Tiffin University Sports Information
Wrestling will become Tiffin University’s 20th NCAA Division II intercollegiate varsity sport beginning in the 2010-11 season. The program will make its debut in 2009-10 as a club sport.
Wrestling will become the 10th men’s sport offered by TU. The university also recently added its 10th women’s sport, women’s lacrosse, which begins play during the 2009-10 season. The wrestling team, which will host matches in the Gillmor Center, will compete as an Independent varsity program beginning in the fall of 2010.
A total of 44 NCAA Division II institutions compete in wrestling, including programs at Gannon University, Ashland University, the University of Findlay, the University of Indianapolis, Mercyhurst University, the University of Pitt-Johnstown, Seton Hill University, and West Liberty State.
“We are excited at the prospect of adding wrestling to our athletic department, “said Lonny Allen, Athletic Director. “There is a rich wrestling tradition not just in Ohio but among local high schools. I think we can offer a great opportunity to young area talent. We also wanted to expand our athletic department to match other GLIAC schools. From an intercollegiate perspective, wrestling is a strong regional sport, and that appealed to us as well.”
Jesse named head coach
Doug Jesse has been named Head Wrestling Coach at Tiffin University. He will guide the program in its debut in 2009-10 as a club program and lead it in its first NCAA varsity season in 2010-11.
“It’s great to come home, “Jesse, who attended Hopewell-Loudon High School, said. “I have thought a lot over the years about what it would be like for Tiffin University to start up a wrestling program. Wrestling is so strong in Ohio that it seemed like a natural growth sport for the university. This is a great opportunity to put together a strong program.”
WWe are excited to have Doug become our wrestling coach, “said Lonny Allen, Athletic Director. “He has a great wrestling background both locally at Hopewell-Loudon and at college at Cornell. He is a great example of exactly the kind of wrestler we want to come and make up the Dragons program. We feel he is perfectly suited to build the program both academically and on the mat.”
Prior to coming to Tiffin University, Jesse spent four seasons as the head wrestling coach at Division I Wagner College. He had previously served as assistant wrestling coach at Heidelberg College.
Jesse also excelled as a grappler, as he was a four-year member of the Cornell University wrestling team. He helped lead the Big Red to three Ivy League titles in his four years. Jesse graduated with a bachelor of science in human development in 2004.
While at Hopewell-Loudon, Jesse was a four-time State qualifier, twice placing second in the finals as a freshman and a senior. He also had a third place finish as a junior.
In addition to his head coaching responsibilities, Jesse is active on the summer camp circuit previously serving as an instructor at the Cornell and Hopewell-Loudon high school wrestling camps.
Wrestling Gear
