Kirst joined the CWRU coaching staff as a volunteer assistant prior to the 2023-24 season. He is a former All-American from Ashland University, where he spent six seasons as Head Assistant and Strength and Conditioning Coach for the Eagles from 2015-21.

While competing for the Ashland University wrestling team he was a four-time NCAA Division II national qualifier. One of the winningest grapplers in program history (116), Kirst also earned D-II All-American honors at 197 pounds.

His coaching background includes stints as an assistant at Heidelberg University (2013), Lake Erie College (2011), the club program at Cleveland State University (2010-12), Bay High School (2010-11), Lakewood St. Edward High School (2007-10), and Ashland Crestview High School (2006-07).

The 2007 AU graduate and his wife, Beth, reside in Avon with their daughters, Amelia and Coraline.