LANCASTER, Pa. – Franklin & Marshall College Director of Athletics and Recreation, Patricia S.W. Epps, announced the hiring of Mike Rogers as the Diplomats’ 13th wrestling coach. Rogers brings over a decade of coaching experience to Lancaster.

“I strongly believe that we have found the right person at the right time for this position,” said Epps. “Coach Rogers has firsthand experience coaching top caliber wrestlers in a rigorous academic environment that will serve him well at F&M.”

A two-time NCAA All-American, Rogers spent the 2009-10 season at American University as the head assistant coach. The Eagles produced three All-Americans and recorded its best NCAA finish in 14th place while posting the nation’s second best grade point average.

“I am honored to be named the next head wrestling coach at Franklin & Marshall College and to be added to their prestigious list of coaches,” said Rogers.  “I am excited to be a part of such a strong tradition of wrestling and looking forward to the challenges ahead; as well as working with alumni, administration, and the student-athletes to elevate the program. I feel fortunate in working with a dedicated administration that is committed to the program’s success and eager to get started.”

Rogers has spent the last six years as the head coach of the Pennsylvania Junior Freestyle Team, which he guided to two junior freestyle championships. He also served as an assistant coach at his alma mater, Lock Haven University, for seven years.

Rogers spent three seasons as the head coach at Central Mountain High School in Mill Hall, Pa., from 1999-2002, leading the team to a 29-16 overall record. In 2001, Rogers was named the District 6 AAA Coach of the Year.

A 1997 graduate of Lock Haven University, Rogers was a four-year member of the wrestling team and earned All-America status during his last two seasons. A three-time national championships qualifier, Rogers earned the 1996 Gorrarian Award, recording the most pins in the least amount of time at nationals.

Rogers was also a two-time Eastern Wrestling League Champion and is one of seven Bald Eagles and one of twelve in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference to win four conference crowns. He is also one of only 14 wrestlers in Lock Haven history to reach 100 wins, recording a career mark of 112-28. A native of Fort Myers, FL, Rogers was a Florida State Champion in 1992 and a national runner-up that same year during his high school career.

Rogers received his B.A. in Special Education from Lock Haven University in 1997 and a Master's in Education in 2002. He and his wife, Danielle, have two sons, Caden and Teagen.  He will assume his role on Monday, September 20th.