Jeff Breese has been appointed as the new head wrestling coach at the Buena Vista University, effective August 1. Breese succeeds Sevond Cole, who is stepping down after serving in the position for six years.
"Jeff brings with him his experience competing at the Division I level and coaching at both Divisions I and III levels, from upstarting a program to training All-Americans. Jeff has shown that he sees the holistic development of the student-athletes as the main priority," said Director of Athletics Christyn Abaray, in a statement.
Breese joins BVU after serving as the director of operations at North Carolina State University (alma mater) for two years. He was responsible for supervising the team's budget, coordinating travel schedule, co-directing social media and video promotions and directing match day events and activities among other duties.
Breese also worked with the Wolfpack Wrestling Club and the Wolfpack Regional Training Center.
Breese is delighted to lead a program with great history.
"Buena Vista Wrestling has a strong wrestling tradition that should be celebrated. I want our current student-athletes to continue to build upon that tradition and make their own legacy." said Breese. "It is very exciting to present my vision for the program and work with our student-athletes to help them reach their goals."
Breese began his coaching career in 2006 at the Seton Hall University, where he assisted the school's wrestling program for two years. He received his first head coaching job at the Penn State New Kensington in 2009 and then moved to the Division I Northern Illinois University as an assistant coach in 2010.
Breese, a 2006 graduate of North Carolina State University, was a three-year starter for the Wolfpack and a member of their 2004 Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) championship team. The native of Claysville, Pa., he has been the Pennsylvania High School state champion twice - freshman (1999) and junior (2001).