Don Wagner was a member of the Delaware Valley High School Class of 1976 and a member of the DV Wrestling team under Coach Ned Bushong, where he was a three time MVP, a two time District XII runner-up and a District Champion. His record in high school was 54-15.

After graduation he attended Millersville State College where he was a Division I qualifier in 1981 and1982. He was the 1982 Pennsylvania State College Champion and a 1982 Eastern Region NCAA Qualifier.

In 1980, Don was the NCAA Division III National Champion and Division III All American. His college record was 101-27.