Gregg Lewis has been named the Interim Head Wrestling Coach at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside, Director of Athletics, Tamie-Falk Day has announced. Lewis, a longtime assistant with the program, succeeds Jim Koch who retired in August.

“I am very pleased to announce that Gregg Lewis has agreed to be our interim head wrestling coach for the 2011-12 season,” said Falk-Day. “Gregg has assisted the program on the mats for the last 16 years and brings a great knowledge and understanding of Division II wrestling with him. The wrestling program is in great hands and will continue its national success.”

Lewis has been with the Ranger wrestling program since the 1995-96 season playing a vital role in the program's success. Since his arrival at UW-Parkside, the program has had 48 All-Americans, ten national finalists, and four national champions. The team has also finished in the nation's top ten, nine times since 2000.

 “I've always wanted to be a head wrestling coach,” said Lewis. “For 16 years I've been dreaming about this opportunity. It's been a goal of mine for a long time so I'm very excited to have this chance.”

Lewis inherits a talented squad for the 2011-12 season including three returning All-Americans. In all, the Rangers return 13 wrestlers from a year ago along with the addition of a talented freshman class.

“This would be exciting no matter what … but it's even more exciting when you've got elite wrestlers like Luke Rynish, Dillon Bera, and Matt Gille,” said Lewis. “These are guys I've known for a long time who are great captains and great leaders. We've also got some kids that I think are going to surprise some people. I'm very excited to get started.”

Prior to his coaching career, Lewis was a standout wrestler at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. He finished his collegiate career 15th on the Eagles' all-time wins list. He was 105-37 at UW-La Crosse including back-to-back conference championships as a 167-pounder in 1990 and 1991. He earned NAIA All-American honors in 1991 by finishing sixth in the country in the 167-pound weight class.

In fulfilling his dream to be a head coach, Lewis acknowledged many sacrifices his family has made over the years to allow this promotion to be possible. He specifically recognized his wife's support in pursuing this opportunity.

“My wife got a little teary-eyed when she found out (I was going to get the job),” said Lewis. “I think she just knew what this meant to me because of how long I've been waiting (to be a head coach). “She's never told me no when it comes to my coaching career and she's been very, very supportive.”

Lewis and his wife Amy reside in Greendale, Wis. They have two children; Gabe (age 11) and Chloe (9).