MOUNT VERNON – Boston Jacobs has been named interim head coach of Cornell College's women's wrestling program for the Rams' inaugural 2023-24 competition season.
Jacobs, a native of Pekin, Ill., has worked with Cornell's men's wrestling program as assistant coach and strength and conditioning coordinator since the 2021-22 season.
"We are very excited to have Coach Jacobs on board for our inaugural season of women's wrestling," Director of Athletics Jeff Meeker said. "Boston loves Cornell, is passionate about wrestling and will work very hard to make this season a success."
The Rams also welcome elite senior-level wrestler Lauren Louive to the coaching staff as a part-time assistant. Louive is a current member of Team USA and a 2024 Olympic hopeful.
"Having Lauren's expertise and experience is a huge addition for our team," Meeker said. "She will be an outstanding role model and coach to help guide our wrestlers and build the culture needed for success."
The Rams are scheduled to make their program debut Nov. 4 at the Luther Hill Invitational in Indianola.
Jacobs and Louive are grateful for the opportunity to shape Cornell's 20th NCAA Division III intercollegiate varsity sport.
"I got into strength and conditioning so I could stay involved with wrestling. This is my dream job," said Jacobs, who has worked as a personal trainer/performance coach at Anvil Gym in Hiawatha since 2013. "Part of the excitement is having a chance to build the program from the ground up. I can set the foundation, which is awesome."
Louive, a four-time WCWA All-American at the University of the Cumberlands, was the first female to wrestle for the Hawkeye Wrestling Club (2015-19). She also has ties with Cornell's wrestling program.
"I'm excited to help the women's program and work with the great people at Cornell, because not every place is like that," Louive said. "I love the coaches at Cornell and believe I can bring value to the women's team."
Jacobs has trained many female athletes and wrestlers as sports performance coach in the Cedar Rapids area. That includes current Cornell team member Chloe (Clemons) Loyd, a prized junior transfer who in 2021 became Indian Hills' first-ever NJCAA individual national champion, competing at 123 pounds.
Jacobs is a 2014 graduate of Coe College, earning a bachelor's degree in physical education and strength and conditioning. After an injury cut short his wrestling career, Jacobs served as student assistant strength coach for Coe's wrestling, football and volleyball teams.
Jacobs has several years of experience coaching club wrestling at McDominate, TJ Trained and DC Elite. He's been a keynote speaker for suicide awareness/prevention in the Midwest since 2015.
An active competitor in strongman contests, Jacobs has placed in the Top 10 at the National Amateur Strongman Championships six times. He finished in the Top 12 at the Amateur World Championships three times.
Jacobs looks forward to building on Cornell's storied wrestling tradition.
"Historically, Cornell has been known for its wrestling," Jacobs said. "I've been fortunate to be a part of the men's program. I want to carry those high expectations over to the women's program."
Louive is training for the 2024 Olympic Trials, held next April in University Park, Pa. She also competed at the Olympic Trials in 2020 and 2016. Louive was the World Team Trials Challenge Tournament Champion in 2019.
A native of Massillon, Ohio, Louive was the 2020 U.S. Open/Senior National Champion and Klippan Lady Open Champion (Sweden). She was a bronze medalist at the 2020 Pan American Championships, and a silver medalist in 2012. Louive was crowned 2017 Dave Schultz International Champion.
Louive graduated from Cumberlands in 2013 with a triple major in biology, exercise sports science and public health. She earned a master's degree in education from Cumberlands in 2015.
