Michael Hughes (Photo/Hofstra Sports Information)Hempstead, N.Y. -- Hofstra head wrestling coach Dennis Papadatos today announced that Hofstra alumnus and 2018 NCAA All-American Michael Hughes has been appointed volunteer assistant coach for the wrestling team in 2018-19.
"We are delighted to have Mike back in the wrestling room with us, now as a coach," Papadatos said. "During his five years with the program he has been an inspiration to his teammates, both on the mat and off, with his positive attitude, great work ethic and community spirit. All of his hard work paid off last March with him earning All-American honors at the NCAA Championships in Cleveland to cap off an outstanding career. I have no doubt that he will be a great addition to our coaching staff."
Hughes, a native of Smithtown, New York, placed sixth in the 2018 NCAA Division I Championships by posting a 5-3 record to earn his first All-America honor. He became the first Hofstra heavyweight All-American since Joel Kislin placed third in 1973 and the 19th Pride wrestler (30 total All-Americans) to climb the All-American victory stand.
While the All-American award was the icing on the cake, Hughes recorded both an amazing senior season and career. He recorded a 39-6 final record including an 8-0 mark in Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association dual matches and a 19-0 dual match slate. Hughes, who had winning streaks of 18 matches and 16 matches, posted 102 team points on his own on 19 wins by fall, 11 wins by decision, two tech falls and three major decisions. At the conclusion of the NCAA Championships, Hughes received the NCAA Division I Award for Most Pins during the 2017-18 season.
Hughes' 39 victories in 2017-18 are the sixth-most in a single season in school history. In addition, Hughes finished his career with 115 victories, tying him with James Strouse (2002-07) and Tom Noto (1999-2004) for eighth-place on the all-time Pride career victory list. The two-time NCAA Championship qualifier was also selected the 2018 Hofstra Student-Athlete of the Year
Hughes, who received his Hofstra bachelor's degree in physical education in May 2017 and is currently completing work on a master's degree, has served as a counselor at the Hofstra Summer Camps from 2013 through 2018 as well as the Smithtown West Booster Camp from 2016 through 2018. He was also President of the Hofstra Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) as a senior and was involved with many charitable endeavors during his tenure including the Ruff House Rescue (2014-18), the Girl Scout Walkathon (2014-18), Reading with Pride (2014-18) and St. Patrick's Volunteer Softball Coach (2011-13). Hughes was a three-time (2016-18) recipient of the Hofstra Pride Community Service Award.
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