National Champion Drake Houdashelt Joining Tiger Style Staff as Volunteer Assistant Coach
8/7/2015 3:36:00 PM | Wrestling
Houdashelt will pursue his master’s degree and continue training while on Mizzou Wrestling’s staff
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Defending National Champion and 3-time All-American Drake Houdashelt is returning to his alma-mater for the 2015-16 campaign. The recent graduate was named a Mizzou Wrestling volunteer assistant coach by head coach Brian Smith. Houdashelt will be pursuing a master's degree in Positive Coaching at Mizzou while adding championship pedigree to an already seasoned and decorated Tiger Style staff.
"I'm excited to be on the staff and to be able to help the guys I've been on a team with and play a leadership role in their lives," Houdashelt said. "I want to work with them and help them accomplish what I was able to during my time at Mizzou."
Houdashelt is coming off a dream season in which he posted a 37-1 record at 149 pounds. He wrapped up his career with a 136-14 overall record, trailing only Mizzou legend Ben Askren for most wins in school history. Houdashelt says his success is a direct result of buying into the Tiger Style training program and simply working hard. He hopes to use his role as volunteer assistant to help the crop of Mizzou newcomers - which includes 16 incoming freshmen - adjust to the Division I level.
"I'll be working with the freshmen a lot, doing individual drills to help them get up to speed," Houdashelt said. "I want to get their technique to the level that it needs to be and get them familiar with how our system works so that they are able to compete with the starters and help us win.
While his position on Mizzou's staff will provide a stepping stone for Houdashelt on his path to a career in coaching, the 2015 MAC Wrestler of the Year isn't done with competing. He will continue to train Tiger Style and work toward a potential bid at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The 2016 Olympic weight classes include 65 KG (141 pounds) and 74 KG (163 pounds), making it a challenge for Houdashelt (a 149-pound grappler) to secure a spot. He says no matter what, he will be in top shape throughout the year, leaving a door open to an opportunity in Rio.
Meanwhile, his focus remains on his education and taking Mizzou Wrestling to even greater heights.
"Our goal at Mizzou is different than a lot of places, it's not about winning conference championships or sending guys to the NCAAs," Houdashelt said. "We want to win national championships and nothing less. I want to do anything I can as a volunteer assistant to make the program even better and get us to the next level."
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