LAKELAND, Fla.—Southeastern University Director of Athletics
Drew Watson has announced the hiring of
Travis Patrick as the school's new head wrestling coach.
Patrick comes to the Fire after starting the program at Arizona Christian, qualifying five wrestlers for NAIA Nationals this past season and were ranked as high as 18th in the coaches' poll. After going 9-9 in duals in the first year of competition, ACU posted a 7-3 record last season and had its first All-American in Jack Latimer at 149 who placed fourth.
"Travis brings a unique combination of strengths to the table as a coach and a mentor," said Watson. "He has a passion for Christ and for student-athletes and cut his teeth in coaching at one of the most competitive wrestling programs in the NAIA. He is a proven winner who will continue to build our wrestling culture and the tradition of excellence we have seen on the mat at SEU."
Prior to ACU, Patrick was the Associate Head Coach at Menlo College and was part of two teams that placed in the top 10 at NAIA nationals and helped 24 wrestlers qualify for nationals. Eight of those 24 were All-Americans and twice had a national champion.
"I am extremely grateful to Dr. Ingle, Dr. Owen and
Drew Watson for this opportunity and their trust in me to lead the SEU Wrestling program. My wife and I are looking forward to building lifelong relationships at Southeastern and becoming a part of the Fire Family."
While at Menlo, Patrick also worked as a Sports Performance coach working with men's and women's wrestling, softball, track, and golf. He also worked as a Fellowship of Christian Athletes advisor in Atherton.
As a student-athlete, Patrick was a four-time state qualifier in Washington, finishing as state runner up in 2010. Patrick went on to wrestle collegiately at Southern Oregon, helping the Raiders to four top five finishes at NAIA nationals.
Patrick is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, is a Bronze Certified Coach by USA Wrestling, and is a USA Weightlifting Coach Level 1.
He takes over a program that had two national champions, four All-Americans, and placed seventh at NAIA Nationals last season.
"Coach Jorge left the program in a great place," added Patrick. "I could not be more excited to build on the tremendous season the Fire had this past year and work to bring home the first team trophy in program history."
