Former Hoosier wrestler Angel Escobedo is returning to Bloomington to be the new associate head coach of the IU wrestling program, IU Athletics announced Wednesday.
Escobedo was a standout for the Hoosiers on the mat in a career that lasted from 2007 to 2010. He is the only four-time All-American in IU history and was a 2008 national champion. He tallied 137 wins and 42 pins with just 14 losses.
IU Coach Duane Goldman expressed his excitement about Escobedo’s return to the school in the release.
“He’s someone I recruited out of high school, and he had a career here that speaks for itself; but even more than that, he’s a great person,” Goldman said. “I think he’s someone who will be a great role model and example for our guys.”
Escobedo returns to Bloomington from Ames, Iowa, where he was a volunteer assistant to the Iowa State wrestling program for the last three years. Escobedo said in a release he has always thought about coming back to coach at his alma mater.
“I always told (coach Goldman) that if he ever had an opportunity for me to reach out to me,” Escobedo said in the release. “When I got that call, my family and I were super excited about it.”
The Hoosiers have won five Big Ten dual meets in the last two seasons combined after winning just one in the five years prior. In addition, it was recently announced a new wrestling facility, to be shared with the women’s volleyball team, will be built and ready for use as early as 2018.
Escobedo said his love for the program motivated his decision to return to IU.
“I wanted to put the state Indiana back on the map of collegiate wrestling, and I’ve always wanted to make Indiana known for what it is: a great state for wrestling,” Escobedo said in the release. “Beyond that, Indiana University felt like family to me.”
Ryan Schuld
