Eastern Michigan University head wrestling coach Derek DelPorto has announced the addition of Luke Smith to the coaching staff. Smith, a graduate of Central Michigan University, joins the EMU squad after spending last season as a volunteer coach at Old Dominion University and the 2009-10 campaign with the Chippewas.

“Luke is a great addition to this program”, said DelPorto. “He is exactly what we needed to have a complete staff that now covers the lightweights, middleweights and upper-weights.” 

While at Old Dominion, Smith's primary duties included coaching lightweight wrestlers. Smith also worked as a lightweight coach with CMU, where he helped guide the Chippewas to a 14th-place finish at the NCAA Tournament in 2010.

Smith brings a host of personal accolades, including qualifying for Nationals all four years at CMU. He was ranked as high as fourth in the country at 125 pounds. During his senior season, his team reached their highest ranking in program history when they ended the 2007-08 dual season at No. 2. He was the Mid-American Conference Freshman of the Year for the 2004-05 season.

At Chippewa Falls High, Smith was a two-time Wisconsin State Champion and finished his career with a 117-2 record. He finished fourth at the Greco-Roman Olympic Trials in 2004 and also captured fourth place at the Senior Freestyle World Team Trials in 2006.

The 27-year-old native of Chippewa Falls, Wis. is a 2008 graduate from CMU with a Bachelors Degree in Sports Management and Athletic Coaching.