TAHLEQUAH, Okla. — Northeastern State has tapped a proven national winner to launch its men's wrestling program, announcing Terry Pack as the first head coach in school history.
 
Pack, a USA Gold-Certified head coach, brings a decorated career spanning the collegiate and international levels. He owns a 128-22 career record as a men's college head coach and a combined 145-23 record coaching both men and women over eight seasons at the NJCAA level. Northeastern State President Rodney Hanley said the university sought a leader who could establish a culture of excellence from the outset.
 
"Championship programs are built on leadership, discipline and vision," Hanley said. "In Terry Pack, we have found a coach who embodies all three. His record of success and commitment to student-athlete development will establish a culture of excellence that reflects the very best of Northeastern State University."
 
Athletic Director John Sisemore said Pack's proven ability to build and sustain winning programs made him the clear choice to lead the RiverHawks.
 
"We wanted someone who could build a championship culture from day one," Sisemore said in a statement. "Terry Pack's track record speaks for itself."
 
Pack was named NJCAA Coach of the Year and earned five NJCAA Regional Coach of the Year honors. His teams captured a national championship in the 2000-01 season, and he has coached 14 individual national champions and 44 All-Americans during his career.
 
In 2023, Pack was recognized as Women's National Coach of the Year. He previously earned Men's National Coach of the Year honors in 2000. His experience also includes serving as a U.S. Senior World Team coach and U.S. Cadet World Team coach, highlighting his impact beyond the collegiate ranks.
 
At Neosho County Community College, Pack compiled a 101-17 record over six seasons, leading the men's program. He later guided the program at Southeast Community College to a 12-2 mark in 2023-24 and a 15-3 record in 2024-25. Pack is currently 17-2 this season at SCC and ranked No. 4 nationally.
 
Pack has also led successful women's programs, posting an 11-0 record at Neosho County and a 6-1 mark at Southeast Community College for a combined 17-1 record.
 
As a competitor, Pack was a college All-American and recorded 116 career victories. He also earned multiple coaching honors earlier in his career, including Southwest Iowa Coach of the Year and Iowa High School Rookie Coach of the Year.
 
Pack said he is eager to build the RiverHawks' program into a contender.
 
"This is an incredible opportunity to start something special at Northeastern State," Pack said. "Our goal is to build a program that competes for championships and develops student-athletes the right way."
 
The addition of men's wrestling marks a significant step in Northeastern State's athletic expansion. With Pack at the helm, the RiverHawks are banking on a foundation built on national success, international experience and a history of producing champions.