FORK UNION, VA – Fork Union Military Academy is proud to announce the hiring of Thomas Lane as the Academy's new Head Wrestling Coach and Staff Accountant. Lane joins Fork Union from California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly), where he was an NCAA Division I All-American and three-time national qualifier, competing for the Mustangs from 2015 to 2020. 
 

During his standout career, Lane compiled an impressive 86-48 overall record, including an 11-1 mark in dual meets during his senior season. That same year, he was ranked as high as No. 5 nationally in the NCAA and posted a 20-5 record with three falls, three technical falls, and five major decisions. He placed third at the Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational and led Cal Poly in wins (20) and major decisions. In dual meets, he also ranked first in four-point near falls (11) and second in takedowns (16). 
 

Lane earned All-American honors in 2020 and qualified for the NCAA Division I Championships three times. His standout performance came at the 2019 NCAA Tournament, where he made a run to the quarterfinals, underscoring his status as one of the nation's premier 197-pound wrestlers. 
 

A native of Garden City, New York, Lane was a decorated high school wrestler, winning 77 of his last 86 matches and finishing third in the 2015 New York State Finals at 182 pounds to cap a 42-3 senior campaign. He was also a two-time Nassau County League 2 champion. 
 

Lane graduated from Cal Poly in 2020 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, concentrating in Accounting. 
 

In addition to his collegiate wrestling success, Lane is a former professional MMA fighter known as "Freight Train." He holds an undefeated 4-0 professional record, with his most recent victory in December 2024, and was ranked among the top middleweight fighters in multiple North American regions. 
 

Lane will also serve in Fork Union's Business Office as Staff Accountant, succeeding Casey Mayhew in that role. 
 

"We're excited to welcome Thomas Lane to Fork Union Military Academy," said Director of Athletics John Blake. "His experience as an NCAA All-American, three-time national qualifier, and professional athlete brings a wealth of knowledge, discipline, and leadership to our program. He understands what it takes to compete and succeed at the highest level, and we know he'll inspire our athletes both on and off the mat." 
 

Lane is eager to begin building on Fork Union's proud tradition of wrestling excellence and academic achievement. He can be reached at lanet@fuma.org.