Hand Named Assistant Coach

May 4, 2006

IOWA CITY, IA – Two-time all-American and former Hawkeye Wes Hand has been named assistant wrestling coach at the University of Iowa. Hand joins Dan Gable as an assistant coach on Tom Brands’ staff.

“Wes is a young and talented assistant coach,” said Brands. “I’ve worked with Wes the last two years and helped coach him as a collegiate wrestler. He made a great transition from competing as an athlete to coaching. He’ll be a valuable part of our new staff.”

Hand was an assistant coach at Virginia Tech for four years (2002-06), serving under Brands for the past two seasons. During his tenure with the Hokies, the team won the 2005 regular season Atlantic Coast Conference title, set a school record for dual meet wins (16) and had a school-record five wrestlers qualify for the NCAA Championships. Senior heavyweight Mike Faust was named 2006 ACC Wrestler of the Year.

“I’m excited about the opportunity to represent the University of Iowa and to continue my relationships with Tom Brands,” said Hand. “I’m looking forward to it.”

While competing for the Hawkeyes (1997-2001), Hand posted a 102-32 career mark at heavyweight. He placed second at the 2001 NCAA and Big Ten Championships. He also placed eighth at the 1999 NCAA meet. A native of Tama, IA, Hand earned a B.S. in health, leisure and sports studies from Iowa in 2000.