ANGOLA, Ind. – Trine University men's wrestling head coach Tom Hall has announced his staff for the upcoming 2022-23 season. Zach Rieger will serve as assistant coach while both Luke Carver and Josh Stephenson will act as volunteer assistants.
"I think we have a great vision for the program. Adding these three high character men to the staff will help add to the culture and bring positive outlooks to the team," said Hall, "I have been lucky enough to watch all three of them compete in their college career and I can say they all have at least one thing in common. They love the sport."
Rieger is a 2018 graduate of Adrian College where he spent three years as a member of wrestling program for which he also served as a captain. He was named a National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) Scholar All-American three times and was a national qualifier in 2017.
"Rieger brings not only a wealth of accolades to the program, but he also has taken part in developing programs both as an athlete and as a coach. His insight will be heavily valued," continued coach Hall.
Stephenson is a 2022 graduate of Manchester University where he spent five years as a member of the wrestling program while also serving as a captain. He is a four-year varsity letter winner and was named a NWCA Scholar All-American in 2021.
"Stephenson has been involved in Indiana Wrestling for a long time. He has built a strong reputation for being both an extremely hard worker and an encyclopedia for wrestling technique," reflected coach Hall, "I am excited to have him on our side for a change."
Carver returns to Trine after graduating from the university in 2021. He was a four-year member of wrestling program while also serving as a captain. He twice placed during NCAA Regionals.
Carver was a leader of the program as a student-athlete. I am very eager to see him step into a different leadership role within the same program," said Hall, "Luke was a staple of the program while he was here, and I am thankful to have him back."
The Thunder will begin their season on Saturday, Nov. 5 when they travel to the Ben McMullen Open hosted by Muskegon Community College.