Josh Hutchens, one of the Orediggers' Co-Head Coaches in 2009-10, has been appointed as Head Coach of the Colorado School of Mines wrestling program, effective immediately, as announced today by Director of Athletics Tom Spicer.  Dan Lewis, the Orediggers' other Co-Head Coach last season, will remain with the program as an Assistant Coach.

Hutchens, who begins his fifth overall season with the Orediggers in 2010-11, returned for his second stint as an Assistant Coach at CSM prior to the 2007-08 campaign.  Hutchens served as an Assistant Coach at Mines during the 2002-03 season, as well.

Prior to returning to CSM, Hutchens spent three years (2004-05 to 2006-07) as the Head Coach at James Madison University.

A graduate of Purdue University, Hutchens placed third in the Big Ten Championships, was selected as the Boilermakers' Most Improved Wrestler and was an NCAA Division I national qualifier during his collegiate career.  Hutchens, who served as a Volunteer Assistant Coach at Purdue in 2001-02, also spent one season (2003-04) as the Assistant Coach at James Madison.

Lewis will begin his 14th overall year with the CSM wrestling program in 2010-11.  Lewis, who returned for his second stint as the Orediggers' Head Coach in 2007-08, also served in the same capacity at Mines from 1992-93 to 2001-02.  Lewis served as CSM's Associate Director of Athletics during his hiatus as Head Coach.

Four of Lewis' previous teams (1994-95, 1995-96, 1997-98 and 1998-99) at CSM secured the NWCA's Academic National Championship, and in the 16-year history of the award, CSM is one of just two schools to earn the Academic National Championship as many as five times.

During his first 10 seasons guiding the Orediggers (1992-93 to 2001-02), Lewis coached four NCAA Division II National Champions and 10 All-Americans.  After leading the Orediggers to a seventh-place finish at the 1996 NCAA Division II National Championships, Lewis was named the NCAA Division II Coach of the Year.