Wisconsin Wrestling Online

College and University Wrestling => Discuss Wisconsin Collegiate Wrestling - All Divisions => Topic started by: TomM on May 06, 2021, 01:52:24 PM

Title: Parkside Names Nick Becker ’18 as Head Wrestling Coach
Post by: TomM on May 06, 2021, 01:52:24 PM
Parkside Names Nick Becker '18 as Head Wrestling Coach

https://www.nwcaonline.com/parkside-names-nick-becker-18-as-head-wrestling-coach/

KENOSHA, Wis. – The University of Wisconsin-Parkside and Director of Athletics Andrew Gavin are pleased to announce the hiring of Nick Becker '18 as the new Head Wrestling Coach. Becker, the fourth head coach in program history, joins the Parkside Athletics staff effective immediately.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:  @RangerAthletics

"First off, I would like to thank Andrew Gavin and the rest of the search committee for giving me the opportunity to be the next Ranger Wrestling Head Coach," Nick Becker said. "I'm humbled to lead a program with such a strong foundation and rich support system. Our alumni, community, and fans are the backbone of Parkside Wrestling. I can't wait to reconnect with the Parkside Wrestling support system and build on what Coach Koch started a long time ago."

"I'm thrilled to start working with these student-athletes and look forward to helping them reach their goals on the mat, in the classroom, and ultimately in life. We have all the resources in place to excel at the highest level and we will look to build on our championship culture immediately. Last but not least, I would like to thank my family, former coaches, teammates, and friends for all the support throughout my career as an athlete and coach."

Becker, a 2018 Parkside graduate, had the most impressive career of any wrestler in Parkside's rich history. He was a 3-time NCAA Division II National Champion (2016, 2017, 2018), finished his career with a perfect 89-0 record and is a 2-time NCAA D2 Wrestler of the Year.

Becker led Parkside to a third place finish in the NCAA Division II Championships, the highest team finish in school history. He is the younger brother of Parkside wrestling greats Brad Becker '06, Kyle Becker '08 and Craig Becker '11, all of whom were All-Americans for the Rangers.

"We're thrilled to welcome Nick back to Parkside as the head coach of our storied program," Gavin said. "While his credentials on the mat are certainly unprecedented, it was his approach to leading and mentoring our young men, his unquestioned work ethic, and his passion and commitment to Parkside Wrestling that made him the right person to lead our program. He will build and grow relationships with recruits, student-athletes, alumni, and the community that will enhance our legacy of success on and off the mat."

Most recently, Becker has served as the head coach of Wisconsin's Junior National Team, where he works with the best wrestlers in the state preparing for USA Wrestling's regional and national events. While working with the University of Wisconsin wrestling program from 2019-2020 at the Wisconsin Regional Training Center in Madison, Becker was training to become a member of the 2020 Olympic Wrestling. Following graduation, he worked for one year at Parkside as the Graduate Assistant Wrestling Coach in 2018-19. He has also worked with the Ben Askren Wrestling Academy for three years.

A native of Hartford, Wis., he graduated from Parkside in 2018 with a bachelor's degree in sport management.

What They Are Saying About Nick Becker

Brad Becker '07 | Nick's older brother
"Congrats brother Nick!  Couldn't be more proud of you getting the head wrestling coach position at our alma mater, UW-Parkside. It's most deserved and earned. Nobody strives better under pressure and is more dedicated to the sport of wrestling than you.  You are the "GOAT" when it came to competing at Parkside, 3x undefeated National Champion speaks for itself.  But, what I'm even more impressed with is how you have given back to the sport by coaching, mentoring, and guiding wrestlers at all grade levels.  You have a great way of connecting and building positive relationships with the athletes you coach.  The future of Parkside Wrestling is bright with you at the helm striving for greatness day in and day out.  Coach Koch is smiling down from the heavens above and couldn't be happier with the search committee's decision to pick you as the next leader for the current and future Parkside wrestlers. Time to add more All-Americans and National Champions to the rich tradition of Parkside Wrestling!" #PaveYourWay -Brad

Kyle Becker '08 | Nick's older brother
"What a great day to be a Ranger!! I am beyond excited for the hiring of the new head wrestling coach my brother, Nick Becker.  Athletic director Andrew Gavin and his team made a great choice on hiring Nick. Nick's love for wrestling is unmatched and I know great things are going to happen for him and more importantly the student-athletes he will be mentoring. The two things that have made Nick succeed on and off the mat are heart and a hard work, traits that were instilled in us by our parents. Nick will bring this same philosophy to his coaching career. I know Nick will strive to continue that same coaching legacy, Coach Koch personified in his 40+ of coaching experience. Coach's mentorship was a huge staple in Nick's success and I believe he will try in replicate that with his athletes."

Craig Becker '11 | Nick's older brother
"What an exciting time for Parkside Wrestling!! Nick will bring a new level of energy to this program, that same passion and desire to win that he had as a student-athlete, will transcend into his role as the Head Coach for Parkside Wrestling.  It is always great to have an alum take over a program you care so deeply about but for that alum to be your brother is something I had always dreamed of and a very humbling experience.  I would like to thank Andrew Gavin and the entire hiring committee for all their time and effort they put into this search. I am proud to say, I think they made the right choice!!

Chris Bono | University of Wisconsin Head Wrestling Coach
"Nick Becker is one of the hardest workers I have ever been around! His knowledge and passion for wrestling is off the charts. He deeply cares for every student-athlete he has mentored! He loves UW-Parkside and to see him come "home" is a dream come true! Nick will do amazing things as the head coach!  I could not be happier for Nick,  his Family, UW-Parkside and the state of Wisconsin!"

Ben Askren | Professional MMA wrestler
"I'm pumped to see what Nick can do with the UW-Parkside wrestling program! I've followed Nick since he was a young kid through his career at UW-Parkside and I know the sky's the limit for him and the program."

Dan Koch | Brother of Legendary Parkside Head Coach Jim Koch
"On behalf of the Jim "Coach" Koch Family, we are very excited about the selection of Nick Becker as the fourth wrestling coach in Parkside's history. Coach would be excited and proud to have two Becker's leading the program, that meant so much to him. The Jim Koch Wrestling Center is proud to welcome Coach Nick Becker back to lead the program."

Corey VanGroll | Former Parkside Wrestling Head Coach
"I have coached Nick, coached with him, and known Nick for a long time. He will be a great role model, mentor, and coach for the team. I know how much passion he brings to Parkside Wrestling, and he comes with an unparalleled work ethic. I am excited for him, and I am excited about the new heights he will take the program to. Parkside wrestling is alive and well!"
Title: Re: Parkside Names Nick Becker ’18 as Head Wrestling Coach
Post by: Ghetto on May 06, 2021, 02:34:40 PM
4th coach in school history. That's crazy. With him being this young, he could keep this thing going for a long time.

Congrats to Parkside for picking him.
Title: Re: Parkside Names Nick Becker ’18 as Head Wrestling Coach
Post by: bigG on May 07, 2021, 07:06:01 AM
Glad they found an alum. Koch would be proud.
Title: Re: Parkside Names Nick Becker ’18 as Head Wrestling Coach
Post by: BuckyMatt on May 07, 2021, 08:59:15 AM
Nick is a great great guy and close with Bono and Reader. Maybe we will see a UW vs Parkside dual in the future!!