Words that describe Bret: “Brute”, Blue Springs Bandit, Academic Improvement, Focus, Driven, Developing Leader, Committed, Tough, Fighter, Loyal, Soldier, Hard-Nosed, “Makes our Dojo a Better Place”, “The Best is Yet to Come”.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
2021-22: Bret is a three-year starter for us who brings, toughness, work power dedication and commitment to the Dojo. He is ready to have a big impact in Division II Wrestling. “The Best is Yet to Be” for Bret. He has positioned himself to be one of the best in his weight class and Division II Wrestling. He makes our Dojo a “Better Place”.
2020-21(COVID Shortened Season): During Bret’s second year starting for us he earned the following awards. Outstanding Redshirt Sophomore, NWCA DII All-Academic National Team Champion, 2X Varsity Letter Award. Bret was a big part in helping the team win its 4th consecutive NWCA DII All-Academic Team National Championship. Bret has made an impact on this team and is making one in DII Wrestling. He is developing into a leader for this team, and is developing as a wrestler. Bret will be looking to make a continued impact in DII Wrestling next season as one of the Best in his weight class. “The Best Is Yet To Come for Brute”
2019-20: Bret’s Word is “Relentless”. He lived that word and earned the nickname "Brute". He is set to have a big impact in Division II. For him the "Best is Yet to Come". He finished his RS Freshman campaign with a 33-13 record, and a 6-4 dual record. Finished 3rd at the Kaufman/ Brand/Bayly Open, 7th at the LU Open, 2nd at the Jim Koch Open, 5th at the prestigious Midwest Classic, 5th at the Pat "Flash" Flanagan Open, and 5th at the NCAA Regional tournament. Bret earned Wrestler of the Week and OOOSSS Award honors nine times. Bret earned the Outstanding RS-Freshman Award, earned a Varsity Letter Award, the Most Improved Award, Most Tech Falls (4), earned Saint of the Week (02/13/20), the Most Dominant Award, the Staying Power Award, is an NWCA DII All- Academic Team National Champion, and was a 30 Match Winner (33). "Brute" certainly makes our Dojo a "Better Place”.
2018-19: Bret Heil brings to Maryville the work power and persistence needed to make him one of the top wrestlers in NCAA Division II. Injuries slowed this promising freshman’s season, only allowing him to compete unattached in two open tournaments. Bret compiled an 8-6 record while placing 6th at the Greyhound Open and 5th at the Missouri Valley Open. For his performances, Bret earned the Wrestler of the Week and OOOSSS Award two times. His discipline to get back on the mat earned
him the Jim “Bongo” Bayly Iron Discipline Warrior Award. Bret is one of our promising young wrestlers who has made a positive impact on our team and looks to do the
same in DII Wrestling.
HONORS & AWARDS
Career Record: 51-28
2022 Outstanding Redshirt Sophomore
2022 Most Falls
2022 Dr. Kiener Award
2022 GLVC All-Conference
2022 3X Varsity Letter Award
2022 GLVC Wrestler of the Week
2021 Outstanding Redshirt Sophomore
2021 NWCA DII All-Academic National Team Champion
2021 2X Varsity Letter Award
2020 Most Improved
2020 Outstanding Redshirt Freshman
2020 Most Tech Falls (4)
2020 Most Dominate
2020 30 Match Gold Winner (32)
2020 NWCA DII All-Academic Team National Champion 2020 Saint of the Week (2/13/20)
2020 GLVC All-Conference (Honorable Mention)
2020 Varsity Letter Award
2019 WOW & OOOSSS Award (2)
2019 Jim “Bongo” Bayly Iron Discipline Warrior Award
HIGH SCHOOL
Like former NCAA All-Americans Keenan Hagerty, Greg Hegarty, and Darick Lapaglia, Bret is a graduate of Blue Springs High School in Kansas City, MO, where he had an exceptional high school career for the Wildcats. In his final three trips to the state tournament, Bret earned three state medals, placing 6th and 3rd before winning the state championships at 160lbs. Bret was a four-time member
of the Missouri National Team and won additional state championships in freestyle and Greco-Roman. Bret was also a two-time champion of the nationally recognized Winnetonka Invitational
High School Career Record: 164-31
Freshman: 34-14
Sophomore: 38-9,
Junior: 45-5,
Senior: 47-3
ABOUT BRET
Birthday: 6/4/99
Nickname: Brute, Blue Springs Bandit, Headlock Heil
Parents: Brenda and Kevan Heil
Siblings: Kaley and Kristen Heil
HS coach’s name(s): Mike Hagerty, Bobbe Lowe
Greatest moment in wrestling: Winning state my senior year in ultimate tie breaker
People who have had the greatest influence in your life: My parents and my high school coaches
Favorite athlete: Patrick Mahomes
Favorite entertainer: Lil Wayne
Favorite food: Crab legs
Favorite book: Maze runner series
Favorite wrestling move: Arm bar
Favorite quote: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged, for the lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1.9
Craziest ambition: To be successful in all aspects of my life
If I could meet one person: Will Ferrell
I came to Maryville because: It felt like home and I connected with the guys on the team, and I wanted to be a part of it
Best sports advice ever received: Enjoy the moments of wrestling while you can because some day you will miss it
Treasured possessions: My PlayStation 4
Something people don’t know about me: I like to hunt
10 years from now: I’m going to own my own business and have a huge house
