Pictured: Penn State two-time NCAA champion and three-time All-American, Ed Ruth.
Official release courtesy of University of Illinois Sports Information.
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – University of Illinois head wrestling coach Mike Poeta announced the addition of Ed Ruth to his staff on Thursday, July 1. Ruth will serve as an assistant coach with the Fighting Illini wrestling program.
"I am so excited to announce the addition of Ed Ruth to the Illinois wrestling staff," said Poeta. "Ed's wrestling credentials speak for themself and he will go down as one of the greatest college wrestlers of all time. Not only does he bring world class wrestling skills to get our guys to another level, but after getting to know him more, I saw how much of a role model and mentor he will be. He'll be great at growing our wrestlers as young men and assisting them in reaching their wrestling goals."
Ruth, a native of Harrisburg, Pa., joins the Illini wrestling staff following several years as a professional Mixed Martial Arts fighter. Ruth wrestled collegiately at Penn State from 2010-2014, where he was a three-time NCAA champion and four-time Big Ten champion at 184-pounds. He also garnered a 136-3 overall record during his career as a Nittany Lion.
Following his time in State College, Ruth was a representative for team USA at the 2014 World Wrestling Championships and was also a Silver Medalist at the 2015 USA World Team Trials.
"He brings a great family to Champaign. His wife Nina was a tennis player at Penn State and they have an awesome 6-year-old son named Kastle. I know Illinois Wrestling fans are going to be excited. We have the perfect guy to help get us to the top."
Back to articles