May 24, 2007

New Central wrestling coach featured

PELLA—New Central College wrestling coach Eric Van Kley will be the in-studio guest co-host for “Takedown Wrestling Radio” Saturday.

Co-host Scott Casber’s popular program airs Saturday from 9-11 a.m. on KXNO Radio (1460 AM in Des Moines). It can also be heard live or via podcast at www.Takedownradio.com.

Van Kley moved to Pella last week after completing his year as head wrestling coach and athletics director at the University of Great Falls. A Rock Valley, Iowa native, Van Kley was a three-time letterwinner at Minnesota State-Mankato, where he served as captain for the 2000 team which placed sixth in the NCAA Division II tournament. An honors graduate, Van Kley was a two-time Scholastic All-America honoree.

After receiving a master’s degree at Duquesne University (Pa.), spending three years as assistant coach at The Dalles High School in Oregon and a year as an assistant at Millersburg University (Pa.), Van Kley started the Great Falls wrestling program and turned it into a national contender. He posted a 28-13 dual record over three seasons at Great Falls and recruited a team with 45 athletes this past year. The Argos won this year’s West Region title and placed sixth at the NAIA national tournament. Van Kley was named the region’s coach of the year.