Brad Traviolia has built a remarkable legacy as an elite wrestler, respected sports executive, mentor, and community leader whose life exemplifies the meaning of an outstanding American. Through his accomplishments on the mat, leadership within collegiate athletics, and tireless work empowering underserved youth through wrestling, Traviolia has used the sport not only to achieve excellence, but also to positively impact thousands of lives. 

A native of Syracuse, Indiana, Traviolia starred at Wawasee High School, where he became a two-time state place winner and captured an Indiana state championship in 1986. He continued his wrestling career at Northwestern University, where he emerged as one of the most accomplished wrestlers in school history. Traviolia earned All-America honors and finished as the NCAA Division Me runner-up at 167 pounds in 1990 after winning the Big Ten Championship and posting a 40-win season. He completed his collegiate career with an outstanding 122-30-1 record and remains among Northwestern’s all-time leaders in victories and winning percentage. 

While his wrestling achievements are impressive, Traviolia’s greatest impact has come through leadership and service. He spent more than two decades with the Big Ten Conference, rising through the organization to become Deputy Commissioner. Throughout his tenure, he helped guide one of the nation’s premier collegiate athletic conferences during a period of historic growth and national prominence. Brad served on the NCAA Wrestling Committee from 2006-10 (and served as Chair of the committee from 2007-10) when the committee implemented significant changes to the NCAA Championships qualifying system, which served as the foundation for the system that is still in effect today. His professionalism, integrity, and leadership earned widespread respect throughout the collegiate athletics community. 

Today, Traviolia continues to transform lives as Managing Director of Beat the Streets Chicago, a nonprofit organization (formerly named the Midlands Youth Foundation) which he founded 32 years ago that is dedicated to empowering youth in underserved communities through wrestling, mentorship, academics, and life skills development. Beat the Streets Chicago has expanded opportunities for thousands of children across the city, including many from communities who may otherwise lack access to organized athletics and structured mentorship programs. The organization provides year-round wrestling opportunities, academic support, tutoring, leadership development, and safe environments where young people can grow both on and off the mat. 

In addition to his professional and charitable work, Traviolia also gives back to the sport as an IHSA wrestling official, continuing his lifelong commitment to wrestling and youth development. His career reflects far more than athletic success—it reflects service, leadership, compassion, and a steadfast dedication to helping others succeed. Through every role he has held, Brad Traviolia has demonstrated the values of character, community, and opportunity that define an outstanding American.