Carl Perry Named Illinois Assistant Coach
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Illinois Sports Information ()
08/14/2002
Champaign, Ill. - University of Illinois head wrestling coach Mark Johnson named former Illini and the 2000 141-pound national champion Carl Perry as the newest addition to the program's coaching staff, Tuesday. Perry, who was a four-year varsity starter for the Illini from 1996-2000, returns to his alma mater after one season as head coach at Yorkville High School, were he led three wrestlers to the state championships. Also during that time, he served as credential coordinator for the Chicagoland Speedway. At Illinois, Perry was an NCAA qualifier from 1997-2000, earning All-America honors in 1998 and 2000. He served as the Illini's team captain in 1999 and 2000, earning his bachelor's degree in leisure studies in May of 2001. He was also involved in the Hometown Heroes community outreach program, as well as the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. "Carl is a great addition to this already strong coaching staff," head coach Mark Johnson said. "He brings a lot of intensity and character to the program as well as a love for the University." Perry will look to join a coaching staff that has led Illinois to six Top-10 finishes in the last 10 years and is one of six national champions under Johnson during that same time. The 2002-03 wrestling squad will return six NCAA qualifiers from a year ago, including 165-pound runner-up Matt Lackey.