Aug. 22, 2006

Contact: Josh Rattray

Anthony Coleman, a two-time NCAA Tournament qualifier during his career at Cleveland State, has re-joined the program as a graduate assistant coach for the 2006-07 season, head wrestling coach Jack Effner announced Tuesday (Aug. 22).

"We are very excited to add Anthony to our staff because he excelled both on the mat and in the classroom as a CSU starter," Effner said. "His accomplishments were because of hard work, and as a coach, he will be able to pass along those traits to our wrestlers."

Coleman concluded his Viking career with an 87-59 record and was a three-time recipient of the CSU Athletic Academic Excellence Award.

He made his Viking wrestling debut a memorable one, earning CSU's Most Outstanding Wrestler Award as a redshirt freshman in 2001 after posting a team-high 25 wins. As a junior in the 149-pound weight class, he grappled to a 28-12 record and his first NCAA berth. He returned to the national tournament his senior year at 141 and posted one win, finishing his the season with a 21-14 record.

Coleman returns to the Vikings after coaching the 2005-06 season at Limestone College in Gaffney, S.C. He spent the previous season coaching the West Shore YMCA Club squad.

"I'm really excited to return to my alma mater and help coach this talented team," Coleman said. "I have learned so much from Coach Effner and I feel very fortunate for the opportunity to coach with him."

Coleman, 26, graduated in 2004 with a communications degree and will pursue a master's degree in sports management at CSU.

Cleveland State returns eight 10 regular starters, including four NCAA qualifiers, from a team that finished last season 6-8. The Vikings open the 2006-07 season on Nov. 4 at the Eastern Michigan Open.