"Chris has an outstanding wrestling pedigree and will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to our upper weights," Branch said. "He is one of the best technicians in the country and he has a passion for coaching. He has trained with some of the best wrestlers in the country and has coached some very successful athletes. I know he will do great things with our team."
A Lemoore, Calif., product, Pendleton won NCAA titles at 174 pounds in 2004 and 2005 and was a three-time collegiate All-American (2003-05) while competing for the Oklahoma State Cowboys. He was a member of the OSU squad from 2001-05 while Branch was the associate head coach for the program. Pendleton defeated future two-time NCAA champion and Dan Hodge Trophy winner Ben Askren of Missouri for both of his titles. He was a leader on three Oklahoma State NCAA championship teams (2003-05), compiled a 118-12 record (91% winning percentage) as a collegian and was a 2006 USA National Team member.
He was a two-time Big 12 individual champion, claiming titles in 2003 and 2005. Pendleton also won the 145-pound California State Championship in his senior year at Lemoore High School.
Pendleton served as a volunteer assistant coach for OSU in 2009-10.
He is the son of Bill Pendleton and Lisa Cervantes. He has two younger brothers, Willy and Jacob. Chris was born January 21, 1982.
Pendleton joins Travis Shufelt, in his fifth year, and Ethan Kyle (second year) on Branch's staff for the 2010-11 season.
"I believe we are building one of the best programs in the country and doing it with a first-class coaching staff," Branch concluded.
Recommended Comments
There are no comments to display.
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now