MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. - Central Michigan head wrestling coach Tom Borrelli is recognized nationally for his ability to mold championship-caliber student-athletes, but his influence is now spreading through the coaching profession as well.

In 18 seasons at CMU, Borrelli has coached 29 All-Americans and led CMU to 10 Mid-American Conference championships and 11 conference tournament titles. He has been named MAC Coach of the Year 10 times.

And now, many of those same student-athletes Borrelli guided to success on the mat are following his footsteps into the coaching profession. At least 33 individuals with ties to the Borrelli era at CMU are now involved in coaching at either the college, high school or club level.

"Traditionally, Central Michigan University has been a teaching institution, and what we are trying to do is produce individuals who can be competent in their professional fields," Borrelli said. "I think it is a compliment to our institution that we have had as much success in the coaching profession as we have."

Earlier this year, Borrelli was selected as one of 19 collegiate coaches, administrators and businessmen from across the country to serve as a peer mentor for young wrestling coaches at the National Wrestling Coaches Association's inaugural Coaches Leadership Academy. The invitation was largely in recognition of the respect Borrelli has earned from his peers nationally.

The academy was simply an extension of habits Borrelli has formed in his own practice room at CMU. The veteran coach has developed a sense of recognizing which of his student-athletes could enter the coaching profession and preparing them early for the role. Not coincidentally, many of the former Chippewas now in the coaching profession have been some of the most successful competitors of Borrelli's tenure.

"The guys that have coaching qualities share a lot of the same traits," Borrelli said. "They are leaders by example, they're hard workers and they're motivated not just by personal success, but team success as well. If I see coaching being in the future of someone, I'll say certain things to them or put them in certain situations in practice or in meetings. I might ask them, 'How would you react to that or handle that if you were in my shoes?' just to get them in that mindset."

Of the 12 opponents currently on CMU's 2009-10 dual meet schedule, four have members of their coaching staffs who competed at CMU under Borrelli. That number will likely increase when the Chippewas' opponents at the Northeast Duals and National Duals are announced. Among those former wrestlers is Borrelli's youngest son, Jason, who is entering his second season as the head coach at Stanford. The Cardinal visit CMU on Jan. 17.

"Wrestling coaches, especially at the college level, are part of a pretty small fraternity," Borrelli said. "I stay in really good contact with most of those guys, but it can be difficult when you have to compete against someone you know that well."

Former CMU wrestlers can be found on the coaching staffs of 10 other NCAA Division I programs aside from CMU. High school programs in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Minnesota, California and Florida also feature former Chippewas on their coaching staffs.

Within his own office, all four of Borrelli's staff members are former Chippewas. Top assistant coach Mark DiSalvo was a two-time All-American, while second assistant Eric Kruger was a MAC champion and national qualifier. All-Americans Wynn Michalak and Bubba Gritter also remain involved in the CMU wrestling program.

Borrelli has long been respected for his ability to develop championship student-athletes. What can no longer be ignored is his ability to develop championship coaches as well.