"I'm very glad to have Donny back with Wisconsin wrestling," Davis said. "He brings intensity and a strong work ethic to the program as well as world-level experience."
Donny PritzlaffThe Lyndhurst, N.J., native is excited to come back to the place where he won two NCAA titles and three Big Ten championships.
"I'm thrilled to be involved with the Wisconsin wrestling program again because it is an exciting program with a lot of energy," Pritzlaff said.
Pritzlaff's familiarity with the program and his status as one of the best current wrestlers in the world will both help him be an effective coach for the Badgers.
"I know a lot about the university and the athletic department from my time here," Pritzlaff added. "Also, as a current wrestler, I'm at the forefront of the sport and am up on the latest techniques, which I can pass on to our athletes."
Pritzlaff is the latest in a string of former Badgers to return to Madison to work with Wisconsin wrestling. Two-time NCAA All-American and Big Ten champion Tom Clum was recently named the USA Wisconsin Wrestling Club coach by the National Office of USA Wrestling. Ed Gutnik and Kelly Flaherty joined Clum on the Wisconsin Wrestling Club staff, Gutnik as an assistant coach and Flaherty as the strength coach. Tony Black, who served as a volunteer assistant coach for the Badgers for the past two years, will be the new Wisconsin Wrestling Club administrator.
The presence of Pritzlaff, Clum and Gutnik will offer UW wrestlers a chance to practice, wrestle and drill with top talent to improve their skills. It will also surround current wrestlers with the history and tradition of the program.
"Having these guys come back says a lot about the program because they want to make a commitment to the future of Wisconsin wrestling," Davis said. "They have all been through exactly the same things that our athletes are growing through. They will help the program go to the next level."
Donny Pritzlaff was a three-time Big Ten champion (1999-2001), a two-time NCAA champion (2000 and 2001) and a four-time All-American at the 165 weight class. His career winning percentage of .894 (135 wins, 16 losses) stands as the second best in program history while his 135 career wins ranks fourth.
Since completing his eligibility in 2001, Pritzlaff has stayed involved in the wrestling community. While helping the Badgers as a volunteer coach in 2001-02, Pritzlaff was able to train and complete his undergraduate degree, which he did in 2002.
Following graduation, Pritzlaff accepted a position to become an assistant coach at Hofstra University. He has continued to train and wrestle competitively while building coaching experience and hopes to compete in the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China.
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