USA Wrestling Names Kevin Jackson as National Freestyle Coach

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Heather Van Peursem (USA Wrestling)
01/19/2001


USA Wrestling has announced that Kevin Jackson of Colorado Springs, Colo. has been named the National Freestyle Coach.     Jackson, a 1992 Olympic Champion, has worked for USA Wrestling since June of 1998 as the Freestyle Resident Coach. Jackson is considered one of the greatest freestyle wrestlers in U.S. history. Jackson also claimed World Championship gold medals in both 1991 and 1995. He is one of only five U.S. wrestlers to claim three career World-level titles.     As Freestyle Resident Coach, Jackson helped develop and improve a number of national and internationally respected freestyle wrestlers, including 2000 U.S. Olympic gold medalist Brandon Slay.      "USA Wrestling is very fortunate to have the opportunity to name such a quality individual and role model as our National Freestyle Coach," said Rich Bender, Acting Executive Director of USA Wrestling. "Kevin has demonstrated that he brings the same intensity and focus to coaching that made him one of our most successful athletes in history.  The candidates for this position were outstanding, and it speaks volumes for the depth and strength of wrestling in the United States."     As the National Freestyle Coach, Jackson will be devoted to the mission and long-range goals of USA Wrestling. Specifically, to help create the programs, activities and conditions that will enable the United States to achieve a position of Number One in the world in Freestyle. The National Freestyle Coach reports to the National Teams Director.      He will also assist in the development of a successful 4-year plan for the Olympic Quadrennium, as well as programs and activities that will lead to successful US team dominance in World competition. Jackson will also be responsible for the development and coordination of the National Freestyle team, organize training and competition, and disseminate the information to coaches and athletes.     "I am very excited about the opportunity USA Wrestling has given me to coach our National Team members and other wrestlers involved with the organization," said Jackson. "I feel very fortunate that USA Wrestling believes in me to coach our elite athletes and take them to that next level, which is Olympic and World Championship glory."      Jackson has won many major awards, including the 1995 John Smith Award as USA Wrestling Freestyle Wrestler of the Year. He was an NCAA runner-up to Iowa State Univ. in 1987. He was also a three-time All-American for Louisiana State Univ. from 1983-85. Originally from Lansing, Mich., Jackson won two state high school titles for Lansing Eastern High School and was a junior National Greco-Roman champion. He has served as an assistant wrestling coach at Iowa State Univ. and at Arizona State Univ.