FARGO, N.D. — Roger Kish was introduced as North Dakota State University’s fourth head wrestling coach in the 54-year history of the program during a press conference Thursday, June 30, at the Fargodome. 

NDSU Director of Athletics Gene Taylor made the announcement.

Kish replaces Hall of Fame head coach Bucky Maughan, who retired this summer after 47 years at the university.

A standout wrestler at the University of Minnesota, Kish completed his second year as an assistant wrestling coach at NDSU. Kish was a graduate assistant for the Gophers in 2008-09.

The Lapeer, Mich., native was a two-time All-American and two-time NCAA runner-up for the Gophers at 184 pounds.  

He had a career record of 117-27 for the Gophers.  As a sophomore, he went 35-7 en route to a Big Ten title and an NCAA runner-up finish.  In his junior season, Kish was 37-3 and was the Big Ten and national runner-up.  He was also a team captain.

Kish graduated from Minnesota in May 2008 with a bachelor's degree in business and marketing education.

He was also a two-time Cadet Nationals champion and also captured a USA Wrestling Junior Nationals title.

At Lapeer West High School, he was a four-time Michigan state champion.  Kish is the son of Roger and Brenda Kish.  His older brother, James, wrestled at North Carolina.