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Koll Named 2005 NWCA DI Coach of the Year

 

 

(Manheim, PA) After guiding his team to its highest NCAA finish since 1953, the NWCA was honored to recognize Rob Koll of Cornell University as the 2005 NCAA Division I Coach of the Year. Koll’s Big Red team had an amazing NCAA Championship by finishing fourth in the team race. .

After finishing the dual meet season with a 12-4 record and capturing its third consecutive Ivy League Championship, the Big Red put together a strong postseason run. Cornell finished second at the EIWA Championships falling by just 2.5 points to champion Lehigh University. The Big Red qualified nine wrestlers to the NCAA Championships led by EIWA Champions, Travis Lee (133lbs), Joe Mazzurco (174lbs) and Tyler Baier (184lbs).

 

Cornell saved their best for last. Led by NCAA Champion, Travis Lee (133lbs), the Big Red scored 76.5 points to finish in fourth at the NCAA Championships. Cornell had a school record four All-Americans including NCAA runner-up Tyler Baier (184lbs), fifth place finisher Joe Mazzurco (174lbs) and sixth place finisher Dustin Manotti (149lbs). All nine of Cornell’s NCAA qualifiers scored team points contributing to the team finish.

 

The Big Red's finish is the second highest in Cornell and Ivy League history, only bettered by the 1953 squad, which finished third on the strength of national champions Frank Bettucci (147) and Don Dickason (167). That was also the last time an Ivy League team had a top five finish. The best placing by an Ivy squad since was seventh by Cornell in 1958.

 

NWCA President Ron Beaschler commented, "It is a privilege to honor Coach Rob Koll and the Cornell University wrestling community for their outstanding athletic and academic achievements. This award is a testament to Coach Koll’s dedication and commitment to his profession and athletes. This award also reinforces the notion that elite academic institutions can thrive in the sport of intercollegiate athletics.”

Coaches who receive this award are ineligible for this honor for three years. Head Coaches ineligible to receive the award include Russ Hellickson of Ohio State University, John Smith of Oklahoma State University, and Greg Strobel of Lehigh University.

 

The NWCA Coach of Year is voted upon by the NCAA Division I Coaches at the NCAA Championships in St. Louis.

Koll will be honored at the NWCA Convention in Buffalo on September 16 and at the 2006 NCAA Championships in Oklahoma City.

 

 

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