Joey Simcoe named as men's wrestling head coach

Joey Simcoe, who led the Tiffin University wrestling team for 11 seasons, was named Grand Valley’s men’s wrestling coach on May 23. 

“We are excited to have Joey join Grand Valley State and lead the re-launch of our wrestling program,” said Director of Athletics Keri Becker. “Joey had a vision for building the program at every level that set him apart from an outstanding pool of candidates.”

The men's varsity wrestling team was disbanded in 1993, but a $3 million donation from John Harris, ’77, his wife, Diane, ’76, and the Harris family provided the financial support for Grand Valley to announce in November the return of the program. The team is expected to begin competition in 2023. 

“First, I want to thank President Mantella, Director of Athletics Keri Becker and the entire wrestling hiring committee for the opportunity to lead the Grand Valley State wrestling program in its return to varsity sport status,” said Simcoe. “Opportunities like this do not come along often, and I am excited to become a part of the fabric of Grand Valley State athletics.”

Under Simcoe’s coaching, the Dragons produced two NCAA Division II individual national champions and 15 All-Americans. Tiffin finished in the top-10 at the NCAA Division II National Championships three times.

Simcoe was named the Great Midwest Athletic Conference’s Coach of the Year four times (2017, 2019, 2020, 2022) and the National Wrestling Coach Association Super Region 3 Coach of the Year in 2020.

Overall, Tiffin had 28 NWCA Scholar All-Americans and 43 GMAC All-Conference selections. 

“It was evident from the first conversation that Joey is committed to building a culture of success both on and off the mat, while also giving our student athletes a championship experience,” said Becker.