Brent HammMOUNT VERNON -- Brent Hamm will maintain his title as Interim Head Coach of Cornell College's wrestling program for the 2018-19 season, it was announced Saturday by Director of Athletics Keith Hackett.
Hamm, a 2015 Cornell graduate and two-time NCAA qualifier for the Rams, has been on Cornell's coaching staff the past three seasons. The Iowa City native served as the team's head assistant coach during the 2017-18 season.
Hamm takes over Cornell's storied program for legendary coach Mike Duroe, who passed away July 6 after a nine-month battle with cancer.
“During the past eight months I have watched Brenton Hamm grow as a leader and coach under challenging circumstances,†Hackett said. “Brenton did an exceptional job of leading our wrestling team when Coach Duroe was going through medical treatments. After all things were considered, my decision was that Brenton had earned the opportunity to continue in this role for the 2018-19 academic year. He is a very capable and committed young coach who will do an outstanding job.â€
Hamm held an increased role on Cornell's staff in 2017-18, during which the Rams crowned three all-Americans and placed 17th at the NCAA Division III Championships. It was the program's ninth Top 20 national team finish in 12 years.
Hamm was a four-year starter for the Hall of Famer Duroe, Cornell's winningest wrestling coach with 144 dual wins over 13 seasons. The Rams landed 47 NCAA qualifiers, 22 all-Americans, five NCAA finalists and one NCAA champion during the Duroe Era.
“Brenton certainly learned a great deal from Coach Duroe as a wrestler and assistant,†Hackett said. “I am confident in Brenton and know that the program is in very good hands as we move forward. He has also proven to be a very capable recruiter, bringing in an excellent class of freshmen and transfers this fall.â€
In Hamm's three seasons as an assistant, Cornell had nine NCAA qualifiers and six all-Americans.
Hamm was a two-time team captain for the Rams and recorded 90 victories over his four-year career from 2011-15. He qualified for the NCAA Championships at 174 pounds in 2014 and 2015. A four-time regional placewinner, Hamm captured the Central Region title in 2015.
Hamm also excelled in the class room, earning three NWCA Scholar All-America awards as a student-athlete. A member of the Dean's List, Hamm received team Most Dedicated, Most Improved and Most Valuable awards. He earned a bachelor's degree from Cornell in exercise science.
Hamm was head coach of Lisbon Matpack Wrestling Club from 2015-17. He was a personal trainer at GRIT Gym in Iowa City for two years (2015-17).
Cornell will conduct a national search for its full-time head wrestling coaching position following the 2018-19 season.
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