Fresno State Director of Athletics Jim Bartko announced Tuesday the hiring of Troy Steiner to lead the restored wrestling program, which will begin competition in the 2017-18 school year.
“Today marks an exciting day for Fresno State and the wrestling community,” Fresno State President Dr. Joseph I. Castro said. “The pride and support for Bulldogs wrestling is inspiring. In our Central Valley, which is well-known as a wrestling hotbed, we’re pleased to reintroduce the nation to Fresno State wrestling under new head coach Troy Steiner.”
Steiner comes to Fresno State after spending the past 10 years at Oregon State, where he’s served as an assistant and most recently in the role of associate head coach.
“I want to thank President Joseph Castro, Director of Athletics Jim Bartko and Associate AD John Kriebs for having the courage to reinstate the wrestling program here at Fresno State,” Steiner said. “I am honored that they have put their trust in me to bring this back to the Valley and to the wrestling community.
“My family and I are extremely excited to become a part of the Red Wave community and looking forward to any challenges that may lie ahead.”
The new leader of the Bulldog wrestling program has also coached at Power Five schools Iowa (2004-06), Wisconsin (1997-01) and Minnesota (1996-97). Steiner has coached 22 NCAA Division I All-Americans, 10 Big Ten champions, six NCAA Division I champions and one Junior Fila World Freestyle Champion.
“Today is truly a special day nationally for the sport of wrestling and here for the fans in the Valley who deeply love this sport,” Bartko said. “Being able to find a head coach with the integrity, spirit and knowledge that Troy brings to Fresno State is invaluable not only for restarting the program, but also for bringing great student-athletes to campus to compete.”
Steiner will formally be introduced at a press conference Thursday at 1 p.m. The introduction can be streamed live on the Mountain West Network.
Timeline for wrestling program reinstatement:
July 2016 — Hiring of assistant coaches.
Summer 2016 — Recruitment of student-athletes begins.
November 2016 — Early signing period; recruits can sign National Letters of Intent with the Bulldogs.
August 2017 — Student-athletes arrive on campus.
Winter 2017-18 — Wrestling program begins competition.