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    Watson-Powell named men's, women's wrestling coach at Iowa Wesleyan

    MOUNT PLEASANT, Iowa -- Iowa Wesleyan University announces that Robert Watson-Powell will serve as the men's and women's wrestling coach for the Tigers beginning on September 2, 2019. Coach Powell will relaunch the wrestling program and serve as the first NCAA Division III wrestling coach at Iowa Wesleyan, which recently added both men's and women's wrestling teams. The women's program is the first NCAA Division III women's program in the state of Iowa. The IW wrestling teams will begin competition during the 2020-2021 academic year.

    "We are excited to bring Coach Powell to the Iowa Wesleyan Community,'' said Director of Athletics, Derek Zander. "Coach Powell's vision for this program aligns with the mission and vision of Iowa Wesleyan University. He will bring a wide variety of experience in both freestyle and folkstyle wrestling to assist in recruiting high-quality student-athletes to compete for Iowa Wesleyan."

    Coach Powell brings a vast amount of knowledge and coaching experience to the newly developed program. He is a 2014 graduate of Muskingum University in New Concord, OH where he received a BA in health and physical education. He went on to earn an MBA in sports and recreational management from New England College in Henniker, NH in 2019. Robert began his coaching career as a volunteer assistant at Maysville High School in Zanesville, OH. He was also a volunteer assistant at Muskingum University for two years. He went on to become the head coach at Willard High School in Willard, OH from 2014-16. After that, he became a volunteer assistant at the high school he graduated from, Kenston High School, in Chagrin Falls, OH from 2016-17. He also served as a graduate assistant and New England College from 2017-19 where he was highly involved in the recruiting efforts for the program.

    "I am very blessed to have been given this opportunity to become the first NCAA Division III Head Wrestling Coach at Iowa Wesleyan University. In my short time on campus, the faculty and staff have made me feel right at home, and a part of Tiger Nation. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to be part of an athletic department that has grown tremendously over the past few years. The addition of men's and women's wrestling is another step towards their commitment to growth and athletic success. I am extremely eager to arrive on campus to become a part of the Iowa Wesleyan Community and to begin building The Tiger's Wrestling Program."

    Coach Powell also brings to IW an impressive leadership background from his time at Muskingum University. Robert was the team captain from 2011-13. He facilitated all pre and post-season workouts for his team and led recruitment meetings for prospective students. He was the Recruitment Chair for the Black Student Union and was the President for the Interfraternal Council. He was also the Fundraising and Community Chair for the Ulster Club Fraternity.

    A press conference will be held with Coach Powell on Tuesday, September 3 at 11:00 a.m. in the Espy-McCurdy Conference Room of the Howe Student Activity Center on the campus of Iowa Wesleyan University.

    Tiger Athletics: Iowa Wesleyan University strives to provide its student-athletes the opportunity to be successful in life and sports. Engaged in the SLIAC and UMAC Conferences, Tiger athletics is a proud member of NCAA Division III.

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