Hrovat Steps Into Wolverines' Volunteer Coach Position
10/9/2008 12:00:00 AM | Wrestling
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- University of Michigan wrestling head coach Joe McFarland announcedThursday (Oct. 9) the addition of formerWolverineAndy Hrovat to the coaching staff. Hrovat, a three-time NCAA All-American and 2008 Olympian, will serve as the Wolverines' volunteer coach during the 2008-09 season after serving six years on staff in a multitude of positions, including strength and conditioning coordinator and director of wrestling operations.
"I think Andy brings a lot to our program," said McFarland. "Obviously his experience is second to none. He has been on the U.S. national team over the last few years, and he's just come back from Beijing and that entire Olympic experience. Andy will continue to bring in some of the latest training ideas. He'll add a lot to our coaching philosophies. He has a great feel for coaching, and he understands some of the different needs of the guys on the team. He's familiar with our program, and he's just a great Michigan Man."
Over the last six years since his graduation from Michigan, Hrovat has thrived on the international scene, most recently representing the United States in the 84 kg/185-pound freestyle division at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. Hrovat also competed at the 2006 World Championships and has earned medals at the New York Athletic Club Holiday International Open (gold, 2005, '06), Henri Deglane Challange (gold, 2005, '07), Ivan Yarygin International (bronze, 2007), Pan American Games (silver, 2007), Poland Open (silver, 2006) and Dave Schultz Memorial International (silver, 2005). While in college, Hrovat was a two-time University Nationals champion (2001, '02), earning outstanding freestyle wrestler honors in his second appearance, while also placing fourth at the 2000 University World Championships.
As a Wolverine wrestler (1999-2002), Hrovat was a three-time NCAA All-American at 184 pounds, placing as high as fourth while becoming the first U-M true freshman to claim a top-eight finish at the national event in 14 years. He served as team captain during his senior campaign -- the same year he carried the nations No. 1 ranking into the postseason -- and contributed to Michigans back-to-back top-10 NCAA finishes in his final two seasons. Hrovat's collegiate record of 132-39 still ranks among the best in Wolverine program history.
Originally from Gates Mills, Ohio, Hrovat was a two-time state champion and three-time finalist at St. Edward High school, where he was a teammate of fellow Wolverines Mike Kulczycki -- an assistant coach for U-M -- and Ryan Bertin. Hrovat earned his bachelor's degree from Michigan in 2002. He currently lives in Ann Arbor.
Contact: Leah Howard (734) 763-4423
