Tony Black of Dane, Wis. has been hired as the Manager of Grassroots Development for USA Wrestling, the national governing body for amateur wrestling in the United States.

Black will join USA Wrestling's national staff on Dec. 4. He will work within the State Services Department. His responsibilities include assisting with increasing membership opportunities, with a focus on folkstyle wrestling, inner city programs, leagues, international exchanges and club programs.

"USA Wrestling is very fortunate to have Tony Black join our staff, as he brings expertise and enthusiasm to our ever-growing organization," said Mark A. Scott, USA Wrestling Director of State Services. "His experience and background in grassroots development and with folkstyle wrestling will assist USA Wrestling as it continues to increase folkstyle programming at all  levels. Tony has been deeply involved in developing state-level programs with USA Wrestling/Wisconsin. Those successes should transfer directly to our regional and national programs, in addition to local and state activities across the United States."

Black has served as the Co-state coach/coordinator for the Wisconsin Wrestling Federation for two years. He coordinated the syllabus and schedule for the state's regional training centers. Black helped organize and coach the Wisconsin state teams which competed in USA Wrestling national events. He also promoted freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling to clubs and wrestling programs across the state.

He has been an assistant wrestling coach at the Univ. of Wisconsin for three years, serving as the volunteer assitant coach for two seasons and as an undergraduate assistant coach for a year. Among his responsibilities was coaching lightweight wrestlers, promoting home dual meets and writing articles about the team for The Crossface.

He has also served as a volunteer coach, clinician and official for the Wisconsin Wrestling Federation, working within the state's grassroots programs.

Black was a star wrestler at the Univ. of Wisconsin, earning NCAA All-American honors at 125 pounds in 2003. He was a starter on the varsity team for four seasons, and was a three-time Academic All-Big Ten selection. He was a two-time Wisconsin state high school champion and a runner-up for River Falls High School.

He received a bachelor's degree from the Univ. of Wisconsin in 2005, with a major in kinesiology and a concentration in adapted physical activity. Black was the valedictorian of his class at River Falls High School in 1999.

Other professional experience includes over three years as a sales associate and production assistant for All-American Wrestling Supply, as well as working as co-owner of Big Ten Roofing.

"I am excited about the opportunity to work with USA Wrestling," said Black. "I have been involved with wrestling my entire life at many levels, including competing, coaching and officiating. This will give me the chance to connect with people across the nation and build our great sport."

"I am pleased that USA Wrestling will be focusing on folkstyle wrestling more. I can't think of a group of better people to work with than the staff at USA Wrestling. It is the kind of work environment that you want to be involved in," he said.