American University Names Pat Popolizio Assistant Wrestling Coach

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(American Sports Information)
09/14/2004


WASHINGTON - American University Wrestling Coach Mark Cody named former Oklahoma State wrestler Pat Popolizio a member of his staff on Monday. Popolizio comes to AU after spending last season as an assistant at Army and 2003 as an assistant at Sacred Heart.     As a coach, Popolizio has coached five NCAA Qualifiers, two conference champions and an NCAA All-American.    "I have known Pat both as a rival, a pupil and coach," said AU coach Mark Cody. "I've always been impressed with him and I knew he'd be a great fit for what we are trying to accomplish at American."     Cody was an assistant coach at Oklahoma State, where Popolizio, a Niskayuna, N.Y. native had tremendous success on and off the mat.     Popolizio amassed over 90 wins and numerous accomplishments as a four-year starter for the Cowboys. He was a two-time All-American, three-time NCAA qualifier and a two-time Big 12 runner up. As a senior he was given the 2002 Oklahoma State Hustle Award, when he was ranked as high as No. 1 in his weight class. During his time in Stillwater, Oklahoma State finished second once, third twice and fifth once as a team in the NCAA Tournament. Recently, Popolizio finished in fifth place at the 2003 World Team trials.    Popolizio graduated from Oklahoma State in 2002 with a degree in Physical Education and Health. He was twice named to the Big 12 All-Academic team. Popolizio comes from a solid wrestling background. His brother, Anthony, wrestled at UNC-Chapel Hill, while his cousin, Sev, wrestled at Boston University .