April 29, 2008

DeKALB, Ill. - Northern Illinois head wrestling coach Dave Grant promoted third-year assistant Ryan Ludwig to associate head coach, Tuesday.

"Over the last three years, Ryan has embedded himself in NIU wrestling and become an integral part of this program," Grant said. "He embodies the overall goals and mission of the NIU athletic department."

Ludwig has served as the primary recruiter for the Huskie wrestling program since his arrival in 2005. Eight high school All-Americans have come to Northern Illinois during his tenure, and NIU's current rosters includes wrestler who won 29 state high school titles.

"His ability to recruit, and efforts to bring outstanding student-athletes into our program will continue to benefit this program well into the future," Grant said.

While Ludwig's campaign to bring top-level student-athletes to NIU has been invaluable, his work in the matroom has been equally beneficial. Ludwig, a three-time NAIA All-American while at Findlay, has helped coach four Mid-American Conference Champions and six NCAA Championships qualifiers.

Prior to his work at NIU, Ludwig worked as assistant for Minnesota State-Mankato, where he coached eight All-Americans and helped guide the team to a third place finish at the NCAA Division II National Championships.

Ludwig began his coaching career at his alma mater, the University of Findlay, where he was able to hone his craft as a recruiter and coach. At Findlay, he coached seven All-Americans and a national champion.

"Our student-athletes respect Ryan for what he's done in that past both as an athlete and a coach, but also for the person he is," Grant said. "He takes great pride in moving this program to the next level, and I'm happy we could reward him with this promotion."