FAIRFIELD, CT (July 25, 2002) -  Sacred Heart University athletic director Don Cook announced today that Andy Seras has been named the new head wrestling coach for the Pioneers. Seras replaces Brian Reardon who stepped down after three seasons at the helm.    "We are pleased that Andy has chosen to stay with us and take over the head coaching responsibilities of our wrestling program, after having served as the top assistant coach for the past two years," said Cook.  "He has a rich history as a student-athlete and coach at both the intercollegiate and national level.  Given the depth of his experience, he is the perfect person to lead our Division I wrestling program to national prominence."    Seras, 39, has an impressive wrestling background including an NCAA Championship and a berth on the United States Olympic Team for the 1988 Summer Games in Seoul, Korea. He was undefeated in dual meets during his collegiate career at the University of Albany, compiling an impressive 64-0-2 record. He was a four-time NCAA All-American, and won the 158-pound national championship in as a senior in 1985.  His first attempt to make the U.S. Greco-Roman Team came in 1984 while a junior at Albany, and was named an alternate after the Olympic Team Trials. He made the team in 1988 and finished ninth in Korea. He again qualified as an alternate for the 1992 Games in Barcelona, Spain and the 1996 Games in Atlanta, Georgia.    In addition to his Olympic and collegiate feats, Seras was a two-time Pan American Games champion, and has four championships in the National Open. He also participated in the World Championships five times, finishing as high as sixth in 1991.  Seras is currently the head coach for the United States team in the Greco-Roman World Championships. USA Wrestling named him the national Greco-Roman Coach of the Year in 2002.    "I've been in this sport for thirty years,"  Seras said. "This is something I've worked toward and I welcome the challenge with open arms. The recruiting class for the coming year is set, but I am already out on the road talking about the program and looking for athletes for the coming years."    Prior to joining the Sacred Heart University coaching staff in 1999, Seras was an assistant coach for ten seasons at his alma mater. He is also the coach for the Connecticut Junior National Team, and head coach for the Atlas Wrestling Club.    Seras, originally from Niskayuna, NY, now lives in Sandy Hook, CT with his wife, Karen, and daughter Jacqueline