Harvard adds Sheptock, DiJulius to coaching staff

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. -- Harvard wrestling has added Jimmy Sheptock and Johnni DiJulius to its coaching staff, The David G. Bunning '88 Head Coach for Harvard Wrestling Jay Weiss announced today. Sheptock will serve as the program's assistant coach with DiJulius set to arrive in Cambridge as the Crimson's volunteer assistant.

"I could not be happier with the additions of Jimmy and Johnni to our staff," Weiss said. "Each one brings an energy and passion that will undoubtedly filter into our program. These guys are of high character and driven for excellence. I am very much looking forward to working with them."

Sheptock comes to Harvard after a three-year stint at his alma mater, the University of Maryland, where he spent two seasons as an assistant coach before being elevated to associate head coach prior to the 2018-19 campaign. During his time in College Park, Sheptock helped Maryland send eight Terrapins to the NCAA Championships with heavyweight Youssif Hemida earning All-America honors in 2018 and 2019. Youssif became Maryland's eighth wrestler to earn All-America accolades multiple times in a career and the first since Sheptock accomplished the feat in 2014.

"I am excited to start my new role at Harvard," Sheptock said. "I am grateful for the opportunity that Coach Weiss and the rest of his coaching staff has given me. I look forward to coaching the best and brightest at the world's greatest institution!"

The three-time ACC champion and NCAA qualifier began his coaching career at Drexel where he helped the Dragons to 10 dual-meet wins in 2015-16, the program's most since 2008-09. In that season, Sheptock helped six Drexel wrestlers reach the EIWA podium with two winning conference titles and seven earning a spot at the 2016 NCAA meet.

Before moving into the coaching ranks, Sheptock graduated in 2014 as one of Maryland's most storied wrestlers. In addition to his three ACC titles, three NCAA appearances and two All-America honors while competing at 174 and 184 pounds, Sheptock compiled a record of 129-20 and was an unblemished 51-0 in dual matches with 67 bonus-point victories. His finest season came in 2013-14, when he finished with a 32-1 record after clinching an NCAA finals berth, ACC championship and Midlands title.

DiJulius, meanwhile, brings similar credentials to Cambridge following a stellar collegiate career at Ohio State. Wrestling at 133 pounds, DiJulius posted a record of 115-47 in Columbus, including a 30-8 record as a junior in 2014-15, which ultimately helped the Buckeyes win not only the Big Ten crown, but the program's only NCAA title. DiJulius also qualified for the NCAA Championships four times and won the 133-pound weight class at the 2013 Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational.

"I am so excited to start working at Harvard and not only helping wrestlers become the best version of themselves on and off the mat, but also making myself the best version I can be as well," DiJulius said. "I can't wait to get started."

After his collegiate career at Ohio State came to an end, DiJulius relocated to Kent, Ohio, to become a volunteer assistant coach at Kent State. In his one season, DiJulius helped a pair of Golden Flashes - Anthony Tutolo at 133 pounds and 157-pounder Casey Sparkman - qualify for the NCAA meet. The last two years, he has trained at the Ohio Regional Training Center in Columbus.