Collegiate wrestling continues its historical trend of signing elite athletes from the past for leadership roles, with Yianni Diakomihalis, Cornell’s four-time NCAA National Champion, and Rutgers’ own Anthony Ashnault being the latest additions. Both step into the role of assistant head coach at their respective alma maters.
For both Ashnault and Diakomihalis, the move marks a significant homecoming moment, as both have deep-rooted ties with their program. Anthony Ashnault has been the most decorated Rutgers knight, becoming the state’s first undefeated four-time high school state champion. With an undefeated 32-0 record, Ashnault went on to become New Jersey State’s first NCAA champion, alongside his teammate, Nick Suriano.
Cornell’s Yianni Diakomihalis has an impressive resume of his own, which highlights him as one of the select few wrestlers in history to win four individual NCAA titles. This is followed by his two-time U17 World Champion wins.
Recently, the two legends have signed on as assistant coaches for their respective programs. Ashanult will serve as an assistant under the head coach Scott Goodale, while Diakomihalis will serve alongside head coach Mike Grey.
Both programs have roped in the two legends who were bred from their respective alma maters and went on to win big. Now, this homecoming marks a full circle for the universities, as they put their trust in Ashnault and Diakomihalis to pass on the same technical mastery and mindset that helped define them, which will now serve as a blueprint for the upcoming athletes.
NCAA Wrestler Yianni Diakomihalis Talks about His Dad as His Coach
Yianni Diakomihalis has been hailed as Cornell’s most decorated wrestler in history and has achieved feats unparalleled in any collegiate athlete’s career. Amid everything, Diakomihalis spoke about how much impact his dad, Ilias Diakomihalis, had on his mat skills as a coach and what it means to him to have him by his side, which ultimately helped him grab the victories.
He credits his dad for creating an environment that catalyzed his success. One such moment was his dad converting their home garage into a wrestling backyard just so Yianni and his brothers could train the real wrestling way.
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