Given the timing of Coach Branch's unexpected departure on the eve of the school year, the Wrestling Coach Search Committee recommended that the Athletic Director appoint an interim head coach and that a national search take place in January with the goal of hiring a permanent head coach by the end of the wrestling season.

This is an exciting time of building and transition for the Eastern wrestling program. A new wrestling facility will be announced this season and the program will be fully funded next year for the first time in its history.

The Committee stated that it wants to insure that the broadest range of possible candidates has a opportunity to apply and be considered in the search for a Head Coach to lead the new era of EMU Wrestling.

Athletic Director Bob England has accepted that recommendation and has named current EMU Assistant Coach John Lange interim Head Coach to guide the Eagles into the 2005-06 season. Lange joined the Eagles as Assistant Coach in 2000, coming from an assistant coaching position at the University of North Carolina. He had previously been an assistant at Hofstra.

Lange is a 1998 graduate of Penn State University where he was an All-American, Big Ten Champion, and PSU's Outstanding Wrestler at 158 pounds. He posted a 79-38 career record, won 25 matches by pins for the Nittany Lions, and finished third at the NCAA tournament.