R.J. Boudro Accepts Head Coaching Job at Grand Valley State, Closing Illustrious Lowell Chapter
R.J. Boudro, speaking at a tournament in 2024, is accepting the head coaching position at Grand Valley State. Photo by Justin Scott.
Justin Scott - Sports Reporter
17 July 2025
After 11 seasons at the helm of Lowell’s Wrestling program, head coach R.J. Boudro made it official today, he’s stepping aside to take on the head coaching position at NCAA Division II Grand Valley State University.
The possibilty had been floated around wrestling circles the last few weeks, but until Monday when The Ledger was given official word from the program, nothing was set in stone. At the request of the Lowell Wrestling program, The Ledger did not disclose this information until today when Grand Valley State made their announcement.
R.J. Boudro watches on as Casey Engle wins an individual state championship at Ford Field in Detroit. Photo by Justin Scott.
“We at Lowell Area Schools congratulate R.J. Boudro on his appointment as head wrestling coach at GVSU. During his time with us, Coach Boudro has been invaluable both in the wrestling room and in the high school guidance counseling office. His leadership helped our wrestling program achieve multiple state titles while developing young people of character. Coach Boudro’s proven ability to mentor student-athletes and develop leaders will serve GVSU well,” Lowell Superintendent Nate Fowler stated in the school’s press release.
Wrestling at Grand Valley State University was discontinued in 1993, but a $3 million donation allowed the program to return in the 2023-2024 season. It was in the spring of 2022 when the seeds were sewn as Joey Simcoe was hired as GVSU’s Wrestling Coach. Simcoe’s son Maddox wrestled for Lowell during the 2022-2023 season, moving up from Ohio to follow his dad who took the GVSU job.
Grand Valley State is an unusual Division II school. Why? They’re big. They’re well funded. They’re consistent winners. They’ve won the Learfield Cup, given to the NCAA’s best DII athletics program, 17 times, including the last two years. In their first two years, GVSU Wrestling finished 13th and 14th at the DII National Championships with eight DII All-Americans. Not bad for a brand new program. When Simcoe stepped aside exactly one month ago, it left a prime opportunity to continue to build a new program, while allowing the Boudro kids to remain in Lowell schools.
Boudro gives some tips to Braylen Meeuwsen at one of Lowell’s tournaments in Kaukana, WI in 2025. Boudro allowed us at the Ledger to tag along one of the most prestigious tournament trips in high school wrestling. Photo by Justin Scott.
Boudro, who is a counselor at Lowell High School, had the option of staying at Lowell as long as he wanted. The Red Arrows will all but certainly win their 13th straight division two state championship next year, and have a youth program that would rival any in the country. In his eleven years as coach, Boudro’s teams never once finished as a non-champion. GVSU’s position was too good to pass up.
Lowell will look to immediately fill the wrestling head coaching vacancy. Among those inside the wrestling room, there are a number of highly qualified options that have been with the Red Arrow program for not just years, but decades.
While Boudro’s teams were winners on the mat, it was the core values of the Lowell Wrestling team that have stood out. Humility, volunteerism, and academics were consistent themes in Boudro’s team talks.
The following press release was provided by Lowell High School Athletic Director Patrick Russell.
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Lowell High School Wrestling Coach RJ Boudro Named New Head Coach at Grand Valley State University
R.J. Boudro raises Lowell’s twelfth straight state championship in Kalamazoo in 2025. Photo by Justin Scott.
Lowell, MI — July 17, 2025 — Lowell High School proudly announces that Head Wrestling Coach RJ Boudro has been named the new Head Wrestling Coach at Grand Valley State University.
A former collegiate wrestler at both the University of Michigan and Michigan State University, Boudro joined Lowell High School in 2007 as a school counselor and immediately began serving as an assistant coach for both the wrestling and football teams. In his dual roles as a counselor and coach, Boudro has spent nearly two decades positively shaping students' lives — guiding them on the mat, in the classroom, and beyond.
Since becoming Lowell’s head wrestling coach in 2014, Boudro has guided the Red Arrows to an unparalleled run of success: a record of 243–34, 26 individual state champions, 11 consecutive academic all-state teams, and 11 consecutive MHSAA Team State Championships. His leadership has elevated the program to national recognition while remaining grounded in the mission of developing student-athletes who excel as both competitors and people.
“We at Lowell Area Schools congratulate RJ Boudro on his appointment as head wrestling coach at Grand Valley State University,” said Superintendent Nate Fowler. “During his time with us, Coach Boudro has been invaluable — both in the wrestling room and in the guidance counseling office. His leadership not only helped our wrestling program capture multiple state titles, but also shaped young people of character. We are confident that his proven ability to mentor student-athletes and develop leaders will serve GVSU exceptionally well.”
During Boudro’s tenure, and under his leadership, Lowell Wrestling has also been at the forefront of community service. Over the years, the team has given thousands of holiday pies to families in need through Flat River Outreach Ministries, demonstrating a commitment to serving others that extends beyond competition. From volunteering at local events to mentoring younger athletes, Coach Boudro has instilled in his wrestlers the importance of giving back to the Lowell community that has supported them.
“Coach Boudro’s impact on Lowell Wrestling and our entire Lowell community cannot be overstated,” said Patrick Russell, Lowell High School Athletic Director. “His commitment to building character, leadership, grit, and resilience in our students has left an indelible mark. While we will deeply miss his presence here, we are thrilled for his next chapter at GVSU.”
Throughout his time at Lowell, Coach Boudro’s deep knowledge of wrestling — combined with his dedication to mentoring young people — has shaped hundreds of Red Arrow wrestlers, leaving a legacy that will resonate for years to come.
Lowell High School will announce plans for naming the next head wrestling coach in the near future. In the meantime, the entire Red Arrow Wrestling family, alumni, and community extend heartfelt gratitude to Coach Boudro for over a decade of remarkable service and leadership.
