom. The combination of faith, discipline, and the UPJ mentality has shaped me into a better athlete, student, and person

Q: How would you describe your style of wrestling?

A: My style is high paced, in your face, and relentlessly tough. I’m a constant pressure wrestler who keeps coming forward and tries to wear opponents down with pace and grit. That approach fits the UPJ mentality — stay aggressive, stay disciplined, and never quit.

Q: What did it mean to you to qualify for the NCAA Tournament last season?

A: Qualifying for the NCAA Tournament was a huge milestone for me. It was something I had set my sights on from the moment I came to UPJ, and finally reaching that stage meant a lot. At the same time, it wasn’t the ultimate goal I had for myself — I wanted to become an All American. Still, the experience showed me what it takes to compete at that level and reminded me to stay grateful for the opportunities God has given me. It motivated me to come back this year with a clearer purpose, stronger faith, and a deeper drive to reach the goals I haven’t achieved yet.

Q: What team and individual goals did you establish for this season?

A: Coming into my senior year, my goals were clear. As a team, I wanted us to finish the season as the top program in the country and continue the UPJ standard of toughness and excellence. Individually, earning the role of team captain meant a lot to me, and my goal has been to lead in a way that reflects the values of this program. I also set the goal of getting back to the NCAA Tournament and giving myself another shot at finishing on the podium. But beyond the results, I wanted to enjoy the sport in my final season — to appreciate the journey, the relationships, and the 18 years I’ve put into wrestling. Most importantly, I’ve tried to carry myself in a way that honors God and reflects the image He calls us to live by. Wrestling has given me so much, and I want to finish in a way that shows gratitude for the opportunities He’s blessed me with.

Q: What impact did late coach Pat Pecora have on your life?

A: Coach Pecora had one of the greatest impacts on my life, both as an athlete and as a person. He wasn’t just a coach; he was family. He cared about developing us not only into successful wrestlers, but into strong, disciplined, grateful human beings. Watching the way he fought through cancer with toughness and grace was one of the most motivating things I’ve ever seen. His strength made you want to give everything you had for him and for this program. To me, he was a father figure. He expected the best from us, and he held us to a standard that made us better in every area of life. He taught me to appreciate the simple things, to stay grounded, and to keep faith even when it feels like the world is on your shoulders. His tough love, his belief in us, and the culture he built at UPJ will stay with me forever. Every decision I make — on the mat and in life — I still find myself thinking, “What would Coach want me to do?” He shaped my perspective, my work ethic, and my faith. I’ll carry his lessons with me for the rest of my life.

Q: What led to your decision to attend UPJ?

A: When I was being recruited, I visited a lot of schools and had several offers, but UPJ immediately felt different. The moment I stepped on campus and met the team, it felt like home. The brotherhood here is real — it’s not just a slogan, it’s something you feel the second you’re around the guys. That “Brothers For Life” mentality is lived out every day in how we train, compete, and support each other. What really sealed my decision was Coach Pecora. The success he built, the culture he created, and the way he cared about his athletes matched exactly what I wanted to be part of. He represented toughness, discipline, and genuine family. UPJ wasn’t just the best wrestling fit — it was the place where I knew I could grow as a man, as a student, and in my faith. Choosing UPJ was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made

Q: What is your major, and ideal future profession?

A: I’m a dual major in business management and marketing, and my goal is to build a career in medical device sales. It’s a field where I can combine my competitive background, my communication skills, and my desire to help others. Wrestling has taught me discipline, resilience, and how to perform under pressure - all qualities that translate directly into that profession

Q: What has been your most challenging college course?

A: The most challenging course I’ve taken was a college algebra math class. The material itself wasn’t the issue — the way it was taught just made it harder than it needed to be. I ended up spending a lot of time in the Math Achievement Center, probably close to 100 hours over the semester, because that was the only way I could really learn it and make sure I passed. It pushed me, but it also taught me discipline and how to grind through something that doesn’t come easy.

Q: What was your fondest high school memory at Mount Pleasant?

A: My fondest memories from Mount Pleasant were the times spent with my friend group. Life felt simple and stress free, and we were always finding ways to have fun. We’d push the line a little here and there, but it was all harmless and part of growing up. Looking back, I really appreciate how close we all were and how easy those days felt.

Q: Do you still follow Vikings athletics or WPIAL wrestling?

A: Yes, I still keep up with Vikings athletics and WPIAL wrestling. I like seeing how the guys in our area are performing, and Western PA always has tough talent. It’s great to watch athletes from our region grow, and hopefully, some of them choose to continue their careers here at UPJ.

Q: If you could change one rule about college wrestling, what would it be?

A: I’d change the rule where dropping or tossing your headgear after a match automatically costs your team a point. In the heat of the moment, emotions run high, and I don’t think something that small should affect the team score. I also think officials could be more consistent and effective with stall calls, especially on push outs. It would make the sport more active and reward the guys who are actually trying to wrestle.

Q: If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

A: I’d go with a juicy stack burger and wings with a side of sweet potato fries. You can switch up the sauces and toppings, so it never gets old, and it’s the kind of meal I could eat any day.

Q: If you woke up tomorrow with $1 million, what is the first thing you'd do?

A: If I woke up with $1 million, I’d put it to work right away. I’d invest a portion into long term, diversified assets and use another part to start a business I know I could grow. My goal would be to turn it into something that creates stability and opportunity for my family. I’d also make sure to give back to the wrestling community and support my church, because both have shaped who I am.