Rutgers wrestling head coach Scott Goodale has named former Wisconsin All-American Tyler Turner to the position of volunteer coach, it was announced Thursday.

Goodale commented on the hire, making note of the benefit Turner’s presence has for the current squad of Scarlet Knight wrestlers.

“We are very excited to add Tyler Turner to our staff at Rutgers,” Goodale said. “Although he was around our program last season, this change allows him to be in our room every day.”

Turner was a standout in his days at Wisconsin, placing sixth at 149 pounds at the 2007 NCAA Wrestling Championships in Auburn Hills, Mich. Turner battled to All-America honors as an unseeded wrestler, turning away four seeded opponents en route to the awards stand. He compiled a 93-41 overall record in his Badger career.

Goodale sees Turner’s past experience as a key to his ability to help Rutgers wrestling continue building its program.

“He wrestled for a great program at Wisconsin where he was an All-American for their head coach, Barry Davis,” Goodale said. “He then spent a year coaching at his alma mater. He has a Big Ten pedigree, both as a wrestler and as a coach, which will add a different perspective to our program. More importantly, he is a great person. He is very passionate about the guys at Rutgers. His only priority is to make our wrestlers better and help them achieve their goals.”

Turner echoed Goodale’s excitement, making note of the hard work the Scarlet Knights have put in during the offseason.

"I’m excited to be here because Rutgers is definitely going in the right direction,” Turner said. “The team is working hard, and I can't really wait to get the season started. It's going to be exciting.”

Rutgers begins the 2011-12 wrestling season on the road at the Brockport/Oklahoma Gold Classic on Saturday, Nov. 12. The Scarlet Knights’ first home dual is set for Dec. 2 against Old Dominion at 6:30 p.m. in the RAC.