Case Western Reserve University Director of Athletics Dave Diles has announced that 2002 graduate Chris Nader will serve as interim head wrestling coach as legendary head coach Bob Del Rosa recovers from late summer surgery.

"Our wrestling program has been guided by one of the most respected and beloved figures in the history of the intercollegiate program at our university, and we are looking forward to Coach Del Rosa's continued recovery and return," said Diles. "In his absence, we are fortunate to have Chris accept this leadership role. He is deeply committed not only to our program and University, but to the values that defined the wrestling program under Coach Del Rosa."

"I know my dad would be thrilled that Chris is filling in during his absence," said Scott Del Rosa, speaking on his father's behalf.  "Our family appreciates all of the thoughts and prayers being extended during this time, and we are grateful that Chris will guide the program during Dad's recovery. We look forward to Dad being able to get back to what he loves – coaching."  

Nader, a native of Lakewood, Ohio and a graduate of St. Ignatius High School, was a two-time All-American for the Spartans at 157 and 165 pounds. He compiled a career record of 110-42 from 1999-2002 and his 110 victories rank seventh all-time in CWRU history. Nader also served as associate head coach on Del Rosa's staff from 2003-10.

"I intend to instill the same values and traditions that Coach Del Rosa has established throughout his many years at Case," said Nader. "The continuity of our student-athletes will remain intact, and we look forward to his return later this season. I am just glad I could be there for coach like he has always been there for his wrestlers over the years"

Del Rosa enters his 50th year with the CWRU athletic department and has served as head wrestling coach for the past 45 seasons. His program has produced four national champions, 37 national qualifiers, 18 All-Americans and 35 NCAA Scholar All-Americans. In 1996, Del Rosa was inducted into the Division III Wrestling Hall of Fame. He was later inducted into the CWRU Spartan Club Hall of Fame in 2006.