Brent Metcalf (Photo/Iowa State Sports Information)AMES, Iowa -- Four-time U.S. World Freestyle Team member Brent Metcalf has been promoted to assistant coach for the Iowa State wrestling team. Metcalf was the program's volunteer assistant coach.
"I am excited to promote Brent within our organization," Head Coach Kevin Dresser said. "He did a fantastic job in his first year at Iowa State and I am excited to see him to continue to grow as a coach. Getting Brent out on the road recruiting will be a new and exciting challenge for him and, most importantly, a huge asset to the future of Cyclone Wrestling."
In his volunteer role on Dresser's staff last year, Metcalf was instrumental in the development of NCAA Championship qualifier Jarrett Degen and Junior World Team member Austin Gomez.
"My experience at Iowa State last year was above and beyond any expectations I had," Metcalf said. "This coaching staff, administration and, most importantly, this team are a great group of motivated individuals who I feel blessed to work."
A tenacious and highly successful competitor himself, Metcalf is eager to take on a greater role in recruiting, training and coaching the Cyclones.
"I very much look forward to taking on a larger role in recruiting and finding the right student-athletes to represent this University," Metcalf said. "My favorite part about coaching is impacting the lives and careers of young men and I'm laser focused on that mission. I look forward to the challenge of bringing Iowa State Wrestling back to national contention, where it belongs!"
Metcalf served as the National Freestyle Developmental Coach prior to his arrival in Ames. He joined the USA Wrestling coaching staff in 2016, where his duties centered on coaching the age-group men's freestyle World Teams, directing the freestyle resident athletes at the U.S. Olympic Training Center and serving as an assistant coach on the senior national team.
As a senior-level athlete, Metcalf was a staple in the United States' lineup from 2010-16. He won a gold medal at the 2015 Pan American Games, claimed World Cup gold medals in 2014 and 2015 won the 2014 UWW Golden Grand Prix Finals and earned a silver medal at the 2013 Ivan Yarygin Grand Prix.
Metcalf qualified for the U.S. Freestyle National Team six straight years (2010-16), winning U.S. Open titles in 2014 and 2015. He was also a member of the 2006 Junior World Team.
The Davison, Mich. native is one of the most decorated wrestlers in University of Iowa history. He won two NCAA titles (2008 and 2010) and was an NCAA finalist (2008-10) in each of his three seasons at Iowa. Metcalf won the 2008 Dan Hodge Trophy, given to the nation's best collegiate wrestler, and helped the Hawkeyes win NCAA team titles each year. His career winning percentage of 97.2 (108-3 record) is second-best in Hawkeye history. He was named the Jesse Owens Big Ten Athlete of the Year in 2008, the Outstanding Wrestler at the NCAA Championship in 2008 and was a three-time member of the NWCA All-Academic Team.
Metcalf was one of the most highly touted prep wrestlers. While wrestling for Davison High School, he posted a record of 228-0 with 156 victories by fall. He was one of the best athletes to wrestle in USA Wrestling's age-group program, winning six ASICS Junior National Titles, three each in freestyle and Greco-Roman.
Metcalf and his wife Kristen have three kids, Chase, Cole and Wyatt.
He earned his bachelor's degree from Iowa in 2010.
Metcalf's hiring is pending a university background check.
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