No program at the University of Iowa has enjoyed more recent success than the wrestling program. Tuesday the school rewarded the man responsible for that with a lengthy, lucrative contract extension.
Tom Brands has agreed to a five-year contract extension with an average annual income of $225,000 according to a press release issued by the school this morning.
Brands, a 1996 Olympic gold medalist and four-time all-American as a Hawkeye, said he appreciates the support the school has shown for the program.
“This commitment goes beyond me. It extends to our student-athletes, assistant coaches, support staff and fans. It is important we realize the responsibility that comes with representing the University of Iowa, and we’re committed to doing so.”
Since returning to Iowa City from Virginia Tech following the 2006 season Brands has coached the Hawkeyes to three NCAA titles and an equal number of Big Ten crowns. In the same time frame he has coached 10 Big Ten and seven NCAA individual champs with 53 wrestlers reaching the NCAA tournament and 34 earning all-American status.
“Enthusiasm for Hawkeye wrestling is high,” UI Athletics Director Gary Barta said in the release. “Tom is a great ambassador for the program, for the university, and for the state. The future continues to look bright under his leadership.”
Iowa, which returns six all-Americans in 2012, begins the 2012-13 season with a trip to Tennessee-Chattanooga Nov. 17.
“It’s always been our mission to win championships and win them the right way,” said Brands. “We’re not satisfied with the status quo. I understand and respect Iowa’s tradition, and we’ll continue to embrace the championship mentality that’s always defined this program.”
- Todd Brommelkamp
- Editor - VoiceoftheHawkeyes