VanGroll takes over for former UW-Parkside wrestling coach Gregg Lewis, who announced his retirement at the end of June when the school made the coaching position full-time instead of part-time. Lewis had served as the Rangers head coach for the past six years.
A native of Maribel, Wis., VanGroll earned All-American honors for UW-Parkside as a senior, placing fourth in the 165-pound bracket at the 2009 NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships.
In addition to stepping into a new position with knowledge that only an alum can offer, VanGroll brings more than eight years of coaching experience at the NCAA Division III and NJCAA (National Junior College Athletics Association) levels. He launched his career at Iowa Lakes Community College in 2009, coaching the school's first national champion.
In 2012, VanGroll accepted the head coaching position at Concordia University in Wisconsin, where he coached two national champs – including the school's first – and a total of nine All-Americans. He led Concordia to three consecutive conference championships in 2013, 2014 and 2015, and was named Northern Wrestling Association Coach of the Year.
"We are thrilled to welcome Corey back to campus to lead our wrestling program and our student-athletes," said Andrew Gavin, UW-Parkside Director of Athletics. "His experiences and successful track record as a head coach are impressive and will be complimented by his knowledge of our University and wrestling program, connections to Ranger Alumni, and ties to the wrestling community in the area. Our storied program looks forward to a bright future with Corey at the helm."
"I am honored and humbled to return to UW-Parkside and to carry on this program's rich tradition," VanGroll said in a statement released by the school. "I look forward to developing each and every athlete as we strive for athletic and academic prowess. I also look forward to connecting with old and new fans, friends, families and alumni."
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