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BLACKSBURG - Mike Zadick has been promoted to assistant coach, head coach Kevin Dresser announced on Monday. Zadick joined the Hokies’ staff at the beginning of the 2015-16 season as a volunteer assistant and was with the team in their most successful year to date.

“My main focus is still the development of our athletes that we have here on campus on our team,” said Zadick of his new position. “That part will stay very similar, helping the guys develop mentally and physically on a daily basis.”

Zadick was instrumental in Tech’s run to a fourth place finish at the 2016 NCAA National Championship. The team recorded a program-high six All-Americans, with Nick Brascetta and Zach Epperly leading the way with third place finishes.

“Mike brings a very contagious positive energy to our room,” said Dresser. “His wrestling knowledge is broad and vast. He loves the sport and is a passionate about working with our team. I am glad to add him to Coach Robie and Coach St. John!”

Before coming to Tech, Zadick spent 10 years on the Iowa coaching staff after retiring from competition. Zadick won the 2008 U.S. Freestyle Olympic Team Trials at 132 pounds (60 kg), and earned a spot in the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China.

“We want to continue to build [on last year’s success],” Zadick said. “Now that the team saw what they did last year, it’s holding themselves to a different standard. Believing that they belong not just in the top four but in the top two and at one. It has to translate from their daily process, which will be a key component for success.”

Zadick was a three-time All-American (2000-02) at Iowa, winning the 149-pound Big Ten title in 2002. He earned a spot on the 2010 World Team at 60kg/132 pounds and was the 2009 U.S. Senior Nationals freestyle champion at that weight. In 2007, he was the U.S. World Team Trials champion and won a silver medal at the Pan American Games in Rio de Janerio, Brazil. Zadick's other international accomplishments include a silver medal at the 2006 World Championships in Guangzhou, China, and runner-up finishes at the 2004 U.S. Olympic Team trials and U.S. Nationals, and the 2005 World Team Trials challenge tournament.

A native of Great Falls, Mont., Zadick earned a bachelor's degree in sports studies from the University of Iowa in 2004. Zadick’s brother, Bill, who also wrestled at Iowa, was a two-time All-American, Big Ten champion, NCAA champion and 2006 World Champion.

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