Nick Simmons hired as Head Assistant Coach at Indiana University

6/2 - Nick Simmons is coming back to the Midwest.  The former 4x Undefeated State Champ

from Williamston High School who went on to be a 4x All-American and 3x Big Ten

Champion at Michigan State has spent the past 5 years in Corvallis, Oregon working with

Oregon State University while training and competing on the International circuit. 

The 29 year old Simmons is now coming back to the Midwest, and the Big Ten, as he has

been hired as the Head Assistant Coach at Indiana University.

"I am excited to be at Indiana," said Simmons, "I'm glad that I got this opportunity to be part

of a Big Ten program.  I love Big Ten wrestling and can't wait to be back in it."

Simmons, who has been one of the top light weight wrestlers in the United States for the

better part of the past decade on the senior level, has been the Oregon State Director of

Operations for the past three seasons while training and competing.  He is excited about

moving to a bigger role with the Hoosiers, but will miss being a Beaver.

"It is really hard leaving OSU, the coaches are some of the best to work with and to work for,"

said Simmons.  "I have learned a lot from them and the guys on the team were great as well."

Simmons departs a Beaver program that has been on a constant rise the past few seasons and cracked the Top 10 at the NCAA Tournament this year, finishing 10th with 3 All-Americans.   Along with his skills and knowledge, Simmons will also look to bring some of the same kind of success to an Indiana program that was tied for 37th in last year's NCAA Tournament, scoring just 10 team points with no all-americans.

"I hope to get there and made an impact right away," said Simmons.  "The goals and

expectations should be to compete for Big Ten and NCAA titles every year and I am ready to

get to work and help them move in that direction."

As Director of Operations at Oregon State, Simmons was not involved in the recruiting

process and was limited primarily to mat-room and office duties.  As the Head Assistant for

the Hoosiers, he will now be able to delve into more aspects of the coaching realm, an

opportunity he is ready for.

"I am excited to be able to start talking to and recruiting the best kids in the nation.  Now I

will be able to coach and at duals and tournaments, which will also be nice."

After making the 2011 World Team and finishing 5th at the Senior World Championships last

fall in Istanbul, Turkey, Simmons finished 2nd at this year's Olympic Trials.  He is the #1

alternate for Team USA, therefore, he still has to stay focused on training and preparing

for the OIympic Games in case he is called upon.  After the London Olympics, he says he

is not yet sure what his competetive plans are.

"I'm not sure what I'm gonna do yet with competing in the future. As of right now I'm training

as if I'm going to London because I have to be ready in case something happens to Haze

(Olympic Team Member Sam Hazewinkel)."

Nick Simmons has been one of the most successfull wrestlers in Michigan history at all

levels.  Now he will look to carry on that high level of success to his coaching career at

Indiana.  While he is not back in the Great Lakes State, he is much closer to home, a factor that he says played a huge part in his decision.  Also a factor in his decision is getting closer to his ultimate goal of being a Head Coach.

"Being a few hours from home is going to be great and made the decision a lot easier," said Simmons.  "Getting the chance to be the head assistant at a Big ten school is a step in the right direction so that I can be a head coach someday down the road."

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