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IOWA CITY, Iowa — Former University of Iowa All-American Luke Lofthouse has joined the Iowa wrestling staff as interim strength and conditioning coach. The announcement was made today by UI head coach Tom Brands.
A 2011 All-American, Lofthouse first joined the Iowa wrestling program in 2004. He was a letterwinner during the 2004-05 season, earning the coaches’ appreciation award while competing at 174 pounds. He then took a two-year hiatus from the program to complete a Mormon mission to Africa from 2005-07.
Lofthouse returned to the program and redshirted in 2007-08 before making his way back to the mat in 2008-09, when he was again named the recipient of the coaches’ appreciation award. The following season he posted a 5-3 Big Ten dual record at 197 pounds while competing for the injured Chad Beatty.
In 2011, Lofthouse earned the starting spot at 197 pounds and went on to earn All-American honors by placing fifth at the 2011 NCAA Championships. That year he posted a 25-7 dual record, a runner-up finish at the Big Ten Championships, and was named the team’s most dedicated wrestler.
“This is a great opportunity for me and my family,” said Lofthouse. “I committed to this program a long time ago, and I’m thrilled to be able to continue that commitment in this new role. I want to thank the entire coaching staff for the opportunity. Iowa has a great history of wrestlers and coaches, and to say I’ve been on both sides is pretty exciting.”
A native of Avon, Utah, Lofthouse was a member of the Hawkeye Wrestling Club in 2012. He and his wife, Allison, currently reside in Coralville, Iowa. He is a 2011 graduate of the University of Iowa.